many cars parked bumper to bumper on the side of a road for parallel parking

Parallel Parking: A 10 Step Guide

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Posted in Safety, Tips & Tricks

How to Parallel Park Instructions and Guide

Parallel parking is an incredibly useful tool available within the arsenal of every driver. Rather than driving around and around, looking for a better spot, parallel parking allows drivers many more options for parking spaces. Of course, that means that you’ll need to know how to parallel park, and many drivers are afraid to attempt parallel parking for fear of failing.  However, once you know the steps, parallel parking seems much less intimidating, and even rather easy. Here at Stop 23 Auto Sales, we’ve helped design a simple, step-by-step guide on how to parallel park!

1. Find Your Parking Space 

First, you’ll need to find a place to park. Don’t try to parallel park in a spot that’s too tight. Find a parking place with a comfortable amount of room, especially when practicing. 

2. Check Your Surroundings  

After you find your spot, you need to check your surroundings. Make sure you are aware of other traffic on the road. Check your rearview mirror, side mirrors, and blind spot(s) before proceeding. 

3. Line Up 

Parallel parking is parking between 2 cars on the side of a road. To start, pull off to the side, making your car parallel to the front car. There should be 2 to 3 feet horizontally between your car and the front parked car.

red car parked in lot among other white vehicle models

many cars grouped together

4. Check Your Surroundings 

Once more, check your surroundings, mirrors, and blind spot(s) before continuing. 

5. Put Car in Reverse 

Keep your foot on the brake pad. Change your car into the Reverse gear. 

6. Take Your Foot Off the Brake 

Release the brakes. Your car will begin to slowly reverse. 

7. Start Your Turn 

Back up, completely straight, until the back axle of your vehicle is aligned with the bumper of the front car. Then, turn your steering wheel all the way to the right. Apply the gas as needed, but do so gently.

black, gray, silver, and white cars parked in a lot as the sun sets

cars parked on an asphalt parking lot within lanes

8. 45° Angle 

After turning your steering wheel completely to the right, continue backing up until your vehicle is at a 45° angle compared to the front and back parked cars. 

9. Finishing Backing Up 

Turn your steering wheel all the way to the left now. Finishing backing up your vehicle until the back bumper is in place. 

10. Straighten Out 

Now that your back bumper is in place, turn your steering wheel back to its normal position and pull forward to straighten out your car between the front and rear parked car. 

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And, now you’re done! Put your car into Park and turn off the engine. 

If you’d like to learn more driving tips & tricks to help better manage your time on the road and help to save you time, money, and frustration, visit us here at Stop 23 Auto Sales. You can check out our blog full of helpful vehicle information or browse our inventory of vehicles, ranging from recent 2018 models to ones all the way back from the 1970’s! Give us a call or visit our staff at our dealership located in Listowel, Ontario, Canada!