DARCARS Lexus of Mt. Kisco

May 2, 2022

Many drivers in Mt. Kisco, NY, avoid parallel parking because it’s such a hassle to squeeze a car into a tight space. Don’t stress! Below are six easy steps to help you parallel park stress-free.

Find the Right Parking Space

To easily reverse park without a hassle, you need ample space. Don’t try to squeeze your car into the first parking space you see. To avoid struggling and fit your vehicle in comfortably, look for a spot that is at least one and a half times the length of your car. If you see a parking space that’s the right fit, switch on your turn signal to warn other motorists that you want to park your vehicle.

Lexus ES Parallel Parked in Mt Kisco, NY

Line Your Car Up

Stop about two or three feet away next to the car in front of the open parking space where you want to park your vehicle. Before you reverse into a parking space, it’s crucial to check your rearview and side mirrors for pedestrians and oncoming traffic. When the road is clear, shift into reverse.

 

Back-Up Slowly and Carefully

Before you begin to reverse, look over your shoulder, check again that there are no cars or pedestrians behind you, and keep your turn signal on. When it’s safe, slowly and carefully reverse straight back until the middle of your car lines up with the rear bumper of the parked vehicle next to you. Quickly recheck your rearview and side mirrors and ensure that your turn signal is still on to show other motorists that you are backing into a parking space.

 

Turn the Steering Wheel Sharply Towards the Curb

Now that your vehicle is in the correct position, turn the steering wheel sharply in the direction of the curb. It’s essential that you slowly back up into the parking space. Continue to reverse slowly and watch out for the car’s bumper in the parking space in front of you. Reverse until you can see the car’s headlights behind you in your side mirror.

 

Straighten Your Wheels

When your vehicle’s front door is past the back bumper of the car you want to park behind, you can straighten your car’s wheels. Continue to back up into the parking space carefully. When your vehicle’s front wheels are next to the other car’s bumper, turn the steering wheel opposite. Back up toward the middle of the parking space. Don’t forget to check your mirrors and over your shoulder to see how close you are to the car behind you.

 

Park Your Car Perfectly

You now have to position your car perfectly between the vehicle in front of you and the one behind. Continue reversing until your vehicle is in line with the cars in front and behind and one foot from the curb. Straighten your wheels and leave equal space between your car and the car behind and in front to give other cars ample room to get in and out. If you have to move a little forward or backward, do so to get your vehicle in the proper position.

 

With our easy steps and a bit of practice, you will reverse park your car worry-free in no time at all. Additionally, if you wish to have technological support for parallel parking your car, be sure to choose a 2022 Lexus LS from DARCARS Lexus of Mt. Kisco. This car will help take the anxiety out of parallel parking whenever you need it!