Check it out! Here’s a Guide on How to do Parallel Parking Properly and Safely

Do you ever feel confused when you have to parallel park your car? Parallel parking can be daunting for some people, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, don’t worry,  TransTRACK is ready to help you understand how to do parallel parking easily and safely. Let’s see the explanation below!

What is Parallel Parking?

Before we go any further, let us first understand what parallel parking is. Parallel parking is a technique where you need to park your vehicle parallel to the sidewalk, usually between two already parked cars. Parallel parking is an efficient way to park in limited spaces, especially in urban areas where spaces are often hard to find.

Parallel parking is not easy, it requires a bit of advanced skills to be able to do it well. If you are not used to it, it is better to ask for help from other people or valet parking so that your vehicle is not scratched due to nudging other vehicles.

Difficulties and Challenges of Parallel Parking

Most drivers find it difficult when it comes to parallel parking, especially if they are beginners and inexperienced. Some of the common challenges that may be faced when parking are:

Fear of Damaging Other Vehicles

One of the biggest challenges when parallel parking is the fear of damaging other nearby vehicles. When trying to park between two already parked cars, the risk of scratches or bumps cannot be completely avoided. This can be a serious problem, especially if you don’t have insurance that covers damage.

Lack of Experience

Many drivers feel insecure when it comes to parallel parking due to lack of experience. This is a task that requires specialized skills, and not everyone has the time to practice it regularly. When parallel parking is rare, you may feel uncomfortable and worry excessively.

Time Pressure

In crowded urban environments, there is often time pressure to finish parking immediately. You may feel rushed as other cars wait behind. Situations like these can increase stress levels and create panic as you maneuver through the parking lot.

Difficult Maneuvers

In areas with narrow road conditions, parallel parking maneuvers can be very difficult. The driver must operate the steering wheel very carefully, as there is often little room to move. This requires the skill of controlling the car with great precision.

When to Parallel Park?

There are certain situations where you may need to use parallel parking techniques. Some examples of these situations include:

Parking on Narrow Roads

When you have to park on a very narrow road, parallel parking is often the best option. This will help reduce traffic resistance and make more space available for other drivers.

Roadside Parking

In many urban areas, especially in city centers, street parking is a common way to make use of available parking spaces. If you choose to park on the street, parallel parking would be the most logical choice.

Parking in Front of Building

Many commercial buildings, restaurants, shops, or offices have parking lots in front of them that are designed for parallel parking. This makes it possible to park more vehicles in the limited space in front of the building.

Parking in Shopping Malls

In shopping centers such as malls or modern markets, parking like this is often an option given by parking attendants. This is done to maximize the number of vehicles that can be parked in a limited space.

How to do Parallel Parking a Car Safely and Properly

Parallel car parking can be a challenging task, especially for less experienced drivers. However, with the right guidance and enough practice, you can park your car safely and precisely. Here is a guide to parallel parking that you can try:

1. Choose the Right Parking Lot: Find a parking space that is long enough for your car. Make sure there is enough space between two parked vehicles.
2. Check the Neighborhood: Make sure your vehicle’s mirrors are set properly to monitor vehicles and pedestrians around you.
3. Signal: Use your turn signal to signal to the driver behind you that you are going to park. This can avoid misunderstandings and possible collisions.
4. Position the Car: Park parallel to the vehicle in front of the parking space you want to use. Make sure your car is parallel to the sidewalk.
5. Maneuver Calmly: Perform the parking maneuver carefully, controlling the steering wheel slowly. Make sure you don’t move too fast.
6. Ensure a Safe Distance: Always pay attention to the distance between your vehicle and other parked vehicles. Make sure you are not too close or too far away from other vehicles.
7. Activate the Handbrake When Necessary: Activate the handbrake after you finish parking if necessary. This depends on road conditions or directions from the parking attendant.
8. Double Check: Before leaving your vehicle, make sure that you have parked safely and are not blocking traffic.

Parallel car parking is an essential skill for drivers. While it can seem challenging, with practice and understanding, your parking skills will definitely improve. If you feel less confident in driving or parking, consider taking an additional driving course.

You can also utilize the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology to create a safer driving experience. This technology has various functions that can help you in various aspects of driving, including parallel parking. Some of the ADAS features that are useful in parking include: Rear collision warning, 360-degree camera, to an automatic parking system that makes it possible to park without the need to press the gas or brake pedal. So, don’t hesitate to adopt this Advance Driver Assistance System technology from  TransTRACK to provide a safe parking experience and drive comfortably!