“5 Tips for Parking”

It is not about the destination, but it is about the journey. Well, when you reach your destination you will most likely have to park your vehicle. This can be a tricky thing. It requires fine motor movements and skilled driving maneuvers. In this week’s blog, we will cover 5 tips to help new drivers park their vehicles. 

Tip 1: Go Slow: Take your time. When you are moving slower it is easier for you to judge distance and the path your vehicle is taking. Move your wheel quickly but calculated, and your vehicle slowly. When you approach the spot, slow down, make sure there is enough room, and that nothing is in the way or could be in the way like a wide open door. Then, proceed slowly and smoothly, allowing for your brain to comprehend and calculate the proper maneuver to park in the spot. 

Tip 2: Look where you want to go. If you want to park in between two objects, it is important to look in between the objects. Looking at the right or the left can cause you to drift to that side for that is where you are looking. Just like when you are going around a turn look where you want to go and your hands will help make your vehicle go there. 

Tip 3: Be on the lookout for other drivers. Do not be solely fixated on the spot. Look at your surroundings. Constantly check your left, right, and mirrors to ensure that the coast is clear. Tight spaces and locations where lots of people are present can become dangerous locations and a place for fender benders. So be on the lookout, especially when you are pulling out of your parking space because other drivers may not be as courteous or as careful. 

Tip 4: Park away from others. Parking close may be convenient, but the extra steps might be worth it if there is a spot that is easier to get in and out of. The parking spots further away are often less desirable, so they are often emptier. This means that a car may be only on one side of you making it easier for you to pull into the spot. 

Tip 5: Practice. Parking takes time to master. It takes focus and precise movements. When starting out, practice parking in an open lot. This will allow you to mess up without hitting other vehicles. It will also help you learn where your vehicle is. Other cars can be a great indicator of how far you need to pull forward or backward to successfully be in the spot, but a good skill to have is to know where your vehicle is in relation to the lines around you. 

Parking can be difficult at first. It takes hours of practice to become better. The tips above will give a starting point for smart parking, but ultimately it will come down to practicing. If you want help learning how to park, contact the office and set up a drive time with a trained instructor.