Driving is a skill that requires learning and practice. While most people understand all the concepts of driving, there’s one concept that almost all drivers get stuck on and hate the most – parking.
Parking is one of the hardest techniques in driving, as it requires a lot of judgment and practice. Even the most seasoned drivers sometimes struggle with parking in tight spots. Let us make your driving experience easier with some tips and tricks for car parking, and also understand the different types of car parking.
What Are the Types of Car Parking?
This might be surprising, but yes, there are many types of car parking, with each requiring a different set of skills. The type of parking depends on the surrounding area where the car is going to be parked. Here are the different types of car parking:
1. Parallel Parking
Cars are parked parallel to the road, one behind the other. Parallel parking is one of the most common types of car parking, and is especially found on city roads.
2. Perpendicular Parking
Cars are parked at a 90° angle to the curb or wall. This type of car parking is generally found in malls, office complexes, and parking lots.
3. Angle Parking
Vehicles are parked at an angle (usually 45° or 60°) to the curb. Angle parking is an alternative to parallel parking, which is easier and more efficient. One can find angled parking generally at smaller parking lots.
4. Valet Parking
A professional driver (valet) parks the car for you, usually at hotels, events, or restaurants.
5. Tandem Parking
Two cars are parked one behind the other in a single long space. Common in private garages or tight residential spots.
6. No Parking
Not technically a type of parking, no parking means a car is parked in an illegal area, where parking is not allowed. A sign is always put up where an area is not available for parking (No parking sign). Cars parked in such areas are at risk of getting a challan.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Park a Car?
As we have established, parking is a technique that requires skills, attention and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfectly park a car, for different types of car parking.
1. Step-by-Step Guide for Perpendicular Parking
Perpendicular parking is generally done at shopping malls, offices, and apartment complexes.
How to Park in a Perpendicular Spot:
Parking in a perpendicular spot is a basic yet essential skill every driver should master for safe and accurate parking.
Signal Early
Indicate your intent to move towards a designated parking space.
Maintain Distance
Drive slowly along the lane, keeping at least 4–5 feet away from the parked cars.
Align for the Turn
Turn the steering wheel sharply when your side mirror is in line with the first line of the parking space.
Enter the Space
Move in slowly and adjust if needed to stay within the lines.
Straighten the Wheels
Once fully inside, straighten out your wheels and centre the vehicle.
Check Your Position
Make sure your car isn’t too far forward or sticking out.
2. Step-by-Step Guide for Angle Parking
Angle parking is generally found at local markets, residential areas, and small public lots.
How to Park in an Angled Space
Angled parking is commonly found in public lots and requires smooth alignment and control for a safe and accurate entry.
Signal Your Intentions
Turn on your indicator to show you're turning into a parking spot.
Slow Down
Approach slowly and maintain distance from parked cars.
Align with the Angle
Position your car so it's aligned with the angle of the space (usually 45°).
Turn the Steering Wheel
Begin turning when the front of your car aligns with the middle of the spot.
Move In Smoothly
Move into the space, and adjust as per the angle.
Straighten the Wheels
Once inside, straighten the wheel and ensure the car is centred.
Check Clearance
Make sure there's enough space on both sides for the doors to open so that it does not touch the nearby car.
3. Step-by-Step Guide for Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is done on urban roads, near pavements, tight street-side spots.
How to Parallel Park:
Parallel parking can seem tricky at first, but with the right steps and positioning, it becomes a simple and repeatable skill.
Find a Spot
The space should be at least 1.5x the length of your car.
Position Your Car
Align your car parallel to the vehicle in front of the space, keeping a 2-foot distance.
Check Mirrors & Blind Spots
Ensure it's safe to back up.
Reverse and Turn
Begin reversing slowly while turning the steering wheel sharply towards the curb.
Align the Rear Wheel
When your rear wheel is aligned with the back bumper of the car in front, start turning the wheel in the opposite direction.
Adjust and Centre
Continue reversing until your car is parallel to the curb.
Straighten and Space Check
Leave equal space at the front and back, and ensure you're not too far or too close to the curb.
Essential Tips for Perfect Car Parking
Here are some essential tips for perfect car parking that will make your parking experience easier:
- Go for parking spots that have enough space for movement and getting in and out.
- Move slowly and steadily while parking to maintain full control and avoid sudden turns or misalignment.
- Check all mirrors to stay aware of nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or any blind spots before parking.
- Use reverse cameras or parking sensors to assist, but always cross-check with your mirrors and surroundings.
- Park neatly within the lines to ensure your car doesn’t block adjacent spaces or cause inconvenience.
- Watch out for small but damaging obstacles like kerbs, poles, or walls that may not be easily visible.
- Leave enough room on both sides of your car so the doors can open fully without hitting neighbouring vehicles.
- Always engage the handbrake after parking to prevent any unintentional movement of the car.
- Avoid parking in no-parking zones, near gates, entrances, or areas where you may be fined or towed.
What Are the Common Issues that Occur While Parking a Car?
No-parking zones are a definite no. But, parking in a space dedicated to parking is also not that easy. There are several issues that you will face while parking – reasons why it is such a difficult technique to master. These common issues include:
1. Finding a parking spot
Nowadays, finding a parking spot is a huge hassle. With limited parking in the new and upcoming societies, finding a parking spot, especially in urban or city areas, is a tedious job.
2. Misjudging space
Drivers often underestimate the size of the parking spot or their car’s turning radius.
3. Improper alignment
Parking too close to the line, slanted, or off-centre, causes inconvenience to adjacent vehicles.
4. Scraping kerbs or bumpers
Hitting low kerbs, pillars, or parking blocks while parking, especially during reverse manoeuvres.
5. Limited visibility
Blind spots and poor rear visibility can make it hard to detect nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles.
6. Difficulty with parallel parking
Many drivers struggle with judging angles and distance while fitting into narrow parallel spots.
7. Inadequate use of mirrors or sensors
Not checking mirrors properly or relying too much on sensors and cameras without visual confirmation.
8. Blocking driveways or exits
Parking in front of gates, driveways, or exits can lead to complaints or penalties.
9. Failure to use the handbrake
It can cause the car to roll slightly, especially on slopes or uneven surfaces.
Improving Your Car Parking Skills
Practice makes you perfect. Although parking is a difficult skill to master, with practice and proper knowledge, you can overcome this and be an efficient driver. Here’s how you can improve your car parking skills:
Practice regularly in open areas
Use empty lots to practise different types of parking without pressure or traffic.
Start with the angle and perpendicular parking.
These are easier to master than parallel parking and help build control and confidence.
Understand your car’s dimensions
Knowing your vehicle’s length, width, and turning radius helps you judge space accurately.
Learn to use your mirrors effectively
Check mirrors frequently during parking to stay aware of nearby obstacles or cars.
Practice parallel parking step-by-step
Break the process into small, manageable steps and repeat until it feels natural.
Watch parking tutorial videos
Visual learning can reinforce techniques and show different methods in action.
Try different environments for parking
Once you have a grasp on the basics, move to another environment. Practice in a more traffic-dense area, Street-parking and parallel parking are the most important skills you will require to master. Ensure you give proper indications, especially in traffic-dense areas, to indicate your intent to park.
Final Thoughts
Nothing is impossible if you give enough time and effort to it. If parking is not your strong suit, practice using the tips we gave you, and in no time, you will become efficient in parking. It is an important skill to learn to not only get a driving licence, but also not damage your vehicle. Especially if your car is not insured, these damages will be counted as out-of-pocket expenses. Get the best deals on online car insurance at Coverfox. Perfect your parking skills with peace of mind if you have car insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which way is considered to be the safest way of parking?
Reverse parking is the safest, as it reduces the risk of blind spots.
How can I get better at car parking?
Practice, judgment and having adequate knowledge about parking is the way to improve at car parking.
Will my car insurance cover me if I damage my car while reversing?
Yes, a comprehensive car insurance policy would cover damages caused while parking.
How to park a car between two cars?
By parallel parking.
