General Discussion

Codeine

(25,586 posts)

18. Your rear wheel is your "pivot point,"

Fri Feb 24, 2012, 09:58 PM

Feb 2012

the spot that your car pivots on when you turn your front wheels. When your rear wheel is at (actually a tiny bit before) the back bumper of the car you're parking behind you start cranking your steering wheel to the right. As you near the curb with your back wheel you want to start steering back quickly -- if you've positioned yourself properly you'll slot in easily. A little pulling forward will bring your front wheel to the curb and straighten you out.

The main problem with parking on a street is worrying about the people behind you; they can wait. If you get this maneuver down they'll barely notice the delay anyway.

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Do you need help parallel parking? [View all] Liberal_in_LA Feb 2012 OP

Yet another reason to be glad I drive an SUV with the spare wheel on the back slackmaster Feb 2012 #1

IMO ForgoTheConsequence Feb 2012 #2

I never turn my head to parallel park. Ron Green Feb 2012 #12

My daughter always looks for a lot and my grand-daughter can't park. appleannie1 Feb 2012 #3

if they learn how to parallel park, they have more options for parking Liberal_in_LA Feb 2012 #9

I have a small car Confusious Feb 2012 #4

Depends on the vehicle... hlthe2b Feb 2012 #5

I was 21 years old when I took my driver's test. RebelOne Feb 2012 #6

I was piloting boats before I ever learned to drive cars. Robb Feb 2012 #7

nope. Not in California. No backing around corners. Liberal_in_LA Feb 2012 #8

It used to be easy vanlassie Feb 2012 #10

Considering everyone positions their rearview mirror differently Codeine Feb 2012 #13

Why? vanlassie Feb 2012 #15

I love parallel parking! Codeine Feb 2012 #11

do tell please IcyPeas Feb 2012 #16

Your rear wheel is your "pivot point," Codeine Feb 2012 #18

Good description. MH1 Feb 2012 #22

So do I... from the right *and* left. WorseBeforeBetter Feb 2012 #23

I've never tried it the other way. Codeine Feb 2012 #24

I avoid paralell parking like a plaque. Have been known to walk blocks to stay away from it. And jwirr Feb 2012 #14

When my children (22 and 21) took Driver's Ed WCIL Feb 2012 #17

Here ya go- try this; A HERETIC I AM Feb 2012 #19

It was easier back when bumpers were bumpers bhikkhu Feb 2012 #20

No, anyone who has driven a forklift for an appreciable time will have no problem parking.. Fumesucker Feb 2012 #21