Parking is something that every driver must master, unless he is going anywhere in his car. If you're new to driving (or just someone who isn't very confident with parking), here are five universal tips to help make your life easier:
1) Remember the height of your car.
As automotive journalists, we drive different cars all the time. These cars differ not only in price and performance, but also in size. One thing that we constantly have to keep in mind, especially when working with large vehicles, is the height of the vehicle. Closed car parks aremaximum dimensions at the entrance, and it's always a good idea to compare them to the height of your car. Those precious millimeters can mean the difference between safe, secure parking and a badly scratched roof.
2) Drive the car slowly but spin the wheel quickly.
This advice may seem counterintuitive, but hear us out. The first part, by moving slowly, ensures that you don't accidentally bump into obstacles or other cars because you're in a hurry to park. By driving slowly, you have better control throughout the entire process. However, you naturally have very little room to adjust and maneuver when parking, so the quick spin of the wheel means you can make big changes in tight spaces.
3) If the parking lot is closed, turn on the headlights.
Again, another simple but very important tip. Many people forget this, especially when it's afternoon and they've just stepped out of a well-lit area outside. Covered parking lots can be dark, but even if they are well lit, it's a good idea to turn on your headlights when you enter. Not only does this ensure you can see where you are going, it also alerts other vehicles to your presence.
4) Make sure your side mirrors are adjusted correctly.
This must be done before you even leave the house. Side mirrors should not only show the sides of your car, but they should also be angled enough so that you can see other obstacles near you. This is especially true when you're parking and need to worry about cars near you. Correctly adjusted mirrors will make parking much easier.
5) Don't rely on sensors, but don't discount them either.
Most cars these days are equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras to help us see and detect potential hazards. However, nothing beats your own eyes and ears, so you shouldn't turn them off and rely entirely on the built-in sensors. However, you shouldn't discount their warnings either. Sometimes these sensors fail because they can see a small hazard that your own eyes might miss - so if you hear a beep, check if the coast is clear before continuing.
Of course, you probably won't pick up all of these habits overnight. Because, like any habit, they need time before they become second nature. But we recommend that you include them in your parking SOP for safer and more convenient use.
