If you’ve never driven in New Jersey before, parallel parking is probably the hardest thing you’ll learn. The good news is that it gets much more manageable with a bit of practice! Use these tips to help make your driving experience in Englewood, NJ smoother and more enjoyable:
Find the Right Fit
Don’t attempt to parallel park in the first location you come upon. Look for something that’s about one-and-a-half times the length of your vehicle. You want to make sure you’ve got room on both sides and in front and behind you.
Check Your Mirrors and Blind Spots
Before pulling into an open parking space to parallel park, follow these steps:
- Check your mirrors and blind spots.
- Make sure nothing is coming, and it’s all clear before you commit.
- Once you’ve pulled into your spot, take a moment to recheck your mirrors and blind spots before getting out.
Make an Outline
It’s hard to get the exact center of a parking spot, but it will help if you try to park your car so it lines up with the street lights. It would help if you also got in line with other vehicles or objects nearby. This will give you more room on either side of your car.
Use Flashers
Before you start rolling, turn on your four-way flashers to alert other motorists that you are about to park. When you’re ready, set your parking brake and put the car in reverse.
Ease Forward Slowly
Keeping an eye on traffic behind you, cautiously roll forward until the rear of your vehicle is at the front of the parking spot. Turn your steering wheel to one side and tap on your brakes.
Straighten Up
Turning the steering wheel to create an even amount of space on either side of your vehicle, gently roll forward until you’re at a 45-degree angle with your front end facing out. Your car should be aimed perpendicularly to the vehicles on either side of you.
Shift Into Neutral
Switch your gear selector to neutral. This will give you more control over your car when you get ready to go backward.
Reverse About 6 Inches
With another quick look behind you, put your car in reverse, slowly release the brake pedal, and inch backward until the front of your vehicle is even with the back of the parking spot.
Straighten It Out
Turning the steering wheel to create even spacing on either side, slowly roll back until your front endpoints align with where your car was parked. You want there to be a straight exit from both sides of your vehicle when you’re done.
Ease Out Gently
Put your car in drive, keep an eye on traffic, and slowly roll out of the parking space. Give yourself a few feet of space between your vehicle and the one next to you. Try not to hit anything! Congratulations! You’ve parallel parked!
Parallel parking is a breeze once you get used to it! The most crucial factor for success is to practice and stay calm. While we’re confident that you will get the hang of it, we offer vehicles that include parking assist features and rear cameras to assist in smooth and efficient parallel parking. We suggest getting to know the 2022 Lexus ES here at DARCARS Lexus of Englewood if you want top-rated assisted parking technology!
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