You may think you’re pretty good at driving. You have a license, after all. Maybe you’ve been driving for several decades. You think you have the rules of the road down quite well. Well, that all may be true, but why do you still get nervous when faced with having to parallel park or squeeze into a tight space at the grocery store?
Well, when you feel pressed for time or think everyone’s watching, it’s easy to clam up and that’s when the palms start sweating. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to efficiently and safely park your car. Today, the pros at Valet Connections DTW parking are going to let you in on a few tips. They should know – they park cars for a living. Check out these tips for mastering the art of parking when feeling pressured.
Parking: It’s a Science and an Art
There’s definitely a science to parking but it’s also an art form – one that takes experience and finesse. Most people don’t get this finesse unless they have built up confidence over the years. You’ll definitely need that confidence when trying to park in a busy airport where vehicles and passengers are shuttled fast – and on a dime – like our pros do. The ability to park quickly involves knowledge of the vehicle, your surroundings, and how much space the car takes up.
You need a strong sense of spatial awareness to achieve this, as well as familiarity with your car. Here’s how you can do it.
1. Give yourself plenty of room
The more room you have to park in, the quicker the parking job will be. No, it’s impossible to control the proximity of the cars to you, or any of the many obstructions that may be present, but you need to know how to optimize the area to ensure the best maneuvering power. If you are approaching a perpendicular parking situation (where cars are parked side to side), approach from the opposite lane rather than the near lane to ensure proper aim and turning radius.
2. Use reference points
Timing is everything, particularly when you’re trying to tackle parallel parking. This stress can be compounded when another driver is sneaking up on you ready to steal your spot if you screw up or take too long. Instead, take a breath and be aware of where the bumpers are located on the cars you’re parking between, in relation to your side view as well as rearview mirrors/ windows. Use these default guidelines when there are no markers on the ground.
3. Go slow
The pressure you feel by other drivers can cause you to speed up, when you should actually slow things down. Be aware of all conditions and angles prior to starting the parking process. When approaching a spot in reverse, make sure your car is at a 45-degree angle right along the curb before straightening out and then backing in.
4. Practice makes perfect
You hear this a lot because it’s true. Don’t hesitate to practice your parking skills. Soon, you’ll master a new skill and wonder why it took you so long to try it!
Parallel Parking: You Don’t Have to Fear It
Don’t let parallel parking strike fear into your soul. Yes, it can be a tricky maneuver, but by keeping these tips in mind, the art of parallel parking will be within your grasp.
Slow it Down
It’s easy to assume all eyes are on you as you make an attempt at parallel parking. However, try to relax and go at your own pace to ensure your angles are just right. Everyone else can wait.
Choose the Right Size Spot
The downfall of many parallel parking jobs is that the driver chooses a space that’s too small for their car. You are setting yourself up for failure if you don’t choose a big enough space. As a rule of thumb, the spot should be roughly 1 1/2 times larger than your own vehicle.
Pull Beside the Vehicle in Front
In front of your desired space, line up your car adjacent to the car that is in the spot in front of the one you want. Look all around the vehicle. Use your turn signal. Leave about two to three feet between the car that’s parked and your car.
Turn the Wheel to the Right
This is the part where most drivers slip up. When you are adjacent to the parked car, start turning your wheel as far to the right as you can. Make sure your car is stopped while doing this, as motion will disrupt this process.
When approaching in reverse, put your car at a 45-degree angle, aligned with the curb. Then, and only then, straighten and back in.
Turn the Wheel to the Left
Next, turn the wheel as far as you can to the left. Be sure to check all mirrors and straighten up your vehicle while easing into the spot. Don’t rush it, as your rims could scrape against the curb.
Practice – A Lot
Instead of shying away from parallel parking, practice it any chance you get. You can’t expect to get better at it if you do not practice. Go around your neighborhood and practice there. Or, if you have a teenage driver, ask them to show you. They have fresh knowledge of the technique!
While you may become a better driver and parker, it’s still a good idea to let the experts park your car at the airport. They’re trained to do it, and can ensure the safest parking job possible.
Contact Valet Connections DTW Parking
Trust the experts at Valet Connections DTW Parking to park your vehicle quickly and safely so you can get to your flight on time. Schedule timely and affordable service when you call us at (734) 992-4946.