How to Backup into a Parking Space

Backing your vehicle into a parking space can be daunting. While pulling into a parking spot may seem like an easier method of parking, you must reverse out of the space to leave and it can be difficult to see oncoming traffic. However backing into a space when you arrive allows you to more easily see other vehicles and pedestrians.

Learning to back into a parking space can take practice. Try these three easy steps, and you will soon master this parking technique. If your vehicle has a rearview camera, that can be helpful. However you will still need to look behind you to confirm there are no pedestrians or other cars in your path.

Find an Empty Parking Spot

When you first learning to back into a parking space, try to find one without other cars around. This will let you practice without worrying about accidently backing into another vehicle. The easiest spaces to back into are ones on your right.

Position Your Vehicle beyond the Space

Drive about halfway past the parking spot, leaving about a car’s width between your vehicle and the others already parked. Turn on your directional and tap your brakes to alert other drivers of your intentions. Make sure to check your mirrors and to look behind you as well to ensure there are no vehicles or pedestrians in your way.

Shift Your Car into Reverse

Once your way is clear, shift your car into reverse. Turn your steering wheel to the right and slowly press the accelerator as you back up. Straighten the steering wheel when your car is lined up with the space and continue to reverse. Watch your mirrors to make sure they do not hit the cars on either side of you. Continue backwards until the front of your vehicle no longer obstructs the area where cars drive. Then put your car in park and apply the parking brake.