Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Parking Techniques

ANGLE PARKING

There will be many times when you will see angled parking spaces in a parking lot. In this case, vehicles are designated to go one way.

Here are some safety tips:

• Stay at a safe distance from parked cars so that you can see and maneuver better once you have found an empty spot.
• Stay alert for cars backing out to leave their space.
• Always signal to show that you are ready to make a turn.

PERPENDICULAR PARKING

Perpendicular parking is similar to angle parking, but requires greater care in turning. You will find perpendicular parking in most parking lots, which normally provide spaces marked in a 90-degree angle to the curb or a building.

When parking bring your vehicle to a spot while keeping enough space from the row of parked cars. 

Always stop with your wheels straight and your car centered in the space.

PARALLEL PARKING

In general, you will use parallel parking next to a curb in the space between two parked cars. Sometimes parallel parking is your only option. You will need to choose a space that is at least five feet longer than your car. It requires practice to master this maneuver.

Always signal first, and then position your vehicle parallel with the vehicle parked (rear bumpers of both vehicles are aligned) in front of the empty spot. Keep at least two feet away from this vehicle.

Check to make sure the way is clear behind you, and shift into reverse. Look over your shoulder and back slowly as you turn your wheel toward the curb.

Back up slowly so that the front of the vehicle is even with the front door of the vehicle beside you. Turn the wheel sharply to the right and back up slowly until your vehicle is at a 45-degree angle from the curb.

Turn the wheel sharply in the direction away from the curb and back slowly until your vehicle is parallel to the curb.
Put the car into a forward gear and slowly center your vehicle in the space.

PARKING ON A HILL

Uphill

When headed uphill at a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll backwards slowly until the rear part of the front wheel rests against the curb using it as a block.

Downhill

When you stop your car headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. Let your vehicle roll slowly until the front tire rests against the curb using it as a block.

No Curb

When headed uphill (or downhill) with no curb, always turn your front wheels to the right so that if your vehicle moves, it will roll off the highway, not into traffic.

ILLEGAL PARKING

Parking in the following areas is prohibited:

• On highways (unless indicated otherwise)
• In an intersection
• On pedestrian crosswalks or sidewalks
• In front of driveways
• In a fire lane or close to a fire hydrant
• In an underpass or bridge
• At a blue curb or for a spot reserved for disabled
• Beside another parked vehicle (double parking)

Consult your state's Drivers handbook for details.

VEHICLE SECURING PROCEDURES

Whenever you park your car, make sure you do the following:
1. Make sure that you are stopped within a legal and secure parking space.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Put the car gear in park for automatic transmission. For manual transmission put the car either in first or reverse gear.
4. Turn off any accessories used.
5. Turn off ignition switch and remove key.
6. Check for traffic prior to exiting vehicle. Open door safely and face traffic when getting out of the vehicle.
7. Secure doors and windows.
8. Lock your vehicle and take the keys with you.

SECURING VALUABLES
Safety Tips

• Always make sure your doors and windows are closed when you leave the vehicle, even for a short period of time. Do not leave a vehicle running unattended.
• Always park in well lit areas; avoid parking in isolated parking spaces or in bad neighborhoods.
• Never leave any valuables and equipment inside your vehicle. Place them in the trunk of the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• Install a vehicle alarm system if you store valuable items in your vehicle.
• Never leave a spare key inside the vehicle, especially if it can be seen from the outside.

 

Courtesy of DriversEd.com