“Bruv, you could get a lorry in there!” The pressure’s on when you’ve got to park in a tight space. But follow these tips and you’ll be swinging into cheeky spaces all around Chelmsford. Practice is a car park, reversing into spaces once you have got the hang of it is much easier than driving into a tight spot and safer for you when returning to your car at night. It also gives you much better visibility when driving out so is safer for everyone.
- Spotted a parking space? Signal so other cars know it’s yours.
- Stop to the side of the car you’re parking behind, so the cars are about even. You want to have about an arm’s length between you and the parked car.
- Crank into reverse. Now, slowly ease backwards.
- Pick a reference point on your car about one-third from the rear – the front edge of the rear side window, say. Reverse straight until this point lines up with the end of the parked car.
- Start turning into your parking spot. Aim for the right back corner of the space.
- Now check your rear-view mirror or look over your shoulder – whichever is easier. When you see the kerb half way along your back windscreen, start to straighten up.
- You might need a little shuffle forwards but that’s it. Job done!