Driving is second nature to most of us – gearheads and motorists. We drive virtually every day. So I drive manual transmission vehicles without wondering which gear range I’m using and which to change next.
We didn’t start this way. Instead, we learn several driving techniques and master them. Some were difficult to grab, and others were quite simple. For example, one of the difficult driving techniques I learned was how to back out of a parking spot.
The truth is, how to back out of a tight parking space isn’t difficult. But unfortunately, I learned it as a teenager, and that’s why I find it difficult to master.
So, what’s your fate? I’ll hold you by hand and show you how to get out of a tight parking space like a boss.
How To Back Out Of A Parking Spot – My Honest Guide
I once found it difficult to drive out of a parking spot. Are you afraid of driving out of a parking spot? I know how you feel. So here’s my honest and simplified guide on how to reverse out of a parking space.
Step 1: Watch your surroundings
You don’t want to scratch your baby ride or hit a nearby car or object. Therefore, safety should be your no.1 priority.
Watch your surroundings before entering your vehicle. Ensure there are no obstacles on the driveway. If you find anything that’ll obstruct you, take it out of the way and proceed to the next level.
Step 2: Adjust your seat and side mirrors
Once you get inside the vehicle, adjust your seats and side mirrors to a proper position. When backing out of a parking spot, you may prefer looking over your shoulders, using the rear-view mirror or side mirrors.
However, I recommend looking over your shoulder for a better view. In any case, you have to choose what works best for you as a new driver.
Step 3: Start the vehicle
The next step is to turn on your baby ride. Start the vehicle and let it idle for a few seconds. Take a deep breath; depress the brake pedal, and shift the gear selector to reverse.
If you own a manual transmission car, you will need to work with the clutch pedal. Use the clutch pedal as you would on normal driving.
Step 4: Back out slowly
Look over your shoulders and back out of the car slowly. Then, watch over your shoulders again to avoid backing out of a parking space and getting hit by another car. Again, ensure there’s no oncoming vehicle before pulling out.
Step 5: Turn the steering wheel
Once the vehicle is half out of the parking slot, turn the wheels the way you’re going. Please, do not make a full turn. Turn the wheels slowly. One of the common questions I get from new mechanics is, “when backing out of a parking space, which way do you go”?
A good rule of thumb is driving techniques is to turn the steering wheel to the left when going right. So the second question I get is, “when pulling out of a parking spot, do you signal”?
You don’t have to compromise safety for anything. The last I checked, the turn signal is a safety feature. Vehicle manufacturers equip it in cars so drivers can notify oncoming drivers when making turns. This will prevent you from getting hit by another car.
Step 6: Return the steering wheel
As you’re still backing out, return the wheel slowly. Your car should face straight once you’re out of the parking spot.
Step 7: Shift the gear selector to drive
Finally, shift your gear to drive. Of course, you’ll depress the brake pedal while shifting the gear selector. Release the brake pedal and let the vehicle roll.
Accelerate slowly until you get to smooth pavement. There you go! Pat yourself on the back!
Read Also: Electric parking brake problems: Everything you need to know
FAQs:
Q: How do you back out of a parking spot with a car behind?
Backing out of a car is quite simple, whether or not there’s a car behind you.
When backing out with a car behind, the first step you should take is to watch front and back. Then, calculate the distance between you and the car behind you.
If the distance between you and the car behind is small, turn left and drive front. After that, turn right and reverse back. You may have to do this a couple of times until you gain enough space to back out.
Q: How do you back out of a parking spot without hitting a car?
If you want to back out of a parking spot without hitting a car, you have to take safety measures. Here’s what you need to do.
- Ensures there are no obstacles on the driveway
- Adjust your seat, rear-view, and side mirror
- Start the vehicle and slowly back out
- Turn the steering wheel once you’re halfway out
- Return the wheel as you gain enough space to drive out
- Engage the drive gear and continue your journey once you’re out of the parking spot.
Q: How do you straighten a car when parking?
Regardless of the type of parking, you can straighten your wheel without getting out of the car. Once you have arrived at the spot you want to leave the vehicle, turn the wheel all the way left or right.
When turning the wheel, count how many turns it takes to reach the end. If it takes two and a half turns, return the wheel one and a quarter turn. Your car may take you two or three turns. You need to ensure you return half of the full count.
Final Words
As you can see, how to back out of a parking spot is quite simpler than it looks. This shows why you shouldn’t panic when reversing out of a parking spot.
We’ve explained all you need to know in a simplified way. Ensure you follow the steps above religiously for optimal results. Watch this video for a detailed visual presentation on backing out of a parking space right out of the way.
