As you search for an open spot, your SUV should remain approximately 7 to 8 feet away from parked vehicles. When you see an open spot, turn on your turn signal to notify other drivers of your intention to park. As you drive past the spot, examine the parking space. If the space is safe and large enough for your SUV to fit within, drive two to three spaces beyond the intended bay. SUVs come in a variety of sizes. Adjust the distance away from the space and the parked cars as needed. [2] X Research source
If your surroundings are still clear, begin to drive your SUV backwards slowly while turning the wheel fully towards the direction of the space. Turn the wheel fully to the right if the space is on your right; turn the wheel fully to the left if the space is on your left. As move backwards, the lines of the open parking space will appear in your side mirrors. Use the lines to guide you into the space. The line nearest you is “Line A” and the line furthest from you is “Line B. ” Repeatedly glance at the side mirror closest to the space until Line A appears in it. As the SUV rounds into the space, Line B will appear in the other side mirror. Continue to check your side mirrors to monitor your distance from each line. You should be equidistant from each line. The slower you execute this, the easier and safer the process will be. [4] X Research source
Shift your car from reverse to drive. Look to your right and left to check for pedestrians and other cars. Once it is clear, pull forward away from the object your SUV is too close to. Continue to move forward until your SUV is centered and straight. Turn the wheel so that your tires are straight. Shift your SUV into reverse. Use your rearview mirror as you drive backwards into the space. Put your vehicle in park and exit the SUV. [6] X Research source
If there is a parked car in the space immediately next to the space you intend to park in, align your side mirrors with the center of the vehicle’s license plate. [7] X Research source
Shift your car from drive to reverse. Turn in your seat and use your mirrors to check for pedestrians and other vehicles. Once it is clear, pull out of the space away from the object your SUV is too close to. Continue to move backwards until your SUV is centered and straight. Shift your SUV into drive and turn the wheel so that your tires are straight. Use your side mirrors as you pull forwards into the space. Put your vehicle in park and exit the SUV. [10] X Research source
The process of parking, straightening, and leaving a parking space does not change with the use of the backup camera. [11] X Research source
Setting up cones can help a driver notice when it is time to turn the wheel to make a 90-degree parking maneuver. The cones should align with the limit lines in the parking lot. The driver should advance until either their left or right mirror is visually diagonal with the cone before initiating their turn. The drivers foot should be covering the brakes while slowly advancing foward while quickly turning the steering with your hands. When the cones are not there, the driver will be able to make a 90-degree turn just by imagining the line of the limit line of the parking space and seeing how their 90-degree turn fits and placing them between the limit lines of their parking spot.
