How to Park an Automatic Car

Parking an automatic car is a fundamental skill every driver must master. It might seem straightforward, but doing it correctly ensures your vehicle’s and others’ safety. Whether you’re a new driver or looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide will walk you through parking an automatic car, covering different parking scenarios and offering essential tips for safe and effective parking.

Understanding Your Automatic Car

Before diving into the specifics of parking, it’s crucial to understand some basic features of an automatic car:

1. Gear Selector (Shifter): Unlike manual cars, automatic vehicles have a gear selector with positions typically labeled as P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive). Some cars also have additional settings like L (Low) or S (Sport).
2. Brake Pedal: The brake pedal is on the left side and is used to stop or slow down the vehicle.
3. Gas Pedal: The gas pedal is on the right side and is used to accelerate the vehicle.

Basic Parking Steps

Regardless of the type of parking, there are some universal steps to follow when parking an automatic car:

1. Find a Suitable Spot: Choose a parking space that fits your car comfortably. Avoid tight spots if possible, especially if you’re a new driver.
2. Signal Your Intentions: Use your turn signals to indicate your intention to park, ensuring other drivers are aware of your movements.
3. Reduce Speed: Slow down as you approach the parking spot by gently pressing the brake pedal.
4. Align Your Car: Position your car correctly relative to the parking spot. The method of alignment will depend on the type of parking (parallel, perpendicular, or angle).
5. Shift to Park: Once your car is in the desired position, press the brake pedal and shift the gear selector to ‘P’ (Park).
6. Engage the Parking Brake: Always use the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling, especially on slopes.
7. Turn Off the Engine: Finally, turn off the engine and remove the key (if applicable).

Types of Parking

Parallel Parking

Parallel parking involves parking your car parallel to the road, typically between two other parked cars. This is often considered one of the more challenging types of parking.

Steps to Parallel Park:

1. Find a Suitable Space: Ensure the space is large enough for your car. Generally, you need a space at least one and a half times the length of your vehicle.
2. Signal and Position: Signal your intention to park and align your car parallel to the car in front of the space. Keep about 2-3 feet of distance between your car and the parked car.
3. Reverse Slowly: Put your car in reverse and start backing up slowly. Turn the steering wheel sharply towards the curb as you begin to move.
4. Check Your Surroundings: Continuously check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure there are no obstacles.
5. Straighten the Wheel: When your rear wheel is in line with the back bumper of the car in front of your space, straighten the wheel and continue reversing.
6. Turn the Wheel Again: Once your front wheel is past the rear bumper of the car in front, turn the wheel sharply away from the curb to maneuver your car into the space.
7. Adjust and Center: Once in the space, you might need to move forward and backward a bit to center your car. Ensure your vehicle is parallel to the curb and not too far away.

Perpendicular Parking

Perpendicular parking is when you park your car at a right angle to the curb or a building, typically in parking lots.

Steps to Perpendicular Park:

1. Choose a Space: Select an open space in the parking lot. Look for one that allows you to park without difficulty.
2. Signal and Position: Signal your intent to park and position your car about 7-8 feet away from the parked cars.
3. Slow Down and Turn: As you approach the parking space, slow down and start turning the steering wheel when your front bumper is in line with the left or right edge of the parking space.
4. Enter the Space: Steer into the parking space smoothly. Keep an eye on the lines to ensure your car is centered within the space.
5. Adjust as Needed: If necessary, adjust your position by moving forward and backward until your car is properly aligned in the space.

Angle Parking

Angle parking is common in parking lots and involves parking at an angle, typically 45 degrees, to the curb or driving lane.

Steps to Angle Park:

1. Identify a Space: Find an empty-angle parking space.
2. Signal and Approach: Signal your intention to park and approach the space from the proper direction.
3. Align and Turn: Position your car so that it’s about 3-4 feet from the row of parked cars. Begin turning your steering wheel when your front bumper is even with the beginning of the parking space.
4. Enter the Space: Steer into the space, ensuring you are centered between the lines.
5. Adjust if Needed: Make minor adjustments by moving forward or backward to center your car perfectly in the space.

Parking on a Hill

Parking on a hill requires additional steps to ensure your car doesn’t roll away.

Parking Uphill

1. Find a Spot: Locate a suitable parking spot.
2. Signal and Position: Signal your intentions and position your car close to the curb.
3. Turn the Wheels: Before turning off the engine, turn your front wheels away from the curb.
4. Shift to Park: Shift the gear selector to ‘P’ (Park).
5. Engage the Parking Brake: Apply the parking brake to secure the car.
6. Turn Off the Engine: Turn off the engine and remove the key.

Parking Downhill

1. Find a Spot: Locate a suitable parking spot.
2. Signal and Position: Signal your intentions and position your car close to the curb.
3. Turn the Wheels: Before turning off the engine, turn your front wheels towards the curb.
4. Shift to Park: Shift the gear selector to ‘P’ (Park).
5. Engage the Parking Brake: Apply the parking brake to secure the car.
6. Turn Off the Engine: Turn off the engine and remove the key.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Using Turn Signals: Always signal your intentions to park to inform other drivers of your actions.
2. Improper Wheel Alignment: Ensure your wheels are correctly aligned when parking on a hill to prevent your car from rolling.
3. Forgetting the Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake to secure your car, especially on inclines.
4. Rushing the Process: Take your time to park correctly. Rushing can lead to mistakes and potential accidents.
5. Not Checking Surroundings: Always check your mirrors and blind spots before and during the parking process to avoid hitting obstacles.

Tips for Safe and Effective Parking

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice will improve your parking skills and confidence.
2. Stay Calm: Keep calm, especially in busy areas. Patience is key to successful parking.
3. Use Parking Aids: Utilize parking aids such as cameras and sensors if your car is equipped with them.
4. Adjust Mirrors Properly: Ensure your mirrors are adjusted correctly to give you the best possible view of your surroundings.
5. Watch for Pedestrians: Be vigilant for pedestrians, especially in busy parking lots.
6. Know Your Car’s Dimensions: Familiarize yourself with the size and turning radius of your car to make parking easier.
7. Stay Within the Lines: Always aim to park within the lines to ensure you’re not encroaching on adjacent spaces.

Advanced Parking Techniques

Parallel Parking Between Two Cars

1. Find a Suitable Spot: Ensure there is enough space for your car between the two parked cars.
2. Signal and Align: Signal your intent to park and align your car parallel to the car in front of the space.
3. Reverse and Turn: Put your car in reverse and turn the steering wheel sharply towards the curb as you back up.
4. Straighten and Adjust: Straighten the wheel as your rear wheel aligns with the back bumper of the car in front, then continue reversing.
5. Complete the Turn: Turn the wheel sharply away from the curb as your front wheel passes the rear bumper of the car in front.
6. Center Your Car: Adjust your position to ensure your car is centered in the space.

Back-in Perpendicular Parking

1. Choose a Space: Identify an open parking space.
2. Signal and Position: Signal your intention to park and position your car slightly ahead of the space.
3. Reverse and Turn: Shift to reverse and start backing up slowly. Turn the steering wheel towards the space when your back bumper is aligned with the edge of the space.
4. Enter the Space: Continue reversing into the space, checking your mirrors and surroundings.
5. Adjust as Needed: Make minor adjustments to ensure your car is centered in the space.

Parking in Tight Spaces

1. Assess the Space: Determine if the space is sufficient for your car.
2. Position Carefully: Align your car as close to the center of the space as possible.
3. Move Slowly: Approach the space slowly to avoid hitting nearby cars or obstacles.
4. Use Small Adjustments: Make small adjustments to position your car perfectly in the space.

Parking an automatic car might seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, it becomes second nature. Understanding the different types of parking and following the proper steps ensures you can park safely and efficiently in any situation. Remember to always stay aware of your surroundings, use