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5 Tips for Hassle-Free Parallel Parking

Car Driving in City at Night
In many parts of the country, you'll have to parallel park as a part of your driver's license test. Parallel parking can be one of the most difficult portions of the exam, so it can help to go in knowing what you're doing. To make things easier, follow these simple steps to make it a walk in the park!

How to Parallel Park

1. Choose the Right Spot

Not all spaces where you can parallel park are made the same, and this is important to keep in mind when you're driving around looking for one. The space should be at least one and a half times the size of your car in order for you to be able to safely get in. With a bit more experience, you'll be able to park in tighter spaces, but because of how stressful it is, it's not recommended. This is especially true if you're driving a larger car or a car with limited visibility. But your Kia dealer has cars that feature a rear-facing camera to make parking easier, no matter what space you're trying to get in!

2. Line Up Your Car

To get your car into position to successfully perform the maneuver, it helps to line it up with the car in front of the spot you're trying to park in. Drive up slowly until your mirror lines up with its mirror, or until your front wheels are matched up. You should be about a yard from the car, with your wheels straight.

3. Turn Your Wheels Hard

This is probably one of the things most drivers get wrong: they don't fully commit to the initial turn. You need to turn your steering wheel as far to the right as it can go, and then slowly back up. If you don't turn your wheel all the way, you might not have enough room to get your car straight later on. So don't be afraid!

4. Straighten Your Wheels at the Right Time

While you're reversing, it's possible to back up too far into the spot. To avoid this, keep an eye out for the front of the car parked behind your spot. Looking in your left mirror, stop when the entire front of the car is visible. Then, straighten your wheels and back up until your right mirror is next to the car in front's taillight.

5. Turn Hard Again

At this point, you're almost there! Just turn your steering wheel fully to the left and use the Kia's rear-facing camera to bring you into position. You've done it!

Parallel Park Confidently in a New or Used Kia

If you want a new Kia or a pre-owned vehicle that you can confidently tackle parallel parking in Maryland with, we have plenty of exciting choices at our car dealership. Come check out Kia cars and Kia SUVs with features that make parking easy at DARCARS Kia of Frederick! Want to search all cars for sale at our Kia dealership? Explore new and used vehicles to find the one right for you.
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