Most Maryland drivers find parallel parking one of the most stressful car maneuvers, second only to merging onto highways. But no matter how experienced or inexperienced a driver you are, this tricky minor parking operation needn’t be a cause of concern. Follow the six tips laid out in this article, and you’ll soon be parking in the tightest of spots with ease in Bowie, MD, or anywhere else.
Use Honda’s Parking Assist Feature
These days, the ever-popular Honda CR-V and many other Honda models come with superb manual parking assist features. This takes the pressure off your shoulders regarding any parking situation.
How Parking Assist Helps Maryland Drivers
While you’re slowly backing up, the image from a rear-view camera pops up on your dashboard. Voiced instructions then guide you, inch by inch, through the maneuver, telling you when to turn the wheel left and right, and when to straighten out.
Sensors are also embedded in your front and rear bumpers, letting you know the exact distances between you and the other vehicles. All you need to do is take it slowly and follow instructions, and you’ll be parking ideally each and every time.
Start With a Two-Foot Gap
Whether you’re using parking assist or going it alone, you’ll need to start the procedure by bringing your car parallel to the vehicle in front of the parking space. Always begin with a nice, clear two-foot gap between you and the car in front of the intended space.
Use “MSMOG” to Guide You
Now you need to check your mirrors and begin backing into the gap. To do this safely, learn the acronym “MSMOG,” which stands for Mirrors, Signal, Mirrors, Over your shoulder, and finally Go.
So begin by checking all your mirrors to make sure the road is clear. Signal that you’re about to back into the space. Check your mirrors once more. Look over your right shoulder. And begin backing up slowly into the space.
Swerve, Straight, Swerve
As you back up, gently turn your wheel to the right to swerve into the gap. Straighten up when you see that you’re reversing directly toward the curb. You can begin to turn the wheel to the left when your front wheel passes the rear bumper of the front parked car. This will help get you gently into the parking spot that’s parallel to the curb.
Even Out the Distances
The final step is to edge forward so that the distances between the front and rear vehicles even out. If you’re not satisfied with your distance from the curb, you can always edge forward and backward until you’re close enough. If you have the parking assist feature, use it for these final adjustments.
Practice All Around Bowie, MD
As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. You don’t need to wait until it’s absolutely necessary to begin practicing your parking. Take your Honda out for a spin and do a little parking in tight spots between other cars until you’re confidently grinning from ear to ear.
To learn more about Honda’s excellent parking assist feature, visit DARCARS Honda or view our online inventory. We’re a locally trusted dealership dedicated to providing the region’s best customer service to everyone who steps foot through our doors.
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