A step-by-step guide to parking on a hill
Parking on a hill is easy, especially if you know how to parallel park. In case you need a refresher on parallel parking (on a hill or otherwise), here's your guide.
Step 1: Find a big-enough parking space.
Just make sure that it's about 4 to 6 feet larger than your car. (You'll want plenty of bumper-breathing room.)
Step 2: Position your car parallel with the car in front of your parking space.
Leave 2 to 3 feet between cars to avoid scraping.
Step 3: Turn your wheel hard toward the curb and reverse slowly.
Don't rely on the mirrors too much: look over your shoulder and check your surroundings.
Step 4: Stop at a 45-degree angle with the curb.
Your front seat should be aligned with the front car's back bumper.
Step 5: Turn the steering wheel away from the curb.
This will straighten your car as it pulls into the parking spot.
Step 6: Continue in reverse.
Keep an eye on your front bumper so you don't scrape the front car. Slowly back up as far as you can without tapping the bumper of the car behind you.
Step 7: Turn the wheels and park.
If you're parking in an uphill spot, steer toward the street and ease your car backward so your front wheel rests against the curb, which will act as a block. If you're parking in a downhill spot, turn your wheels toward the curb.
If your car starts to move, the goal is to make sure it rolls into the curb and not the street.
Step 8: Put the car in park and engage your parking brake.
Confidently walk away. That's it, you're done.
Get more driving tips
Now that you know how to park on a hill like a pro, find out how to drive like one, too.
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