Vertical parking, also known as perpendicular parking, is a parking technique that involves positioning your vehicle at a 90-degree angle to the curb or parking space lines. While it might seem a bit challenging at first, compared to navigating a parallel parking space, it’s way simpler. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to successfully execute vertical parking like a professional driver.

 

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Choose a parking spot that provides ample room for your vehicle to fit comfortably. Position your car slightly forward within the parking space. Maintain a distance of about 0.7 – 0.9m from the curb on the side and position the car's front around 1 car length away from the edge of the parking space. Ensure that your mirrors are properly adjusted beforehand.

 

Step 2: Signal and Approach

As you near your selected parking space, engage your turn signal to communicate your intention to park. Reduce your speed and align your vehicle parallel to the cars already parked on the side where you intend to park. Maintain a safe distance from these parked vehicles, allowing ample space for your maneuver.

 

Step 3: Begin the Turn

Gaze into your left-side mirror. When the left-side curb becomes entirely visible, rotate the steering wheel 45 degrees to the left. This action will result in the back of your car smoothly moving into the parking area as you maintain the turn. Stay vigilant about your vehicle's alignment and fine-tune the steering as necessary for a seamless entry.

 

Step 4: Straighten Your Wheels

Once the rear of your vehicle begins entering the parking space, adjust the steering wheel to its neutral position to ensure proper alignment within the parking area. Execute this maneuver at a steady and controlled pace to prevent sudden motions that might lead to contact with neighbor vehicles.

 

Step 5: Complete the Parking Maneuver

Proceed to move forward until your vehicle is entirely inside the parking area and is aligned centrally between the boundary lines. Make certain that there is adequate space between your vehicle and the neighboring parked cars on both sides. Once your vehicle is appropriately situated, shift into neutral (or park for automatic transmissions), engage the parking brake, and switch off the engine.

 

Step 6: Check Your Position

Before leaving your vehicle, take a final look to confirm your placement within the parking area. Verify that you have maintained a reasonable distance from the curb and the cars adjacent to yours. This precaution will minimize the risk of accidental door dents or scrapes when fellow drivers open their doors.

 

By following these step-by-step instructions and practicing in a safe and controlled environment, you'll soon become proficient at vertical parking. Remember that practice makes perfect, and with time, you'll be able to execute this parking maneuver confidently even in busy urban settings. Visit any of our LHN Parking sites to enhance your vertical parking skill.