Tips for Parallel Parking Your VW

Feb 22, 2024

Whether you’re a new driver straight from the Volkswagen dealer or a veteran driver looking to improve your parking skills, mastering the ability to parallel park is important when negotiating crowded city streets and tight parking spots. If you drive a Volkswagen, understanding the specific characteristics of your vehicle can enhance your parking proficiency even further. We’ll explore some key tips to help you park your car with ease.

First Step to Parallel Park

First and foremost, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your car’s dimensions and blind spots. Take some time to get to know your vehicle and look for where the blind spots are. This knowledge will help you gauge how much space you need to park safely and avoid potential obstacles.

Always Signal

Look for an available parking space that is at least one and a half times the length of your car. This will give you enough room to maneuver comfortably. Once you’ve found a suitable spot, pull up alongside the car in front of the empty space, leaving about two to three feet of clearance between your car and theirs. Before attempting to park, always make sure to signal your intentions and check your surroundings carefully.

The Parking Maneuver

Shift into reverse and begin slowly backing up while turning the steering wheel to the right. Keep an eye on your side mirrors to ensure you’re aligning properly with the curb. If you have a rearview camera, be sure to check that as well. As your rear bumper passes the rear bumper of the car in front of the parking space, straighten your wheel and continue in reverse until your car is at a 45-degree angle to the curb.

When Reversing

Once you’ve reached the desired angle, turn your steering wheel to the left and continue slowly backing up until your car is parallel to the curb. Again, use your mirrors and rearview camera to help guide you. Cameras are often equipped with a gap monitor, which is a very helpful tool to keep you at just the right distance.

Ask Your Volkswagen Dealer

Finally, straighten your steering wheel and pull forward slightly to center your car within the parking space. Once you’re satisfied with the position, put the car into park, set the parking brake, and shut off the engine. Congratulations, you’ve successfully parked your car.

Learning the art of parallel parking is an essential skill for any driver, and with practice, it can be mastered. By making sure you’re familiar with your car’s size and feel while practicing in a safe environment, follow these tips to become a parking pro in no time. Remember, if you ever need assistance or want to refine your parking skills further, don’t hesitate to reach out to Valley Auto World of Fayetteville, North Carolina, for guidance and support.