5 Steps to Parking in the lines

Step 1: Acknowledge the Existence of the Lines

The painted lines in a parking lot are not decorative artwork. They are not suggestions. They are not merely a rough estimate of where your vehicle should go.

Their purpose is simple: your car goes between them.

Not on them.
        Not across them.
        Not diagonally through them like you're recreating a crime scene.

Between them.

Step 2: Slow Down

Many parking disasters begin with drivers approaching an empty parking space as if they're qualifying for the Indy 500.

Take your foot off the gas. Breathe. Look around.

Parking lots are not racetracks. The coveted spot in front of the grocery store will still be there after you spend three extra seconds lining up correctly.

Step 3: Center Your Vehicle

A useful trick is to use the parking lines as visual guides.

As you pull into the space:

• Make sure the left side of your vehicle has roughly the same amount of space as the right side.

• If one mirror is practically touching the line while the other side has enough room for a family picnic, you are not centered.

• Adjust accordingly.

Remember: equal space on both sides is the goal.

Step 4: Straighten Out

We've all seen it.

The vehicle parked at a 37-degree angle occupying one and a half spaces for absolutely no reason.

Before putting your vehicle in park, look at your surroundings. Are your tires straight? Is your vehicle parallel to the lines?

If your car looks like it was abandoned during a tornado, pull out and try again.

There's no shame in correcting your parking job.

There is, however, a little shame in leaving it like that.

Step 5: Check Before You Walk Away

Before confidently strutting toward the store, take one quick glance behind you.

Ask yourself:

• Am I inside the lines?

• Am I reasonably centered?

• Can the people next to me open their doors?

• Would I be embarrassed if this parking job appeared on social media?

If the answer to the last question is "yes," you may want to reposition.

Common Parking Mistakes

The Double-Space Dominator

Taking up two spaces because your vehicle is "nice."

Your 2018 crossover is not a museum exhibit.

The Crooked Crusader

Parking at an angle despite every other vehicle being straight.

Congratulations. You've created a problem where none existed.

The Line Hugger

Parking so close to one side that the neighboring driver must enter their vehicle through the trunk.

Be better.

The Confidence Parking Method

Never checking your work because you're convinced you nailed it.

You didn't.

Final Exam

If you can answer "yes" to all of the following, you've passed:

✓ My vehicle is entirely within the parking space.

✓ My tires are not touching the lines.

✓ Other drivers can park next to me.

✓ Nobody is taking photos of my car to send to group chats.

Congratulations. You have successfully mastered one of the most basic tasks of vehicle ownership.

At Dicks Parking School, we're proud of your progress. The parking lot community thanks you for your service.

Still not sure what a Bad Parking Job looks like and need examples?

Check out our Wall of Shame