Parking on a hill can be tricky, especially if you're a new driver. Do you turn your wheel left or right? And when do you use the parking brake? If you need a little help when it comes to keeping your car safe on steep roads, here are some of the best hill parking tips and tricks.
Uphill Parking Tips and Tricks
The good news? As long as you study up on the best uphill and downhill parking tips, you should have no problem parking safely. Here's what you'll need to do:
Curb Your Wheels
This is San Francisco's most popular parking trick. Regardless of which direction your car is facing, uphill or downhill, you want to turn your wheel so your tires are pointed toward the curb. So if you're facing downhill, turn your steering wheel toward the curb. If you're facing uphill, turn it away from the curb. Once you've parked, allow your vehicle to roll just a bit until your tires gently touch the curb.
Point Your Wheels in a Safe Direction
Curbing your wheels works great — if there's a curb available. But what if you have to parallel park on a hill with no curb? The procedure is pretty similar to curbing. You still want to turn your wheels so that your car is pointed toward the side of the road. Again, if the car is parked uphill, turn away from the curb. If it's parked downhill, turn toward the curb. This way, if your brakes fail and the car begins to roll downhill, it will end up on the grass or against a tree rather than causing an accident with another car.
Use Your Vehicle's Parking and Braking Features
Whether you're on a hill or not, you should always set your car in park and engage your parking brake before you turn off the engine. Unfortunately, many Americans have gotten used to referring to the parking brake as the "emergency brake." This has led a lot of people to believe that it's only necessary for emergencies. That's not true. You should set this brake every time you park, especially if you park on a hill. This will save your transmission from unnecessary wear and tear in addition to keeping your car in its spot.
Use Wheel Blocks or Chocks for Perpendicular Parking
If you have to park perpendicularly on a steep hill, you might want to invest in some wheel blocks, sometimes called "chocks." These are wedge-shaped items that you place behind your wheels. They'll keep your vehicle from rolling away if your parking brake fails. They might be a good thing to invest in if you regularly park on a giant hill or know you'll be traveling somewhere with monster hills, like San Francisco
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Parking on a hill can be tricky for both new and experienced drivers. Understanding the common mistakes and how to avoid them is crucial to ensuring your vehicle remains securely parked. Here are some typical errors and practical tips to help you park safely on any incline.
Incorrect Wheel Positioning
One of the most frequent mistakes is not turning the wheels in the correct direction. When parking uphill with a curb, your wheels should be turned away from the curb. Conversely, when parking downhill, always turn your wheels towards the curb. If there's no curb, regardless of the direction of the hill, turn your wheels to the right to ensure your vehicle will roll away from traffic should the brakes fail.
Scenario: A driver parks uphill but forgets to turn the wheels away from the curb. In a worst-case scenario, this could cause the vehicle to roll into the street.
Solution: Always double-check your wheel position before exiting the vehicle. A quick glance at a diagram or a mental note can help reinforce this habit.
Forgetting to Use the Parking Brake
Neglecting to engage the parking brake is another common error. The parking brake is a crucial backup system that prevents the vehicle from rolling, especially on steep inclines.
Scenario: You park on a steep hill but forget to set the parking brake. Over time, this can lead to wear on your transmission and potential vehicle movement.
Solution: Make it a habit to apply the parking brake every time you park, regardless of the gradient. This not only keeps your car in place but also helps maintain the longevity of your vehicle's transmission.
Not Checking for Traffic
Failing to check for oncoming traffic before exiting the vehicle can lead to dangerous situations, especially on busy streets.
Scenario: A driver parks on a hill and immediately opens the door without looking, potentially stepping into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Solution: Always check your mirrors and blind spots for traffic before opening your door. Taking a moment to observe your surroundings can prevent accidents and ensure your safety.
By understanding these common mistakes and taking proactive measures, you can park confidently and safely on any hill. Remember, a little extra attention goes a long way in preventing mishaps.
Take a Driver's Ed Course
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that all teens take a driver's ed course, even if the state doesn't require it. That's because teen drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a deadly car crash than adult drivers are. According to NHTSA, the reasons for this disparity are immaturity and lack of experience. A driver's ed course will teach you everything you need to know about driving — and parking — safely. You'll also get to practice this skill with a professional instructor.
We hope this information gives you the confidence you need to safely park on a hill. Happy driving!