PARALLEL parking – it’s the parking manoeuvre that can send a jolt of panic in even the most experience driver.
Stuck trying to get a car into a tight parking spot with a growing line of cars, no one wants to reverse park their car with all eyes on them.
Thankfully, a TikTokker who goes by @master_driver666 has revealed a handy trick to parallel park with ease.
In the viral TikTok video which has been viewed more than one million times, the expert driver explains: “Drive forward along the parking space.
“When the person is aligned with the centre of the parking space, stop.
“Turn the steering wheel to the left until the end, drive forward.
She added: “When the corner of the parking space is visible in the rearview mirror, stop and turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to the end.
“Reverse. When the car is parallel in the parking space, return the steering wheel and reverse the car.”
The video has racked up hundreds of comments.
One person said: “This should be a commercial and handed out to people when they get their license as a reminder and every time we gain access to a parking garage”
However not everyone seemed impressed by the handy parking trip.
One person commented: “Seriously. Reverse parking isn’t that hard. Don’t over complicate it.”
While another wasn’t impressed by the dry steering, saying: “Great way to bust your power steering by dry steering without keeping momentum.”
Meanwhile, a hidden parking rule will soon make it harder for drivers, with fines up to £2,500 for the common habit.
Drivers are not allowed to park at night on UK roads facing against oncoming traffic – unless you’re in a parking space.
That is because during the day all drivers should have clear visibility of the road and any parked vehicles, reducing any risks of accidents.
But as soon as it goes dark drivers risk being fined for breaking the rules.
Not every house has the luxury of having their own drive, leaving some people to park their cars outside on the road.
However, if you are parking out on the road, make sure you’re aware of this little-know Highway Code rule.
Rule 248 of The Highway Code states: “You must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.”
Ben Pitcher, car expert and owner of DPF Experts told Somerset Live parking the wrong way at night can lead to heavy fines.
He said: “Parking against the direction of traffic without displaying lights makes your vehicle less visible to oncoming traffic, posing a serious safety risk.
“This is a direct violation of Rule 248 of the Highway Code and can result in you paying £1,000. But if you are taken to court, the penalties can increase to £2,500.”