24.02.2022
How to park like an absolute pro: car-sharing tips and tricks
Are you often already sweating with fear when you think about searching for or manoeuvring into a suitable parking space? It doesn’t have to be this way! With our practical parking tips and tricks, you’ll become a parking pro capable of conquering any parking space in your city - no matter how challenging it may first seem.
1. Preparation is everything
To give yourself the best view when parking, it is always advisable to align your SHARE NOW car’s right-hand wing mirror slightly downwards. This enables an optimal view of the curb and helps you to turn the steering wheel at the right moment. Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the controls for adjusting the mirror before you set off. In most cars in our fleet, the mirror can be adjusted from buttons or sticks on the driver's door panel.
2. Size matters
In order to avoid multiple parking attempts and causing congestion, you should realistically estimate the size of the parking space compared to your SHARE NOW car. Our fleet features cars of all shapes and sizes, so make sure you find a space that you can squeeze into comfortably. Being over-ambitious can lead to bumps and scrapes, and nobody wants that.
3. Patience pays
Be it straightforward, reverse or parallel - staying calm is vital for smooth parking. It is so important that you don't let yourself get stressed when parking your SHARE NOW car. Always take the time you need, regardless of what is going on around you. It will make your life when parking so much easier. Naturally, you do need to keep an overview of other road users when parking, but don't let their impatience fluster you.
4. All about angles
When parallel parking, follow these simple steps. Drive up alongside the car in front of your parking space. Slowly reverse straight back until the rear of the parked vehicle is in line with your wing mirror. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right and slowly back in further until your car is at a 45-degree angle to the curb. Finally, countersteer and reverse backwards until your car is perfectly in the parking space. Easy!
5. The straightforward option
In order to slip into a spot forwards, the parking space must be at least twice as long as your SHARE NOW car. If it's not, consider reverse parallel parking! Start by turning the steering wheel to the right to head into the space. When your car is about halfway past the vehicle behind your space, let the car roll slowly up to the curb. Then, steer to the left and drive slowly along the curb until your car is perfectly parked.
6. Add the finishing touches
Whichever method you used to get into a parking space, you might want to make some minor adjustments before ending your trip. Check if the car is too close or too far away from the curb or the cars around it, and make sure you have left enough room for other drivers to get out. You should also ensure that there's enough room for the driver's door to be opened and accessed. It's these finishing touches that really make you a parking pro!
David McCourt
Sr. Editorial Content Strategist
"Own less, share more."
David is on a mission to improve the quality of life in cities through modern mobility solutions.
