The correct way to park your car on a slope

It is clear that when you park a car on a steep hill, gravity works against you. If proper precautions are not taken, the vehicle could roll downhill, damaging things and possibly injuring people.

In this article we will explain the correct way to park your car on a slope so you can avoid accidents like the ones we mentioned.

The first thing to do is to engage the parking brake and turn the wheels in the right direction. If you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission, make sure you are also in first gear or reverse. Turn the wheels towards the curb when parking on a slope and away from the curb when parking on a slope.

Later we will explain in more detail the correct way to park a car on a slopeKeep reading.

📰 Contents
  1. The correct way to park your car on a slope
    1. How to park a synchronous vehicle correctly?
    2. How to park an automatic vehicle correctly?

The correct way to park your car on a slope

Below you will find, step by step, the correct way to park your car on a slope. We will give you the instructions to park a synchronous vehicle and an automatic one, remember that you have to do it in a area where parking is allowed.

How to park a synchronous vehicle correctly?

Park your car parallel to the curb

The front passenger side tire should lightly touch the curb and the rear passenger side tire should be no more than 6 inches from the curb.

  • If you plan to park on a hill, be sure to leave a full parking space behind your vehicle. You will need this space to back up to the sidewalk.
  • If you plan to park on a downhill slope, be sure to leave a space full of cars in front of your vehicle so the wheels can roll forward into place.

Turn the tires on the pavement

Keep your tires off the curb if you are parking on a hill. Turn them towards the curb if you are parking downhill. Put your foot on the brake, put the car in neutral and turn the steering wheel one full turn in the right direction.

  • Avoid "dry steering", ie turning the wheels with the vehicle completely stationary. This is difficult for the tires and the power steering system.

Drive the car to the curb

First, put the car in neutral, but keep your foot on the brake. When you're ready, take your foot off the brake. Let the car slowly roll down the hill until you hear the front wheel hitting the pavement. Pull the parking brake to stop the car.

  • Make sure there are no other cars going up or down the hill behind you. Check the mirrors and look over your shoulder.

Apply the parking brake

Then engage first gear or reverse. Leave the vehicle in first gear if you intend to park on a slope and in reverse if you intend to park on a slope. This will help prevent the car from rolling, putting the transmission in the opposite direction to where the car would roll if the emergency brake failed.

How to park an automatic vehicle correctly?

1. Park your car parallel to the curb

If you park on a hill, be sure to leave a space full of cars behind your vehicle so that you can return to the curb. If you park downhill, you should leave a space full of cars in front of your vehicle so that the wheels can roll forward into place.

2. Rotate the wheels on the pavement

Keep the wheels off the curb if you are parking on a hill. Turn your wheels towards the curb if you are parking downhill. Put your foot on the brake, put the car in neutral and turn the steering wheel one full turn in the right direction.

  • If there are no curbs, turn the front wheels to the edge of the road, regardless of whether you are parking on an uphill or downhill slope. This way your car will roll in the dirt or grass next to the road and not in the path of oncoming traffic.
  • Avoid "dry steering", ie turning the wheels with the vehicle completely stationary. This puts a lot of pressure on the tires and the power steering system.

3. Let the car roll onto the curb

When you're ready, take your foot off the brake. Let the car slowly roll down the hill until you feel the turned front wheel touch the pavement. Press the brakes and park the car.

  • Make sure there are no other cars going up or down the hill behind you. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder.

4. Leave the car

  • Make sure the vehicle is in park gear. Apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle.

 

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Nathan Hamilton

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan is a car enthusiast and industry professional with decades of combined experience in the automotive sector. Along with his team of writers and researchers, all passionate about automobiles, he is committed to delivering reliable and relevant content that ranges from detailed insurance guides to maintenance tips and much more.

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