Parallel Parking

[Rainbow1616]

I have to do it every day. Yes it definitely took a while to get use to. Its not like any other vehicle I have ever driven.

[CruisingSpeed]

What I usually do is adjust the passenger mirror all the way so I can see the curb. I don't really think this is good because I have no idea how long those motors last, luckily I don't parallel park very often. For the rear I usually put my ear to the roof and imagine how car I am from the car behind me and give about 8 inches past the spoiler. The front you kinda just get used to. You will eventually get a feeling that says "you better just not do it and stop!". I know one time it took me about 5 tries and I squeezed that sucker in a spot less than 2 ft space on each end front and back. * I know, I know guuys, I just had no other option. *

[Camaro_Corvette]

If you're going slow enough, you can feel the raised rim protector designed into the tire rub the curb. Saved me once.

[Vertwheal]

Originally Posted by Mark T

Helpful hints...

Do not parallel park. Instead find some spot wayy in the back. Be sure to take up 3 or 4 spaces. And do not forget the hazard cones around your ride.

Most importantly, stay away from ANY store parking lot. In particular, walmart.

Seriously though. I have yet to 8have the courage to even try to parallel park.

this - just dont do it, walk a little more, its good for you anyway

[Libertypilot]

I'm a Philly boy, I hope this helps: back in at a 45 degree angle to the curb. Back in slowly and crank the wheel while moving back slowly but steadily. Make sure the front of your car clears the car in front of you. If it does, you should be golden. When your view of the spoiler/deck lid creeps past the hood emblem on the car behind you or just past about a quarter way up the hood, stop. If needed, crank the wheel toward the curb then pull forward to tuck her in. Straighten the wheels and enjoy your day in the city. The aggressive 45 degree approach angle is the key...

[benji276289]

Best method...say a quick prayer...then gun it into the spot. Seriously if you don't have a backup camera, you might consider having one installed, especially with guidelines. It might assist you.

[Libertypilot]

^ X2!

[Evergreen6]

A parallel parking job is 3 turns and 3 turns only in a properly sized space. The rear wheel closest to the curb is key, and should be in view of the side mirror on that side. The wheel is your pivot point. Your first turn should be at a 45 degree angle to the curb, and then your next turn comes when that rear wheel is in view of the curb (6-12" as a guideline). Your third turn should be to turn at the curb to bring the front of the vehicle parallel to the curb.

Pro tips, once you get good at it.... No dry steering (no turning the wheels unless the wheels are moving), it's much MUCH easier on the power steering pump. Also, if you turn the wheel to lock and the car has hydraulic power steering, let off 1/4" or so (the pump shouldn't audibly whine or hiss, unless you're driving a Ford, that's a whole 'nother story). Shuffle steer...do not palm the wheel or underhand steer while parallel parking.

Practice practice practice practice practice practice. I have my s/o trained to get out and show me visually with hands, how much space I have. Either in my mirror or looking at me through the front window showing me "yay tall" for distance front or rear, "this wide" for space on the side of the vehicele, and hands coming together as the car moves closer to a fixed object, hands closing, or a solid fist like knocking on the door, showing me there is no more room/ stop the vehicle now.

[Evergreen6]

That said, I hate parallel parking and don't do it when there's another option. Most people are really awful at it and WILL bump your car. But, you can get good and practice so you don't look like a tool or give yourself a heart attack trying to park one of these barges.

[CamaroCracka]

I've only parallel parked my Camaro once and that was before the new wheels. I don't think I would try it now, but I don't live in the city. It's actually easy to maneuver, but wheel scratches are expensive.

I do have to parallel park the wife's jacked up Dodge occasionally, which is always fun. Just pray no small children are back there and try to find a spot with a Prius behind it so if I put the receiver hitch into it, I can pull away without feeling guilty.

[goinggone14]

I think the issue for the OP is parallel parking the Camaro, rather than the act of parallel parking in general.

In which case, I've actually found parallel parking to be easier than pulling into a slightly larger spot for 2 key reasons:

• The key to parallel parking is to fundamentally judge how much space you need for the front of your vehicle because you know exactly where the back end is going to end up. So if you leave room to back into the spot such that you clear your front end which you can see quite easily than you just straighten out from there.

• The back end of the vehicle is the widest part of the vehicle and the last part to align when pulling forward; it's the first part to get straight when backing into a spot, which makes lining up the front end child's play (seriously, let your kid try it )

Anyhow, anyone who's extra sensitive about curb rash will end up 18-24 inches away from a curb 90% of the time. We've all been there.

[Evergreen6]

Originally Posted by goinggone14

I think the issue for the OP is parallel parking the Camaro, rather than the act of parallel parking in general.

In which case, I've actually found parallel parking to be easier than pulling into a slightly larger spot for 2 key reasons:

• The key to parallel parking is to fundamentally judge how much space you need for the front of your vehicle because you know exactly where the back end is going to end up. So if you leave room to back into the spot such that you clear your front end which you can see quite easily than you just straighten out from there.

• The back end of the vehicle is the widest part of the vehicle and the last part to align when pulling forward; it's the first part to get straight when backing into a spot, which makes lining up the front end child's play (seriously, let your kid try it )

Anyhow, anyone who's extra sensitive about curb rash will end up 18-24 inches away from a curb 90% of the time. We've all been there.

That's the thing, though. Parallel parking any vehicle, the Camaro not being an exception, is the same. The same process works for a Camaro as it does for a box truck, as it does for a pickup truck, as it does for a Volt, as it does for a fire truck (but why would anyone ever parallel park a fire truck--there's always VIP parking). There's nothing different about the Camaro other than it's hard to see out of, if you're looking in the wrong places for your visual indicators.

[3Black]

When I park forwards, my car is straight, but when I back in it is always crooked

[erik13]

Umm...no offense but is this a thread full of grown men who can't parallel park a car?