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Why do you back in when parking?

LaBalbe

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Perfect parking scenario at my last Physical Therapy appt... :fistbump: The F-150 and trailer were in a position to pull out when needed but would clear my truck easily. He left just enough space between him and myself that if anyone pulled in between us he couldn't get out without nailing them. No door-bangers to contend with... :like: You guys have convinced me that backing in is best...but one problem... I'm a very crooked parker and this could make things worse... :stop:

View1 (01-09-25) jpg.jpg
There is a slim...very slim, mind you...chance that backing in could actually IMPROVE your parking skills. You'll never know until you give it a try (said as I'm some 2,750 km-a little over 1,700 miles for you Yankees-from Paul's parking attempts...I THINK that should keep me safe).
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OrangeStreak

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OrangeStreak

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There is a slim...very slim, mind you...chance that backing in could actually IMPROVE your parking skills. You'll never know until you give it a try (said as I'm some 2,750 km-a little over 1,700 miles for you Yankees-from Paul's parking attempts...I THINK that should keep me safe).
The scene always looked like this when backing in at my HS parking course...

 
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OrangeStreak

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Kudos to the F150 driver. But he could have pulled closer to where the Ranger parked, not allowing anyone in front of him. Anyone who parked behind him would be of no consequence. As he parked, he let himself open to being parked in.
That alternate would worked just as well also.
 

Motorpsychology

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Perfect parking scenario at my last Physical Therapy appt... :fistbump: The F-150 and trailer were in a position to pull out when needed but would clear my truck easily. He left just enough space between him and myself that if anyone pulled in between us he couldn't get out without nailing them. No door-bangers to contend with... :like: You guys have convinced me that backing in is best...but one problem... I'm a very crooked parker and this could make things worse... :stop:

View1 (01-09-25) jpg.jpg
If you have the 8" screen, you can align the colored lines with the parking lot lines for a straight shot back. If not, tilt the left mirror down so that you have a clear view of the left lot line. With a little practice, you'll back in laser straight.:thumbsup:
 


Motorpsychology

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got3fords

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If you have the 8" screen, you can align the colored lines with the parking lot lines for a straight shot back. If not, tilt the left mirror down so that you have a clear view of the left lot line. With a little practice, you'll back in laser straight.:thumbsup:
The first time I parked using solely the backup camera, I was embarrassed as hell to get out and realize I was crooked as crap.
 

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Out of habit as a retired LEO. But...
...it does give you much better visibility for getting out of a spot, especially where cross traffic is a concerned.

Plus, when walking back to your vehicle, it gives a much better view to appreciate your car or truck! :D

ETA:
Case in point - damn my Mustang looks good backed into my spot at my previous employer!
1000007097.jpg
 
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AzScorpion

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If you have the 8" screen, you can align the colored lines with the parking lot lines for a straight shot back. If not, tilt the left mirror down so that you have a clear view of the left lot line.

With a little practice, you'll back in laser straight.:thumbsup:
Umm, did you forget who you were talking to?? I think at his age he's had his share of practice and (unfortunately) this is the best it gets! :oops:
 

AzScorpion

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The first time I parked using solely the backup camera, I was embarrassed as hell to get out and realize I was crooked as crap.
The only thing I use my camera for is to locate any objects (another car, pole or tree) that are behind me while backing up. I rely solely on my side mirrors for backing up and being straight within the lines. As Chris said just tilt your mirrors a little more downwards and you can see them better which also helps seeing motorcycles while driving too.
 

got3fords

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The only thing I use my camera for is to locate any objects (another car, pole or tree) that are behind me while backing up. I rely solely on my side mirrors for backing up and being straight within the lines. As Chris said just tilt your mirrors a little more downwards and you can see them better which also helps seeing motorcycles while driving too.
Yeah, I only use it as an aid and to look for obstacles now. My wife hardly ever uses her BU camera, which is fine, BUT when it starts beeping, it's time to look at it and see what's there. She almost destroyed her exhaust pipe once when she almost backed into a tree stump while the BU alarm was going crazy!
 

Motorpsychology

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The first time I parked using solely the backup camera, I was embarrassed as hell to get out and realize I was crooked as crap.
You can also use the curb, tire barrier, rear line or wall to get your angle right.
The one that gets me is the car wash. I can't seem to get centered after pulling over to punch in my code at the kiosk.
 

Motorpsychology

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Out of habit as a retired LEO. But...
...it does give you much better visibility for getting out of a spot, especially where cross traffic is a concerned.

Plus, when walking back to your vehicle, it gives a much better view to appreciate your car or truck! :D

ETA:
Case in point - damn my Mustang looks good backed into my spot at my previous employer!
1000007097.jpg
You're shorter than I would've guessed
devil grin.webp
 

got3fords

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You can also use the curb, tire barrier, rear line or wall to get your angle right.
The one that gets me is the car wash. I can't seem to get centered after pulling over to punch in my code at the kiosk.
You just opened a scabbed wound for me. This morning I paid $10 to get the salt off the Ranger. The screen said "Please wait, wash is busy." There wasn't another car anywhere. It never did prompt me to drive forward. I didn't opt for the receipt, and there was no attendant. $10 down the drain.
 
 








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