Uphill and downhill parking is part of life. When driving, you will have to deal with a variety of parking situations, including hills. You might remember learning to park on a hill during your driver’s test, but it isn’t always askill you use daily. However, it’s still a good skill to know in case you do come across a scenario where you have to perform either of these manoeuvres.
If it’s been a while since you last parked on a hill, we’re here to help. Although the basic parking rules are similar when parking downhill and uphill, each has its own unique process. BrokerLink strives to keep everyone safe on the road. That’s why we’re here to help you park on a hill with confidence. Let us tell you how it’s done.
Parking on a hill
Vehicles most often have an automatic transmission. That’s where we’ll start in your guide to uphill and downhill parking. Similar to one of its parallel parking counterparts, there are certain steps you have to follow to park safely on a hill and avoid hitting another parked vehicle. Follow our instructions along with our safe driving tips, and you’ll be ready to park like a pro. We will explore several methods for parking on a hill in the section below:
Uphill parking with a curb
First, we will discuss parking uphill with a curb. Begin by signalling to let other vehicles know that you’re parking while keeping an eye out for pedestrians, cars, and objects in front of you. Once the way is clear, start turning your steering wheel to the left, away from the curb and toward the road. Then, turn on your parking brake to prevent your car from rolling backwards down the hill. If you are driving a manual transmission car, follow the same process, but shift into first gear instead of park.
Parking uphill without a curb
Parking uphill without a curb is a little different. Turn on your signal while watching for pedestrians, cars, and objects in front of you. Next, you should turn your steering wheel all the way to the right toward the curb. It will ensure your vehicle rolls toward the side of the road. Use your parking brake here as well. Then, switch your vehicle into park and first gear if driving a manual transmission car.
Downhill parking with a curb
Parking downhill is a little different. However, you should still signal and observe for pedestrians, cars, and objects in front of you. Then, turn your wheels toward the curb or edge of the road. Always use your parking brake. Lastly, put your car in park, or if you are driving a manual transmission car, leave the car in reverse gear.
Parking downhill without a curb
Downhill parking without a curb is similar to parking downhill with a curb. Turn your front wheels to the right toward the edge of the road. Then, turn on your parking brake and put your car in reverse gear if using a manual transmission.
Parking uphill and parking downhill aren’t all that different. As long as you know which direction to turn your front wheels, observe, and use your emergency brake, you won’t have to worry about watching your vehicle roll downhill. However, there is as much risk here as a parking lot accident, so we have compiled a list of safety tips.
Tips for parking safely on a hill
Sometimes, you have to park on a hill. Whether it’s a steep hill or not, you want to ensure your car doesn’t roll into oncoming traffic. That’s why we prepared a list of parking rules to follow when pulling into a parking spot on a hill. Here’s what you should do when parking at a steep incline:
Be observant
Before you pull into a parking spot, you should take a look around. You don’t want to double park or commit any traffic violations. Always turn your wheels sharply enough to stay in place. However, you should look in your mirrors to see if there are any hazards before pulling into the parking spot. Also, remember to use your parking lights at night time.
Turn your front wheels before you go
Whether you are turning your wheels to the right away from the curb or the left toward the curb, you should always do so before turning off your engine. This will allow you to use the car’s steering power to its full potential. Additionally, it will let you stay safer when you park downhill or uphill.
Turn on your parking brake
Your parking brake is one of two things that will stop your car from rolling into oncoming traffic when parking on a hill. It can also stop you from rolling off the road if no curb is nearby. Be aware of this crucial step when hill parking to stay safe because liability car insurance doesn’t cover everything.
Pay attention when getting in and out of your vehicle
When getting out of your vehicle, avoid losing your balance. It’s harder to see over and down steep hills. Additionally, whether you’re in park or first or reverse gear, you should exercise caution when leaving your hill parking spot. Use your signals and check your mirrors.
Obey traffic signs
Never ignore “no parking” signs on a hill, and avoid parking too close to traffic lights or parking near a stop sign. Not only can this get you parking tickets, but you also run the risk of someone hitting your car. Remember that road signs are there for everyone’s safety.
Hill parking isn’t as difficult as it’s made out to be. If you follow these instructions each time you park on a hill, you won’t roll forward into oncoming traffic and will return to an unscathed car. However, if something does happen, parked car insurance can protect you.
Contact BrokerLink for car insurance today!
Whether you’re driving along or parking uphill or downhill, you’ll need car insurance. It will protect you in the event that you get into an accident. Then, if something does happen, you won’t have to pay for all the damages out of pocket.
In Canada, car insurance is mandatory. However, not all policies are, but you can never be too prepared for anything. At BrokerLink, we offer the following car insurance policies:
Are you looking for the right insurance policy at an affordable price? BrokerLink has you covered! Contact us today!
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