Backing into parking spots

[brockash]

I back in every day at work. I know it doesn't make real sense, but to me it's a win...one less millisecond before I get to leave lol. - I don't even dislike my job, but it's just how my brain works. Otherwise I usually just pull in, unless I think it'll be hard to back out of.

 

[tvguy]

As I suggested, you don't like waiting on others, but them waiting on you is just fine.

The wait isn't an issue. Them scraping the cars on either side while trying to back in is the issue.

 

[tvguy]

I usually back in to parking spots unless I anticipate needing to load groceries or large items into the back. I also back in my driveway and garage.



It’s actually fairly easy.

LOL. Not for a lot of folks.

 

[tvguy]

I’ll echo that it’s generally safer to back in & pull out than the alternative due to visibility.

Also, as vehicles have gotten larger (and more people driving pickups than ever, for example), it’s much more maneuverable to back a large vehicle into a perpendicular spot than trying to pull it in, due to the steering axle being at the front of the vehicle. This works with just mirrors, not even using backup cameras, but camera actually do make it even easier (most will show you your path based on how your wheels are turned).

As for people claiming backing in takes more time… no it doesn’t! I’ve seen the way most people back out of spots

LOL. I learned to drive on a 1960 Buick LeSabre. 218 inches long. More trucks for sure, but cars are much smaller now.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

Is this the norm now? I was in a parking garage watching several people making multiple attempts to back into parking spots. I just don't get it. It is so much more work trying to do this without hitting cars on the other side. Yes, you can pull right out when you leave. But this seems like more effort than just pulling straight in and backing straight out of the spot, carefully.

I use to be very anti-backing in. Like I didn't understand it, and my in-laws always did it. But over the years, I've started to do it more. I think it's easier to pull out when you're leaving because you can see every thing and person in front of you. Plus, if you have to have a batter jump, it's easier when you're backed in

 

[mylilnikita]

LOL. I learned to drive on a 1960 Buick LeSabre. 218 inches long. More trucks for sure, but cars are much smaller now.

Some cars are a lot smaller doesn’t mean they know how to dive them either. You also didn’t have SUvs back then , all different sizes . Trucks are also now different sizes even in height.

Also some parking lots see to not have a lot of room in the strip of road between the rows of spaces.

. Size of the vehicle really isn’t the point , it’s of that person has the capacity to drive. it.

 

[sam_gordon]

The wait isn't an issue. Them scraping the cars on either side while trying to back in is the issue.

If people are scraping cars when backing in, they need to go practice backing up in an empty parking lot or something. I've NEVER scraped a car on either side (probably just jinxed myself). I've never seen anyone do it. If you're seeing multiple people do it, you're either very (un)lucky or there's a lot of bad drivers where you are.

The church we attend, on the back drive (so spots on both sides), there's probably 20-30 spots on either side that we go by before finding a spot and it's getting so 80%+ (possibly 90%) of the vehicles are backed in. These are cars, "large" pickup trucks, SUVs of various sizes, etc. Knock on wood, our car has never been scraped.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I also prefer pulling forward when possible.

 

[tvguy]

I use to be very anti-backing in. Like I didn't understand it, and my in-laws always did it. But over the years, I've started to do it more. I think it's easier to pull out when you're leaving because you can see every thing and person in front of you. Plus, if you have to have a batter jump, it's easier when you're backed in

LOL. A lot of cars have the battery in the trunk these days. Our 2020 Camry does.

 

[sam_gordon]

LOL. A lot of cars have the battery in the trunk these days. Our 2020 Camry does.

Are you sure that's the normal 12V battery? Many hybrids have the HV battery in the trunk, but the 12V battery (what you would jump start) is in the engine bay.

 

[tvguy]

Are you sure that's the normal 12V battery? Many hybrids have the HV battery in the trunk, but the 12V battery (what you would jump start) is in the engine bay.

It is a hybrid and it is in the trunk. My neighbors Mercedes is an ICE only and has the battery in the trunk. Fast forward to 2:43 in. The propulsion battery is under the backseat. My daughters Ford Fusion Hybrid had both batteries in the trunk.

 

[barkley]

LOL. A lot of cars have the battery in the trunk these days. Our 2020 Camry does.

my circa 70's vw bug had it's battery under the backseat-p.i.t.a. when you were traveling and using that backseat as desparatly needed 'trunk space' (cuz if it was winter and you drove on slick/windy roads you better believe your actual front end trunk was filled with a couple of LARGE sand bags to give you some weight).

portable jump starters are one of the best inventions ever (and most parking lot security, if not actual in-store security have them on hand/charged and at the ready to help a customer out ).

 

[RangerPooh]

Unless I’m in a specific spot in the parking garage at work, I will almost always back in. While grocery shopping I’ll pull straight forward to park, as I need to open my jeeps tailgate to put items in the “trunk”.

 

[Christine]

I only back in when I'm not going to take forever to do so. I think if you're good at it and you can do it quickly (or no one is around) then go for it. If you're in the Costco parking lot at lunch time and there are 8 people on either side of the parking lane just trying to get in , get out, get through, then don't make it worse. Clearly there are people who have not mastered the back-in.

I generally pull in at a place like Costco. It is a pain when I leave for sure because I'm in a low-to-the-ground Camry and it's very busy so I will wait sometimes for the ability to get out of my space. But the wait really inconveniences only me and no one else.

 

[Kitty 34]

LOL. A lot of cars have the battery in the trunk these days. Our 2020 Camry does.

Speaking of Camrys, Dh tried to start our 2024 Camry yesterday and it was dead!! Yes it's very cold but we have it in our unattached garage.

DH backs it in. I would have pulled in. I wonder if that would have made a difference.

 

[LoveDaisy]

The wait isn't an issue. Them scraping the cars on either side while trying to back in is the issue.

I have never scraped a car. It’s a basic skill. Is it a struggle for you so you assume it is for everyone?

 

[_19disnA]

I generally do not back-in and don't see it makes it any more/less safer when parking in some public lot. Most lots where I shop are the type where you pull in and park, so if someone suddenly stops in front of me in order to back-in, they are more likely to cause congestion when they do something unexpected. Most parking lots require you to back-up when leaving. A few of my neighbors back into their driveway, but nothing something I care to do.

 

[PollyannaMom]

A few of my neighbors back into their driveway, but nothing something I care to do.

I occasionally do that if I'm unloading heavy shopping, just so my hatch is closer to the porch.

 

[NannyBeBe]

I used to be able to back into any space with no problem, but as I have gotten older it has become an issue. Now I try to pull through when I can.

 

[Christine]

I used to be able to back into any space with no problem, but as I have gotten older it has become an issue. Now I try to pull through when I can.

My Camry has the 360 degree camera so I get front, back, all sides etc. Lifesaver. I don't think I'll ever be able to get another car without this feature. When I have to drive my husband's Subaru that doesn't have the 360, I feel like I can't park on my own anymore!