Parking large SUVs in tight spaces, such as parking spots, can be challenging. In some parking lots, the spaces may not even be large enough to accommodate an SUV. Parking an SUV requires extreme caution, accuracy, and patience: always check your surroundings, position your vehicle correctly, and move slowly.

Steps
Backing Into a Parking Space

Find an open space and drive past the intended parking spot by two to three spaces. Backing into a parking space is always the safest method. By backing in, you have the chance to assess the spot as you approach it, checking for obstructions or vehicles parked too close to the lines. When leaving, you can simply drive out of the spot instead of backing out.

While searching for a spot, keep your SUV approximately 7 to 8 feet away from parked vehicles.
Signal your intention to park by activating your turn signal when you find an open spot.
As you pass the spot, inspect it to ensure it’s safe and large enough for your SUV. If it is, drive two to three spaces past the intended bay. Adjust your distance based on your SUV’s size and surrounding parked cars.

Check your surroundings for pedestrians and other vehicles. Before reversing into the spot, ensure your surroundings are clear. Utilize mirrors and windows to scan around your SUV. Wait for pedestrians, cyclists, or approaching vehicles to pass. Ensure safe maneuverability if a vehicle is behind yours. If the other driver is distracted, find an alternate parking space.

Engage reverse gear and slowly back up while steering. Once the area is clear, prepare to reverse into the spot. Shift into reverse and check surroundings using the back window and mirrors.

If conditions are still clear, slowly reverse while turning the wheel fully toward the space’s direction. Turn right if the spot is on the right; left if on the left.
As you reverse, observe parking lines appearing in side mirrors. Use them as guides. The closest line is “Line A”; the furthest is “Line B.” Glance at the mirror closest to the space until Line A appears. As the SUV enters, Line B will appear in the other mirror.
Maintain equal distance from each line by monitoring side mirrors.
Execute slowly for ease and safety.

Straighten the wheel and reverse into the spot. When Lines A and B are parallel in side mirrors, pause briefly. Straighten the wheel by turning 1 ½ times. Once straight, continue backing until the rear bumper nears the barrier or car behind. Park, exit the SUV, and lock it.

Adjust SUV position if necessary. If too close to another car or unevenly parked, correct before leaving. Being too close may lead to damage.

Shift from reverse to drive.
Check for pedestrians and cars, then move forward to create space.
Continue until SUV is centered and straight, then straighten tires.
Shift to reverse.
Use rearview mirror while reversing into the spot.
Park, then exit your SUV. Driving Into a Parking Space

Find an available parking spot and position your car to pull in. When searching for parking, keep your SUV about 7 to 8 feet from parked vehicles. Once you spot a suitable space, slow down and signal your intent to park. Stop when your side mirrors align with the center of the adjacent space.

If a car is parked next to your intended spot, align your mirrors with its license plate’s center.

Turn your wheel and carefully enter the space. Turn your steering wheel 2 ½ times in the direction of the space—right if it’s on your right, left if on your left. When it’s safe, move forward into the space. Brake when your side mirrors align with those of neighboring cars.

Straighten your wheel and park your SUV. To straighten, turn your steering wheel 1 ½ times in the opposite direction. Shift to park, exit, and lock your vehicle.

Adjust your SUV’s position if necessary. If not aligned properly, correct before leaving. Avoid potential damage by ensuring safe distance from other cars.

Shift from drive to reverse.
Check surroundings using mirrors. Pull away from obstacles.
Reverse until centered and straight.
Shift to drive, straighten the wheel.
Use mirrors to pull forward.
Park and exit your SUV. Additional Safety Measures

Utilize your SUV’s backup camera. Many SUVs come with backup cameras, enhancing visibility behind the vehicle. While beneficial, always use it alongside side and rearview mirrors for comprehensive awareness. Activate the camera by shifting into reverse, aiding in parking, straightening, and exiting spaces.

The process remains unchanged with the backup camera’s use.

Park farther from your destination. Parking SUVs can be tricky, especially in tight spots. Reduce risk of damage by choosing spaces on the periphery of lots or upper floors of structures when possible.

Avoid backing out of spaces. Maneuvering an SUV out of a spot is challenging due to blind spots. It’s safer to exit forward as it provides better visibility of traffic and pedestrians. Opt for backing into or pulling through spaces whenever feasible.

Regularly check your mirrors. SUVs, like all vehicles, have blind spots, but theirs are larger. Rely on mirrors when parking to compensate for these blind spots.

Using cones can aid in executing a 90-degree parking maneuver.
Align cones with parking lot limit lines.
Advance until a mirror is diagonal with the cone before turning.
Keep foot on brakes while slowly advancing and turning steering quickly.
Without cones, imagine the parking space’s limit lines to guide the turn. Helpful Tips
Important Reminders When turning the wheel, ensure you’re moving slightly to avoid damaging the steering column.
Always proceed with caution and at a slow pace.