Tips for Parking on a Hill
November 5th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Parking on a hill or steep road can be challenging for novice and experienced drivers alike. Yet, there are many things you can do when parking on a hill to avoid an accident.
How to Park on a Hill
To safely park on a hill, you should try to move your car as close to the curb as possible. You’ll want to account for the direction of your car’s wheels and turn them in the appropriate direction based on whether you’re parking on an incline or decline. That way, you can limit the risk that your car will inadvertently roll down the hill if its brakes suddenly fail.
If you are parking uphill, you should pull your car directly into a spot or parallel park. Next, turn your car’s wheels away from the curb and back up your vehicle until your tires touch the curb. With this technique, you can ensure your car will roll back and hit the curb — not a vehicle or pedestrian — if the brakes stop working.
If you are parking downhill, you should similarly pull your car into a spot or parallel park. However, unlike parking uphill, if you are parking on a decline you should turn your front wheels toward the curb. Ensure your tires touch the curb.
Whether you park on an incline or decline, be aware that your car could roll slightly downhill as you are trying to park. Carefully apply the gas pedal or brakes to control your vehicle as much as possible. Before you exit, you should always shift your car into park, turn off your vehicle’s ignition, and activate the emergency brake. When you return to your car, don’t forget to disengage the emergency brake before driving out of the spot. Keep your foot on the brake pedal as you disengage the emergency brake to keep your car from rolling into the vehicle parked in front of or behind you.
There may also be times when you need to park your vehicle on an incline or decline where there are no curbs present. In this case, you should take extra precautions. If you’re parking your car on a hill where there are no curbs, pull your vehicle into an open spot and turn the wheels toward the side of the road. This ensures that your car will roll into the roadside — and not into traffic — if the brakes malfunction. You should also activate your car’s emergency brake when you park on a hill where there are no curbs.
What to Do If a Car Accident Occurs After You Park on a Hill
If your car is parked on a hill, rolls backward, and causes an accident, you are likely responsible for the incident. Conversely, if your car is parked on a hill and struck by another vehicle, the driver who struck your car may be held responsible.
Despite your best efforts, your car may be involved in a collision when it is parked on a hill. If your car’s bumper, windshield, or other exterior components are damaged during this accident, you should seek help from auto body experts who can repair your vehicle without delay.
At Fix Auto, we offer comprehensive car body repairs at over 150 locations across the United States. Our certified auto body professionals are available to evaluate your car and fix any exterior damage following an accident. To schedule a service appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 800.INFO-FIX.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Palm Springs, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing Palm Springs.
