Do you drive into, or ‘reverse’ into, a parking space?
Go to any car park and you will see some cars have reversed in and some have driven into a parking space. But who is right and who is wrong?
Well it does depend on what you intend to do. If, for example, you need to get to the boot, then clearly it is much easier to do so if you have driven into the space. In all other circumstances it is much better to reverse in and drive out. There are several reasons for this, some I have listed below:
- Driving out as apposed to reversing out allows you to do so more safely as other vehicles won’t obstruct your view.
- If it is a cold day the exhaust smoke that you get until your engine has warmed up, won’t obstruct your view.
- If you are returning to your vehicle late at night in a quiet car park and you feel threatened by someone nearby, you will be able to get in your vehicle and drive off quicker than having to reverse out. Also, as you get into your vehicle the door will act as a shield, if you have driven into the space, you will have your back to where the other person may approach you.
- Reversing on a cold engine uses more fuel than driving forward, so you will be helping the planet.