Question

When parking uphill, which way do you turn the wheels?

While parking uphill, you should turn your front wheels to face away from the curb. Let your vehicle roll and let the front wheels gently touch the curb. Once you do this, set the parking brake. If there is no curb, turn your front wheels to face the side of the road.

Remember the abbreviation UCLA: If parking Uphill with a Curb, turn the steering wheel Left Away from the curb.

Again, this parking technique is a secondary way to make sure your parked car does not run into traffic. A curb is around 4 to 6 inches tall and is capable of stopping your wheels from rolling in the worst-case scenarios.

Always put your car in park if you drive an automatic. If your car has a manual transmission, put it in reverse while parking downhill or in first gear if parked uphill. Always engage your parking brake.

Parking on roads with a curb

When parked uphill, turn your steering wheel all the way to the left. This will make your front tires face away from the curb. In any case, if your car rolls back, the front tires will go back and stop your car against the curb, preventing your car from rolling downhill or into traffic.

When parking facing downhill with a curb, turn your steering wheel to the right, making your front wheels face the curb. So if your vehicle starts to roll, the right front tire will stop your car from rolling.

Parking on roads without a curb

If you are parking facing uphill with no curb on the side of the road, turn your steering wheel towards the side of the road. If your car rolls backwards, it will curve away from traffic.

The same applies if you are parking downhill – turn your steering wheel to the side of the road.