Do you pull forward or back in when parking?

[JSolo]

Always wondered the logic people use when parking.

Around here, I'd say the majority of folks pull forward when parking. Personally, I've always backed in for as long as I can remember. Part of it had to do with driving a MT. Easier to back in from the get go than putz around trying to back out watching for traffic and modulating the clutch. My ideal spots were those I could drive through (2 empty spots) so no backing in required at all.

At home, the driveway is on an incline so there I would pull forward. The maneuver would go something like this - open the door early (100' away or so), accelerate so I don't have to ride the clutch driving up. Brake at the right time so as not to hit the opposite wall.

Most other places I still either pull through to the second spot (so can drive out when leaving) or back in depending on the spot. The G and stinger both have pretty low hanging front fascia, so more likely to hit that pulling forward than backing in. Lower trims only have the reverse camera, no forward camera either.

 

[RedCal]

Back in... unless like you mention I can pull through to the next spot, I have for as long as I can remember... Prolly something taught to me in driver's Ed... mind you everyone in my family backs in, so there is that too.
I also will park next to someone who has backed in over anyone who has pulled in (assuming there is no clear spots around) In my mind anyone who backs in is a better driver, and is less likely to do damage to my car. Not very scientific, but it makes me feel better lol

 

[jthrelf]

Depends on the situation. In a parking garage with limited visibility, I prefer back-in so I can pull out more safely later.

 

[stingLikeAee]

Usually I drive in. If I think the parking lot is going to be busy when I'm leaving (think sporting event, concert etc) then I back in and and also choose a spot near an exit.

 

[Dan00Hawk]

I prefer to lessen the possibility of cross traffic that I can't see (or can't see me) running into my car. So backing into a space is inherently safer than backing out of one for me.

My wife, on the other hand, is terrible at reversing, and she prefers backing out into an open area vs backing into a parking space that is more confined.

 

[MerlintheMad]

"Other" means both, depending on the situation. Most commonly I will find an island and pull through to the next stall over, so that it looks like I backed into it: I do not like backing up to leave a parking spot (unavoidable at times, though). A priority with me is getting close to the curb, and backing in is the easiest way. So, I will pull through, then back up while maneuvering closer to the curb.

 

[JSolo]

^^I was thinking more along the lines of parking across a bunch of spaces for 'other'.

I learned real quick to back (or pull through to the next spot) with the motorcycle. Try backing out a #700+ beast on up an incline flintstone style.

 

[vipeboy2000]

Other... as in. It really just depends on the parking situation.. pull through usually by an island since it's usually empty out farther in lots i usually park in. Pull in if the spots are larger and if it's a busy lot with people directly behind me where I wouldn't be able to back in and there are no better spots, back in if it's an edge spot non pull through.. but generally prefer back in..

 

[ScottM]

I typically pull in as it's easier for me to see a spot, roll in and do my thing. I will only usually back in if I see some wide open spots and I'm at a distance from others. I guess my thought is that I don't want driver side to driver side should there be some douche next to me. But then again if I pull in I got driver side to passenger side and they can be douche's as well.

 

[JSolo]

Stayed at a somewhat new hotel few years back in KY. I think I found the ideal spot. Furthest away, yet near a light.

 

[Redleg94]

It depends. If I am going to to need access to the trunk to either load or unload it, I'll park in a way that guarantees that access, otherwise, I'll attempt to park in a way that allows me to simply pull out.

 

[Aarvix]

I tend to pull straight in.

I find the wide angle lens on the backup camera actually makes it easier to see cross traffic than backing in, especially when there's a large truck/SUV beside me (75% of the vehicles in TX).
The stinger's long hood means I have to pull out a couple feet to actually see past a large adjacent vehicle.

 

[Blueangel]

Back in without looking back lol. Bad habit I know but so far so good

 

[Legendsk]

Depends on the situation. Walmart for groceries that will go in the trunk - pull in. Parking garage with poor visibility, back in. More importantly, if possible next to a pillar or curb to ensure at last that side won't get dinged and it lets me stay close to that side, giving the possible parker on the other side more room, again to reduce the chance of dings.

 

[vipeboy2000]

I tend to pull straight in.

I find the wide angle lens on the backup camera actually makes it easier to see cross traffic than backing in, especially when there's a large truck/SUV beside me (75% of the vehicles in TX).
The stinger's long hood means I have to pull out a couple feet to actually see past a large adjacent vehicle.

Yep and the rear cross traffic alert "sees" cars or even bicycles coming from the side far quicker than I would have been able to. That is one feature I haven't had before that I can't see not getting in any future car I get.

 

[StingertimeNC]

Yep and the rear cross traffic alert "sees" cars or even bicycles coming from the side far quicker than I would have been able to. That is one feature I haven't had before that I can't see not getting in any future car I get.

great point on the reverse sensors. they pick up a lot of stuff early on. I prefer to back in, especially if I can get next to a curb on one side so my view isn't too obstructed pulling out.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Crab mode.

 

[SilverNitr8]

I always back in. With the camera and side mirrors tilting down, it's so much easier to back in. Plus, I know I won't hit the parking barriers and risk scraping my front splitter by backing in.

 

[JSolo]

Crab mode.

?

 

[RogueIV]

Depends on the situation and the parking spots. I pull straight into my garage mainly because it's full of stuff and it's easier to get out of the car on that side. Parking lots I usually reverse in unless they are diagonal spots or I can pull through.