The car park booking firm Rightway Parking has shared some of the most common parking mistakes that could lead to drivers facing expensive repair bills.

For many, parking a vehicle is one of the most challenging tasks on the road, with drivers more likely to create dents and scrapes if they get their angles wrong.

To help motorists feel more confident and avoid errors when pulling into a parking space, Nick Letizia, Managing Partner and Founder of Rightway Parking, noted that the company has partnered up with driving instructor Haydn Balch.

He explained: “We are thrilled to partner with Haydn Balch, a seasoned driving instructor with over a decade of experience, to provide invaluable guidance to both learners and current drivers on perfecting their parking skills.

“At Rightway Parking, we understand that parking is a critical aspect of the driving test and we are committd to helping learners build the confidence they need to succeed.”

1. Parallel parking

First, Rightway Parking suggested that one of the scenarios that many drivers find particularly challenging is parallel parking.

To help drivers avoid making mistakes behind the wheel, they advised to start by driving beyond the space and indicating to let other road users know of their intentions.

Whilst reversing gently, motorists should make a full turn of the steering wheel to the left, and then turn it again to the right, continuing to move until the passenger-side door handle is in line with the curb and they are in the space.

2. Accelerating

Another common mistake that motorists make when parking their car is accelerating unnecessarily, which could lead to significant problems.

Whilst Rightway Parking sympathised that drivers often have places to be, Haydn Balch recommended that easing off the accelerator pedal can help avoid serious issues.

He advised: “Over acceleration and hitting the curb too fast could lead to a blown tyre as well as damage to the steering of your car.”

3. Tyres

Finally, Rightway Parking suggested that motorists who want to get the most out of their tyres avoid dry steering when they park their car.

Dry steering is the process of turning the steering wheel when the car is stationary, which Haydn noted will cause serious damage to the tyres and other components over time.

He continued: “Keep your wheels in motion to avoid dry steering, which can damage the steering column and tyres.”