When parking on an incline, either uphill or downhill, how you turn your wheels is a critical safety measure to prevent your vehicle from rolling unexpectedly. The goal is to use the curb or the side of the road as a block.
Understanding Wheel Direction for Parking Safety
The correct direction to turn your wheels depends on whether you are parked facing uphill or downhill and if there is a curb present. This simple step ensures that if your brakes were to fail, your vehicle would roll into the curb or off the road rather than into traffic or further down a slope unchecked.
Turning Your Wheels When Parking on a Hill
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to position your wheels:
- Parking Downhill (with a Curb): Turn your front wheels towards the curb.
- Why: If your vehicle begins to roll forward, the front tires will hit the curb, acting as a stop block. As the reference mentions in the context of parking downhill, turning the wheels "Down instead it would bump to the curb." This is the standard procedure to ensure the curb stops forward movement.
- Parking Uphill (with a Curb): Turn your front wheels away from the curb.
- Why: If your vehicle rolls backward, the back of the front tires will hit the curb, stopping the vehicle.
- Parking on a Hill (without a Curb): Turn your front wheels towards the side of the road or shoulder.
- Why: If your vehicle rolls, it will roll off the paved road and potentially slow down or stop in grass or dirt, away from traffic.
Summary Table: Wheel Turning Guide on Hills
| Scenario | Curb Present? | How to Turn Wheels | Action if Vehicle Rolls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Downhill | Yes | Towards the curb (Downhill) | Front tires hit the curb |
| Parking Uphill | Yes | Away from the curb (Uphill) | Back of front tires hit curb |
| Parking Uphill/Downhill | No | Towards the side of the road | Vehicle rolls off the pavement |
Always remember: Regardless of the situation, after turning your wheels correctly, always set your parking brake firmly. This is your primary safety mechanism when parked on an incline.
By following these guidelines, you significantly reduce the risk of your vehicle rolling away, protecting property and preventing potential accidents.
