It can be frightening to drive in reverse.Because the wheels you use to steer are in front of you as you move backwards and your vision is obscured by the vehicle, backing up can be one of the tougher tasks faced by drivers.You can improve your ability to drive in reverse by driving slowly and paying attention.
Step 1: You should conduct a degree check.
A "360 degree check" is when you turn your head and shoulders to look around your vehicle in a circle.Make sure you don't have anything in your way or moving toward you before backing up.It is okay to use your mirrors to aid in your check, but it is important that you look around to make sure you don't miss anything.To make sure there are no people or animals in your path, use your head and mirrors to look toward the ground on either side of your vehicle.
Step 2: Place your right foot on the brake.
When driving in reverse, your right foot should be the only one on the gas or brake pedal.The left foot can be used to manage the clutch in a vehicle with an automatic transmission.The vehicle won't move once it is in reverse if you press your right foot on the brake pedal.The furthest to the left in an automatic vehicle is the brake pedal.The widest pedal is the brake pedal.
Step 3: The steering wheel has your left hand on top of it.
If you want to back up, you need to turn your body to the right and drive with your hands on the steering wheel.Place your left hand at the top of the wheel so you can easily make small adjustments to keep the vehicle moving.Steering with one hand is optimal because it may be difficult to reach the steering wheel with your right hand.
Step 4: The vehicle should be put into reverse.
Depending on the transmission of your vehicle, you may need to shift into reverse.If you want to shift into reverse on automatic vehicles, you have to press a button on the shift lever and pull it backwards until it is aligned with the letter "R."In vehicles with six speed standard transmissions, reverse is all the way to the left and up next to first gear.Some cars require you to use the shift lever or release to get to reverse gear.Refer to the owner's manual if you don't know how to shift into reverse.
Step 5: The back of the car has a passenger side shoulder.
If you can see out the back window of your vehicle, you should twist your body to the passenger side.Don't remove your foot from the pedal.If your view out the back window is blocked by a box truck or other vehicle, you will have to rely on your side mirrors.To help you look out the back, you can place your right hand on the top of the passenger seat.Make sure to check your mirrors frequently if you rely on them.
Step 6: Take your right foot off the brake slowly.
The vehicle will move backward if you take the pressure off of the brake pedal with your right foot.Most vehicles have engines that can propel the vehicle with no need for gas.If you need to stop or slow down, keep your foot on the brake pedal.If you want to manage, ease off the brake slowly.If your vehicle is equipped with a standard transmission, you will need to use the gas as you ease off the clutch, but can then allow the vehicle to start.
Step 7: The back of the car should turn if you turn the wheel in the direction you want it to.
The difference between driving in reverse and normal driving is that the wheels are at the front of the car.If you want the back of the car to turn toward you, make small adjustments by turning the wheel in a certain direction.The back of the car will go left if you turn the wheel to the left.If you feel uneasy about the direction the car is going, stop it and set it off again.
Step 8: Take a look at the front end.
The back end of the car will turn in the opposite direction as you turn it.As you back up slowly, check the area around the front of the car to make sure you don't hit or run over anything.The front of the car will swing to the right if you turn left as you back up.If you are going slowly, you can check the front of the car for clearance without hitting anything.
Step 9: If you need to change your foot to the gas pedal, do it.
If you have to turn or back up a hill, you may need to use the gas pedal occasionally.If your right foot is completely off of the brake, move it over the gas pedal to the right.You can control the amount of speed you pick up by pressing down on the pedal.If you want to make subtle changes to your speed, apply pressure to the gas pedal.If you need to slow down, bring your foot back to the brake.
Step 10: When turning use two hands.
If you need to turn around while backing up, you may want to use both hands.You can only turn the wheel up to ninety degrees in each direction using one hand, so if you need to take a sharper turn, use both hands.If you need to place your right hand back on the wheel, make sure you can still see behind you.When turning the wheel, never cross your hands over one another.Pull the wheel with one hand and push it with the other.
Step 11: You don't want to go faster than you feel comfortable controlling.
Your view is often compromised by the back of the car and a limited view out of your window, and backing up can feel quite different than driving forward.If you want to prevent accidents, take your time while backing up.Don't drive your vehicle in a way that makes you feel unsafe.If you feel uncertain about what you are doing, stop the vehicle and take a minute.
Step 12: Press the brakes with your right foot.
When you have backed up enough, press your foot back down on the brake pedal and it will come to a smooth stop.If you apply too much pressure too quickly, the vehicle will stop abruptly.Use your right foot to apply the brakes.When the vehicle stops, keep your foot on the brake.
Step 13: When you are done, put the vehicle in park or in the parking brake.
With your foot firmly on the brake pedal, press the button the shift lever in automatic vehicles and press it forward until it is aligned with the "P" that indicates that the vehicle is in park.If you want to apply the parking brake in a standard transmission equipped vehicle, pull up on the handle or press the pedal and take the shift lever out of gear.Refer to the owner's manual for guidance if you don't know where to locate your parking brake or how to engage it.
Step 14: Before you start, make sure you check your mirrors.
If you can't see out the back of the vehicle, you need to use your side mirrors.To see the side of the vehicle, the ground, and anything coming up from behind you, adjust your side mirrors.You can adjust the mirrors from the driver's seat, but in some cars you may need to do it manually.
Step 15: You should check the mirror frequently.
Mirrors only show what is behind your vehicle on one side, so it is important to check both sides often.It will prevent you from hitting something if someone approaches from one side or the other.You will need to drive slower in reverse to make sure you don't miss anything.If you pay closer attention to the mirror on a side with an obstacle, you can keep an eye on it.
Step 16: A friend is needed to enlist.
If you are backing up only with your mirrors, you may want to ask a friend to help.It's a good idea to use your mirrors to keep an eye on a friend that is checking your clearances from the back when driving a box truck or something with limited visibility.You can see your friend behind the vehicle if you stand on one side.To hear your friend's instructions as you back up, open your windows and turn off the radio.