Why is it easier to reverse a car into a limited space, rather than to drive forward into that space ?

Answer 1

Because the kerb gets in the way of the steering wheels if you try to go in forwards.

Rear-wheel steering makes things more manouevrable (sp?) - that's why fork-lift trucks and the like usually steer from the back.

I assume that this question was not intended for ladies?! :oP

Answer 2

I'm not sure that it is. But I think you are taught to reverse into spaces, which is maybe where you got this from. I think the reason you are taught to reverse into limited spaces (and the reason why I do) is because if you reverse into a small space you can see everything. Then when you drive out forwards you can see past the cars to the side of you when half your bonnet is out of the space.

If you drive in forwards, and have to reverse out, you can't see past the cars next to you until most of the car is out of the space. You are therefore more likely to have an accident.

Answer 3

It is the geometry of the wheels. You must adjust the steering when backing. But you can be mindless when going forward. Learn to parallel park. Pull up parallel. (That is where it got its name) Back into the space behind aiming your outboard side at the middle of the car behind. Adjust as your front wheels line up with the back wheels of the car ahead. You will almost be perfect. Just pull up and inward after you have gone backwards as far as possible.

You really can do it almost as well driving forward. But you must think and adjust. Do not cut in so close you hit another car. End your turning motion by leaving the steering wheels outward from the curbing.

Answer 4

Its because the front wheels do the steering.
If you have the front wheels in the space, and the rear wheels not, you can't put an angle on the rear wheels to get them into the space.

If you have the rear wheels in the space, you can put an angle on the front wheels (steering) to bring them into the space.

If you had rear-wheel steering (like a fork-lift truck) it would be easier to go in forwards, but the car would be much harder to control at speed, or keep in a straight line, during normal driving..

Answer 5

Because you have to get the back end of the car into the space somehow! and as the back end doesn't steer it's easier to put it in first, otherwise it just sticks out (for me anyway) Driving forwards into spaces requires you to put the front wheel of the car very close to the kerb and you could risk damaging your alloys!

Answer 6

Why do you push a trolley around the supermarket rather than pulling it? Why does a ship have a rudder at the rear?

Rear-ended steering is much more precise as you're pointing and going rather than dragging a dead weight around.

The question is, if it's a supermarket, how will you get the groceries in the boot if you reverse? People never EVER think!!

Answer 7

The reason for that is the same principal as forklifts. Forklifts have rear steering to allow manouverability in tight spaces. so when you're reversing your car into a space it's the same as driving a forklift forwards.. Hope that helps..

Answer 8

In most cars the back (truck area) is smaller/narrower then the front of the car. So it is easier to back a car up into a limited space rather then pulling forward. Plus you have 3 mirrors to look at while backing up while in the front you only look through your windshield.

Answer 9

Because the front wheels direct the rear wheels (and the car). The rear wheels either provide power (rear wheel drive) or at just along for the ride. So it's usually easier to get the non-mobile wheels situated first, then fit in the manuverable ones.

If you were driving one of those fork lifts that have rear steering than it would be the other way around.

Answer 10

Because the steered wheels are at the rear-end of the car as it reverses in. Look at lift-trucks and high-mobility vehicles in warehouses, they steer from the back wheels, not the front