Parallel Parking: How to Get It Right Every Time

July 15, 2022 · 3 min read

If parallel parking makes you nervous, you're not alone. Many drivers find this tricky parking technique a little daunting, especially inexperienced drivers who might have only recently taken their first car off the Kia dealership lot and fear scraping the paintwork. But by practicing the correct sequence of steps a few times, you'll find that parking in small gaps between other vehicles becomes rather like tying your shoelaces: an easy, effortless habit. Let's look at how to do it well.

Stop Beside the Car in Front

The very first step is to position yourself directly parallel to the parked car at the front of the gap: the car in front. You'll need to leave a two-foot gap between you and the car in front. More than a three-foot gap is too far and will make parking unnecessarily difficult.

Check Your Mirrors

Before you begin reversing, scan carefully for oncoming vehicles. Check your mirrors and also glance back into your blind spots. If you see cars approaching in your lane, wait until they've passed before you begin.

Signal the Maneuver

Signal that you're about to turn right, so oncoming vehicles know what you're doing. After signaling, check your mirrors once more. You can never be too cautious.

Begin Backing Up

Look over your right shoulder, so you can clearly see the parked cars and the gap. Then begin to slowly reverse. As you do, gently turn the steering wheel to the right, which will steer your car's rear into the gap.

Straighten Up

As you enter the gap, when the rear of your car is moving directly toward the curb, straighten the steering wheel. Keep backing up slowly, glancing at the car parked in front to ensure that you're not getting too close.

Turn the Steering Wheel to the Left

Once your front bumper becomes level with the rear bumper of the car parked in front, it's time to turn your steering wheel to the left. This will curve your reversal, so you become parallel with the curb. Continue slowly edging backward until you've gone as far as you can without risking touching the rear parked car.

Edge to the Center of the Gap

Lastly, move forward until your car is directly between the two parked cars, with an even gap at both ends. If you're not close enough to the curb at this point, you can edge forward and backward as much as you like to get closer to the curb. But with practice, you'll find these final adjustments aren't necessary. You'll be getting it just right every time.

Ask for Tips at Your Local Kia Dealer

The friendly staff at a good dealership are always happy to talk about all things related to cars. You'll find them generous with parking or driving advice. If you need more extensive guidance, you can always hire a local driving instructor to give you a few lessons and polish those parking skills.

Visit Our Kia Car Dealership in Lanham, MD

For any Kia servicing or purchasing needs you have, visit DARCARS Lanham Kia. The staff at our Kia dealership is welcoming, knowledgeable, and always happy to help.

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Jul 23, 2025 in DARCARS Kia of Lanham

Understanding the Trim Levels of the 2025 Kia K4: Compact Sedan Customized

With its sleek, modern design, spacious interior, and athletic handling, the 2025 Kia K4 is redefining the sedan. Making its debut in 2025, this small sedan is available in five trim levels, each offering varying levels of luxury. 1. LX First up is the LX, a five-seater K4 powered by a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Kia's base trim is a smart-looking sedan with a black grille, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic multi-reflector headlamps, and amber LED daytime running lamps. The LX also has features typically missing on entry-level models, such as a smart liftgate that opens automatically when it detects your smart key. Inside, six-way adjustable seats are installed at the front. Important vehicle data is displayed on a four-inch instrument cluster, and infotainment comes courtesy of a sleek 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Drivers receive assistance from a good range of safety tech, including a rearview camera, lane keeping, and smart cruise control with stop-and-go. more 2. LXS Building on the LX, the LXS receives subtle upgrades in the form of alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and two additional speakers, making six in total. 3. EX Next is the EX, which introduces more desirable features, including black 17-inch machined wheels and a glossy black grille. The premium cloth-trimmed upholstery and the leatherette-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob lend the interior a more refined appearance. Drivers now view data on a larger 12.3-inch instrument display, and a separate five-inch climate control panel makes it easier to moderate the temperature. 4. GT-Line The GT-Line gains a sport-tuned suspension and looks more athletic, thanks to a redesigned grille, 18-inch wheels, and chrome, satin, and gloss-black exterior detailing. The sporty touches continue inside, with drivers receiving paddle shifters on their sports steering wheel. Front passengers receive a comfort boost from heated seats, with the driver's seat becoming 10-way power-adjustable. 5. GT-Line Turbo Topping the list is the supercharged GT-Line Turbo, which swaps the engine for a more powerful 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo. To complement the increase in performance, Kia upgrades the exterior lighting, introducing small cube LED projector headlamps and LED combination taillamps. The revamped interior is now lined in synthetic leather and feels brighter and airier thanks to a new sunroof. Drivers receive alloy sports pedals and a sound upgrade gives you an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Whether you're after a family runaround, a reliable commuter vehicle, or an extra car for your fleet, there's a K4 trim to fit the bill. To check out the unique characteristics of each model, contact us or stop by DARCARS Kia of Lanham in Lanham, MD, today, and be one of the first to drive off the lot in the brand-new Kia K4.

Jul 14, 2025 in Auto Repair Lanham MD

Kia Certified Technicians: Quality Service You Can Trust

Your Kia service center is the place to go to ensure your vehicle gets the expert care and attention it deserves. Our Kia-trained technicians, advanced technology, and Kia-approved replacement parts ensure your Kia continues to perform at its best. We want to tell you about some of the types of maintenance we provide. Brake Pad Replacement The brake pads are a vital part of your braking system. They fit into the brake calipers and have a rough material covering that generates friction against the rotors when you apply the brakes. This friction slows and stops the wheels. As time passes, the material coverings wear down, and once they drop to 1/4" thick, the pads need replacement. The brake pad wear indicator light on your dashboard will illuminate when one or more pads need to be changed. Thin pads reduce braking responsiveness, so it takes longer to stop when you need to. We recommend replacing all four pads, even if only one or two are worn, as this ensures all four wheels stop simultaneously. more Oil Replacement Your Kia uses fully synthetic oil, which can withstand greater heat and works more efficiently than regular engine oil. In addition, synthetic oil lasts longer, so an oil change is only required every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. The oil provides essential lubrication, so engine components can work faster and more efficiently while protecting them against friction damage. Older oil becomes slower and less efficient, leading to increased wear and tear on engine components. Its additives also decay, increasing the chances of engine blockages or rust. Our technicians will drain the old oil and install a new oil filter, so the oil flows freely. Once we've sealed the sump, we refill your engine with fresh oil. Tire Rotations Your tires suffer continued friction as you drive, causing the tread to slowly wear down. In addition, tires develop particular wear patterns depending on their position on your vehicle. These wear patterns are generated because of weight distribution and wheel alignment. Surface friction damage can't be prevented, but rotating your tires reduces the avoidable damage caused by a tire remaining in the same position. Our technicians remove your tires and shift them to different positions. The exact positions the tires move to depend on whether you have FWD, RWD, or AWD, as each type of drivetrain increases wear on specific tread areas. Regular tire rotations help to equalize wear and tear, extending tire life and reducing the chance of a leak or blowout. These are just a few of the many services we provide to keep your Kia in great shape. Book your next service today by contacting us at DARCARS Kia of Lanham in Lanham, MD.

Jun 27, 2025 in Auto Repair Lanham MD

Your Guide to the Kia Maintenance Schedule: Keep Your Vehicle Running Strong

Your Kia is designed for performance, reliability, and long-lasting value—but like all vehicles, it requires routine maintenance to stay in top shape. Whether you’re driving through Lanham, commuting into D.C., or exploring the Maryland countryside, staying on top of your Kia’s maintenance schedule helps ensure safer drives, better fuel efficiency, and fewer unexpected repairs. At DARCARS Kia of Lanham, we’re here to help you understand your vehicle’s maintenance needs and provide expert service every step of the way. Recommended Kia Maintenance Schedule While your specific maintenance needs may vary based on your Kia model and driving habits, here’s a general guideline for most Kia vehicles: Every 7,500 Miles or 6 Months Oil and filter change Tire rotation Brake inspection Fluid level check (coolant, brake, washer, transmission) Multi-point inspection more Every 15,000 Miles Replace engine air filter Inspect fuel lines and vapor hoses Check suspension and steering components Battery check and terminal cleaning Every 30,000 Miles Cabin air filter replacement Inspect drive belts and cooling system Check all lights, wipers, and horn Transmission and brake fluid inspection Every 60,000 Miles Replace spark plugs (depending on engine type) Flush cooling system Inspect exhaust and fuel systems Replace brake fluid Pro Tip: Check your owner’s manual for the maintenance plan specific to your Kia model—or ask our factory-trained technicians for a personalized schedule. Why Routine Maintenance Matters Sticking to your Kia maintenance schedule doesn’t just help avoid breakdowns—it also: Boosts resale value Maintains factory warranty coverage Enhances performance and fuel economy Helps identify issues early before they become costly repairs When you service with DARCARS Kia of Lanham, you’ll get genuine Kia parts, expert diagnostics, and peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in the hands of certified professionals. Schedule Kia Service in Lanham, MD Today Don’t wait until a dashboard light comes on—stay ahead of maintenance with help from your local Kia experts. Schedule your service appointment online or stop by DARCARS Kia of Lanham today. We’re proud to serve drivers from Lanham, Bowie, College Park, and beyond with reliable Kia service you can trust.