Should You Back Into Your Garage?

There’s a battle that’s been around longer than ketchup versus mustard: should you reverse into your garage or pull in head first? Let’s find out the honest answer.

Reversing into your garage can help you leave faster in the mornings, improve visibility, and stay safer. However, it can also increase the likelihood of scratches and dents and cause carbon monoxide problems. Consider using parking aids like a backup camera or bumpers to help you back up.

So, is backing up the best way to park? Or does it depend on who’s behind the wheel? You’ll find out the answer to these questions and more in this article!

Should You Back Into Your Garage?

Modern car and ATV double garage interior with wooden shelf

Although backing into your garage isn’t mandatory, it’s undoubtedly a great idea. Backing into your garage can be incredibly simple if your driveway has the space. Not to mention that it’s actually safer to pull straight out of your garage instead of backing out.

What Are The Benefits of Backing Into Your Garage?

Reversing into your garage may allow you to leave more quickly in the mornings, increase your safety, and improve your visibility.

Leave Quicker In The Mornings

Mornings can be a hectic time for anyone. Getting ready for work, wrangling your children for school, or simply getting out of bed can cause headaches. How can you reduce these headaches, you ask? By backing into your garage!

Backing into your garage at the end of the day sets you up for the following day. You’ll be able to pull forward from your garage without any complications. Backing into your garage is an excellent option for those with busy mornings.

More Visibility

Reversing out of your garage can cause unnecessary stress. Garages are filled with toys, storage, and other objects that are easy to hit. Luckily, backing into your garage allows you to pull forward the next time you leave. Pulling forward out of your garage can increase your visibility, making it easier to spot toys and other objects.

Increased Safety

Did you know that some studies show those who reverse into their garages experience fewer accidents than those who drive head first? These results could mean that backing into your garage is safer than pulling in head-first.

However, some studies have found those who reverse into their garage had more dents, scratches, and property damage than those who didn’t. Backing into your garage could be safer, but it seems it’s dependent on the driver behind the wheel.

What Are The Down Sides of Backing Into Your Garage?

Like anything else, backing into your garage comes with both benefits and downsides. Some of the disadvantages of reversing into your garage include the risk of carbon monoxide and hitting something.

Difficult Driving In Tight Spaces

One of the most significant disadvantages to reversing into parking spots or garages is how difficult it is. Maneuvering in tight spaces can be challenging.

The added complication of reversing in these tight spaces can be stressful and headache-inducing. Backing into your garage may not be suited for you if you have tighter spaces or less coordination.

Leaving The Garage Door Open

Another reason why people don’t back into their garages is that you need to have your garage doors open to do it. If you reverse into your garage, you’ll need to have your garage door open before starting your car. You’ll also have to pull out immediately due to the risk of carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide

Another factor that prevents people from reversing into their garage is the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. When you’re pulling out of your garage, you need to have the garage door open before turning on the car. This is because vehicles produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.

Additionally, you need to turn your car off immediately once you’re parked. These added steps can be stressful or frustrating for some individuals.

How To Back Into a Small Garage

Even If you’re fully converted to reversing into your garage, you may still have a couple of questions or hesitations. So, how can you reverse into your garage if it’s small and cramped?

Tidy Up

Although it may seem obvious, tidying up your garage is the easiest way to free up space: boxes, tools, and other valuables can be hard to maneuver around if they’re all over the place. Utilizing your space better will ensure you have more room to reverse and pull out.

Storage shelves (on Amazon), wall mounts, and other hardware are great ways to organize clutter. Using an organization system can add storage and more space to your garage.

Parking Aids

If tidying up isn’t the solution, you might want to consider parking aids. There are various parking aids you can purchase, ranging in prices. Some of the options include:

  • Wireless Backup Cameras
  • Bumpers
  • Signs
  • Lights

Wireless backup cameras (on Amazon) can be great options if your vehicle is compatible. These products typically have a screen, enabling you to see more clearly while reversing. This is an excellent solution as it helps you back up in all situations, not just in your garage.

Bumpers (on Amazon) and signs (on Amazon) are excellent options to consider. These are more straightforward solutions and typically more budget-friendly.

Finally, light sensors (on Amazon) and better lighting (on Amazon) make a difference. Light sensors act as a guide for you and your vehicle, making it easier to reverse or pull in. Improved and upgraded lighting will increase your visibility and comfort as well.

DIY Options

If you aren’t looking to spend $150 on a wireless backup camera or need an immediate fix, you’re in luck. There are straightforward DIY options anyone can use to assist them in reversing into their garage.

Hanging a tennis ball from the ceiling can be an effective solution. When the tennis ball touches your windshield, you’re in the right spot. If you don’t have an extra tennis ball lying around, you can find parking aid products (on Amazon) online at affordable prices.

Additionally, using bright reflective tape or paint on your garage walls can be advantageous. Or, placing a woodblock or heavy object to act as a parking bumper can work exceptionally well.

Straighten Up

Backing into tight spaces comes with certain precautions. When reversing into a cramped space, straighten out your vehicle as much as possible. You do not want to be making drastic changes and adjustments when reversing into small spaces.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Do you want to know the simplest way to reverse into a small garage? Practice, practice, and more practice! The more time you spend learning how to maneuver in small places, the better.

Try reversing into parking places when you run errands. Or have a friend guide and assist you a few times until you get the hang of it. Give yourself ample time to learn how to navigate your small garage and surroundings.

When Should You Not Back Into Your Garage?  

Home suburban countryside modern car and ATV double garage interior with wooden shelf

Reversing into your garage can be safer and more advantageous than pulling in head-first. However, reversing into your garage may not be suited for every individual or scenario.

If You’re Concerned about Carbon Monoxide Fumes

One of the most dangerous things about parking in an attached garage is carbon monoxide fumes. If you don’t properly turn off your car and close the garage door, these fumes can build up and leak into your home. Carbon monoxide fumes can be hazardous and pose health risks for all occupants in your home.

Additionally, some people argue that reversing into your garage is worse for you, as your exhaust is closer to your home. However, this isn’t completely proven and might be an old wives’ tale. If you’re worried about carbon monoxide fumes, you may want to avoid reversing into your garage.

If You’re Concerned About Kids and Pets

If you have pets, children, or family members that frequent the garage, you may want to avoid reversing into your garage. Backing into your garage results in less visibility, making it easier to hit objects or even people. Wireless cameras, bumpers, and other markers can reduce this risk, but it’s still a real possibility.

If you’re worried about hitting something or someone, you may want to avoid reversing in your garage. At the very least, consider purchasing bumpers, markers, or higher-quality lighting to reduce the risk of an accident.

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