Quick Summary:
- Uphill with kerb, turn wheels away, let tyre rest gently.
- Downhill with kerb, turn wheels towards kerb, then roll slightly.
- No kerb present, always turn wheels towards road edge as fail-safe.
- Set handbrake firmly, select Park or low gear, verify car stays.
San Francisco is famous for its steep streets, but those same hills create the most common parking mistakes for visitors and car hire drivers. A small error in wheel direction or forgetting to use the kerb can turn a routine stop into a rollaway, a scraped bumper, or an awkward return inspection. The good news is that hill parking follows a simple logic: you position the wheels so gravity pushes the car into a safe barrier, usually the kerb, not into traffic.
This guide explains exactly how to turn your wheels on San Francisco hills and why it works. It also covers the full step-by-step routine: kerb use, handbrake technique, gear selection for automatic and manual cars, and a quick self-check you can do before walking away. If you are collecting at the airport, the same habits help anywhere, including when using a car hire at San Francisco SFO and driving into neighbourhoods like Nob Hill, Russian Hill, or Pacific Heights.
Why wheel direction matters on steep hills
On a flat road, the car stays put if the handbrake holds and the transmission is secured. On a steep hill, gravity constantly tries to rotate the vehicle downhill. If the handbrake slips, if the surface is slippery, or if the wheels are pointed straight, the car can roll freely, gaining momentum quickly. That is why kerb positioning and wheel angle are not optional on steep streets, they are a secondary safety system.
The wheel angle changes the car’s path if it starts to roll. Correctly turned wheels aim the rolling tyre into the kerb so the vehicle stops quickly. Incorrectly turned wheels can guide the car away from the kerb and into traffic, or let it roll down the slope and hit another vehicle. In San Francisco, where cars often park inches apart, even a slow roll can cause damage and disputes at return.
Step-by-step hill-parking routine (works almost everywhere)
Use this routine every time you park on an incline, even if it looks mild. Consistency prevents mistakes.
1) Stop parallel and close to the kerb
Pull up so the tyres are a sensible distance from the kerb, not so far that another driver can clip your car, and not so close that you rub the tyre sidewall. If the road is very steep, take your time, get aligned, and avoid sudden steering corrections that can scratch alloy wheels.
2) Keep your foot on the brake and choose wheel direction
Before you secure the car, decide: are you parked uphill or downhill, and is there a kerb? Then turn the steering wheel fully to the correct position, described below.
3) Use the kerb as a physical stop
Once the wheels are turned, let the car creep very slightly until the tyre touches the kerb when appropriate. You are not trying to bump hard. You want the tyre to rest against the kerb so if the car moves, it cannot go far.
4) Apply the handbrake firmly
In an automatic, keep the foot brake pressed, set the handbrake, then shift to Park. In a manual, set the handbrake first, then select the right gear. This order reduces load on the transmission and makes it easier to shift out of Park later.
5) Select the correct gear and release slowly
Automatic: select Park. Manual: select first gear when facing uphill, and reverse when facing downhill. Then release the foot brake slowly and confirm the car settles and stays put.
6) Do a 3-second safety check before walking away
Look at the front wheels to confirm their direction. Feel that the car is not moving. If anything seems off, reset and try again. This habit is especially useful if you are unfamiliar with the vehicle you picked up via Hola Car Rentals, whether at San Francisco SFO or nearby.
Uphill with a kerb: turn wheels away from the kerb
Action: When you are parked facing uphill and there is a kerb, turn the steering wheel so the front wheels point away from the kerb, towards the road.
Why: If the car rolls backwards downhill, the angled front wheel will guide the car towards the kerb. As it moves, the tyre contacts the kerb and the kerb blocks further rolling. If the wheels were pointed towards the kerb in this situation, a rollback could steer the car away from the kerb and out into the lane, which is the opposite of what you want.
How to finish it cleanly: After turning the wheel away, allow the car to settle back very gently until the rearward roll is stopped by the tyre meeting the kerb. Then apply handbrake firmly and secure the transmission. Avoid grinding the wheel against the kerb, which can mark rims and tyres and complicate a return inspection.
Downhill with a kerb: turn wheels towards the kerb
Action: When you are parked facing downhill and there is a kerb, turn the front wheels towards the kerb.
Why: If the car rolls forward downhill, the front wheel will immediately aim into the kerb. The tyre meets the kerb quickly and stops the vehicle, preventing it from continuing down the hill. If you mistakenly turn the wheels away from the kerb when facing downhill, the car can roll into the road and accelerate with the slope.
How to finish it cleanly: With wheels turned towards the kerb, ease off the brake slightly so the car rolls forward just enough for the front tyre to rest against the kerb. Then set the handbrake and secure Park or gear. This small “rest” against the kerb is a good backup if the handbrake is not perfectly adjusted.
No kerb present: turn wheels towards the road edge
Some parts of San Francisco and nearby areas have driveways, soft shoulders, or street layouts where a kerb is missing or interrupted. If there is no kerb, you cannot rely on it as a stop.
Action: Turn the wheels so that if the car rolls, it will move off the road rather than into traffic. In practice, that means turning the wheels towards the road edge on both uphill and downhill situations.
Why: The safest direction is the one that reduces harm if everything else fails. Rolling into a quiet verge is typically less dangerous than rolling into a live lane. This is also why hill-parking rules focus on “where the car would go if it moved”.
Extra caution: Without a kerb, your handbrake and gear selection matter even more. Take a moment to test that the car holds before you leave it, especially if you are parked on a very steep grade.
Handbrake technique: how to set it so it actually holds
Hill parking in a car hire vehicle can feel unfamiliar, because the handbrake bite point varies by model and maintenance. Use a consistent method.
Automatic: Keep foot brake pressed, apply handbrake firmly, then shift into Park. Release the foot brake slowly. This prevents the car’s weight from resting entirely on the parking pawl inside the transmission, which can make it hard to shift out of Park later and can feel like a “clunk”.
Manual: Keep foot brake pressed, apply handbrake firmly, select first gear uphill or reverse downhill, then release the foot brake slowly. If you feel the car move, press the brake again and reapply the handbrake more firmly.
On very steep streets: Turn the wheels correctly and use the kerb. Do not rely on the handbrake alone. San Francisco’s steepest grades can challenge even a properly set brake, particularly if the surface is damp.
Gear selection: Park, first gear, reverse, and why it matters
Automatic, Park: Park locks the transmission output so the car cannot roll freely. It is a strong backup, but it is not a substitute for the handbrake on a hill. Using both reduces stress on the transmission and lowers the chance of movement.
Manual, uphill: Select first gear because it resists rolling backwards. The engine compression helps prevent movement if the handbrake slips slightly.
Manual, downhill: Select reverse because it resists rolling forwards. Again, it uses engine compression as a backup.
Hybrid and EV notes: Many hybrids and EVs still use Park plus an electronic parking brake. The same order applies: brake pedal, parking brake, then Park. Wait for the dashboard indicator confirming the brake is set before stepping out.
Kerb use in San Francisco: avoiding tickets and damage disputes
Correct wheel direction is about safety, but it also helps you avoid enforcement issues and vehicle damage that can lead to disagreements at return.
Mind the tyre and rim: San Francisco kerbs can be high and sharp. Rest the tyre against the kerb gently rather than grinding. Scuffed alloys are one of the most common signs noticed during a car hire return walkaround.
Avoid blocking driveways and curb cuts: On steep streets, residents often have tight driveways. Parking too close can lead to towing or citations, and a tow can complicate your schedule and return timing.
Don’t trust “looks flat”: Some streets feel flat from the driver’s seat but still have enough grade to allow a roll if the handbrake is weak. Use the full routine anyway.
Practice once in a quiet spot: If you have just collected the car and want to familiarise yourself with the handbrake and gear feel, do so somewhere calm before tackling the steepest blocks. That is useful whether you picked up near the airport or from a neighbouring city, such as via car hire in San Jose SJC and drove up to San Francisco.
Common hill-parking mistakes to avoid
Leaving wheels straight: This removes the kerb as a safety stop and increases roll distance.
Setting Park before the handbrake: The car’s weight can load the parking pawl, making Park hard to disengage and adding stress to the transmission.
Not checking wheel direction after you park: On steep streets, it is easy to turn the wheel the wrong way under pressure. A quick look prevents a costly mistake.
Relying on the kerb without the handbrake: The kerb is a backup, not the primary restraint.
Rolling hard into the kerb: It can damage tyres, rims, and suspension components. Gentle contact is enough.
Returning your car hire: quick checklist for peace of mind
Before you return your vehicle, it helps to avoid any last-minute stress caused by parking damage or miscommunication.
Photograph wheels and bumpers: If you parked on steep hills during your stay, take clear photos of wheel faces and bumpers in good light. This is a sensible habit for any rental, including suppliers you might compare on Hola Car Rentals such as Thrifty car hire at San Francisco SFO.
Check for kerb rash: Look for fresh scuffs on alloys and sidewalls. Noticing early gives you time to document what you see and avoid surprises.
Allow extra time near the airport: Roads around airport approaches can be busy. If you are returning in the wider Bay Area, you may also encounter different parking layouts and grades, especially if your trip included San Jose, where options like National Car Rental at San Jose SJC operate.
FAQ
Q: Which way do I turn the wheels when parked uphill with a kerb in San Francisco?
A: Turn the wheels away from the kerb. If the car rolls back, the tyre moves into the kerb and stops quickly.
Q: Which way do I turn the wheels when parked downhill with a kerb?
A: Turn the wheels towards the kerb. If the car rolls forward, it will angle into the kerb rather than into the lane.
Q: What if there is no kerb or the kerb is very low?
A: Turn the wheels towards the road edge so a roll would move off the roadway. Then rely on a firm handbrake plus Park or the correct gear.
Q: In an automatic car hire, should I select Park or the handbrake first?
A: Apply the handbrake first while holding the foot brake, then shift to Park. This reduces strain on the transmission and helps the car stay put.
Q: Do I need to let the tyre touch the kerb?
A: Yes, gently, when a kerb is present. Light contact makes the kerb a physical stop, but avoid bumping hard to prevent rim or tyre damage.
