When parallel parking, it is best to leave the curbside wheels approximately 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm) away from the curb. This distance keeps the vehicle close enough to the curb to avoid obstructing traffic, yet far enough to prevent tire damage. Typically, keeping the wheels within this range ensures safety, legal compliance, and ease of exiting the parked vehicle. Additionally, the angle of the wheels depends on whether you are parking on a flat surface or an incline. On flat roads, the wheels should be straight. On hills, the wheels should be turned toward or away from the curb depending on the direction of the incline to prevent rolling. Therefore, the key recommendation for normal parallel parking on flat surfaces: leave the curbside wheels around 6 to 18 inches from the curb, with the wheels straight. This practice helps maintain proper positioning without damaging tires or obstructing traffic.