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Last modified:11-14-08

Argh!

Parking randomly can be
very dangerous!

This web site is all about applying the practice of "risk management" to parking.

(To skip to the real "stuff" without reading my rambling, click here.)

A number of years ago, while on vacation in the middle of nowhere, Arizona, I parked my spotless Toyota 4-Runner at a trail head parking lot. It was the middle of the week and there was no one else in the lot, so I didn't give a second thought to where I parked. When I got back from a hike that couldn't have been more than a couple of hours long, there were a few more cars in the lot. Unfortunately, one of them was a huge 70's vintage two-door Oldsmobile or Buick parked to the left of me. "Yikes," I thought. And to my horror I found that I had a huge dent in my driver's door. Because there was a slight slope towards my little truck, I figure that the passenger door of the Oldsmobuick was opened and, intentionally or not, released, ramming my vehicle with what was obviously a mighty blow. The door on that thing probably weighed 100 pounds, and it hit my door like a hammer.

Although I had always tried to keep my vehicles looking nice, I think that this incident starting me thinking about the strategies I could use to minimize risk when leaving my vehicle unattended.

One sad fact is that the person who bumps their door into your car will suffer less damage then you. The edge of the door is stronger than the middle and far easier to touch up when nicked. Some people even add plastic strips to the edge of their doors so they can bump into other things and incur no damage to their own vehicle. Nice, eh?

If you are one of the many people who will go the extra step to try to keep your vehicle looking good for as long as possible (or want to help someone else to gain insight into this practice) this site is for you. Having a car that looks "new" makes a lot of folks feel good. Keeping the paint from looking like a moonscape will also help resale value. And in areas of the country where rust is a problem, an unattended door nick can quickly turn into a more serious problem.

Of course, you will not be able to prevent all nicks and dings. If you use your vehicle on a regular basis, it will suffer life's little chips.

So take the following tidbits for what they're worth. Remember to click on any photo to see it full-size with more information.

Your feedback and suggestions are encouraged.

The Don'ts!

There are some strategies for parking that I do not condone. They include, but are not limited to, illegal parking (i.e.: spaces reserved for the handicapped or 'no parking' zones in general) or the taking two parking spaces. These practices could cost you money and, in some cases, irate reactions up to and including vandalism. (I've heard of more than one car getting 'keyed' - scratched with a key - as a disapproving expression of an individual's parking practice.)

No, what I am proposing are legal, relatively simple techniques to reduce the risk of damage.

What follows may sound like a lot of work. But with a little practice, you will be able to make a good parking decision in a few seconds.

Good parking is the result of skill, developed and practiced like any other. (Yes, a great deal of luck is involved as well.)

There are two major steps to parking strategy: selection and position.

Selection: The first (and major) step of good parking is to understand that not all parking spaces are created equal. Choose wisely.

Position: The second step is that by planning how your vehicle is situated in ANY space you choose, you can greatly decrease the chances of a careless ding.

#5 - The best there is.

#4 - The Great Space.

#3 - The Bonus Space

#2 - A Decent Gamble

Next to him is a #1.

The space to the
left of this clunker
is a "0".

Step 1. Selection

Scoring

Every parking space can be scored. This is an admittedly a very subjective process, but it will provide a scale to help you decide what risks to take. After you start to look at and think about parking space attributes, you won't really need to score spaces - you will intuitively and quickly decide "yes" or "no".

5. Prepared Storage. The best resting place for a vehicle is under a car cover in your garage. If you are in earthquake country, all shelving must also be secured to the wall, and shelves should have lips at the edge to prevent items from falling during shakers. (Come to think of it, these are not bad practices anywhere.) Creating a "5" spot for your vehicle requires some planning. A "5" is not really a "parking" space - it's storage. A fenced yard (with no danger of "children damage" of course) would also qualify.
4. The "Great Space". This is a legal parking space in a public area but is situated in such a way as to prevent vehicles from parking next to your vehicle (on all sides). While parked here, chances that someone will bump you are remote. A lot of street parking falls into this category, perhaps between two driveways so no one will be pulling into the space in front of, or behind you. In a parking structure, it may be between two pillars. This is the space for which I am constantly on the lookout. (It's sad to spot a space like this only to have some 'beater' sitting in it.) We'll discuss the Great Space in more detail below.
3. The "Bonus Space". This is a legal parking space in a public area but, for one reason or another, includes extra space. If proper techniques are followed utilizing this extra space, chances that someone will bump your vehicle are greatly reduced.
2. "Decent Gamble". If no "Great" or "Bonus" spaces  are available, and the parking techniques outlined below are used, this is your goal and the minimum I'll usually take. While there is still some risk, I feel relatively safe. One characteristic of a #2 is that you will not have more than one parking neighbor.
1. "Bad Bet". This is an average parking space. It may even appear to be a #2 when you park there (i.e. secluded), but circumstances are likely to change before you get back.
0. "No Way". When you must leave a vehicle here, you resign yourself that it is possibly going to be damaged. These spaces will exhibit some, or all, of the following attributes: very narrow or is on a slope; adjacent vehicle is parked over the line (a line violation); neighboring vehicles include big and/or old vehicles in poor condition - you get the idea. If you are willing to pull into in one of these spaces, don't waste your time reading any further. I wouldn't park a rental car in a 0.

It's very rewarding to return to a #0 or #1 and find no damage. Even when parking here, using some of the techniques below will reduce the risk.

In other words, I look for a 4 or at least a 3. If I won't be parking long, I might take a 2. The majority of available parking spaces fall between 0-1.

For the most part, you should not use neighboring vehicles in calculating the score for a space. Unless you are pretty sure that adjacent vehicles will be parked for an extended period (or, at least, you'll be back before they move) don't gamble - presume the worst.

Remember that other parked vehicles do not pose a problem. It is the "coming and going" of adjacent vehicles that causes damage.

Even after finding "the" space, you're not done. After a potential space is sited, use the techniques below to determine how a vehicle should be situation in that space.

Good Technique!

My preferred space at work -
not ideal, but the best in the lot.

Step 2. Position

The Technique

The second major consideration of safe parking is how to situate your vehicle within the space you have selected.

If a space is truly "Great" (#4) most likely your vehicle will be protected on all sides and little, if any, consideration will need to be given to its position (except for, perhaps, being careful not to bump your door into a concrete column).

Proper technique becomes more important as the spaces decrease in quality. In fact, I think you'll find that the combination of a "Bonus Space" and proper technique will account for many good parking experiences.

Check out the photo to the left. My Miata-driving friend from Amarillo, Texas has selected a #3 (Bonus Space) and is displaying excellent technique. Yes, dangers remain. As you can see, the vehicle remains vulnerable from other directions. But this is a very acceptable gamble in the game of Good Parking.

If you find a "Decent Gamble" space (#2), proper positioning may make the difference between "safe" and "damage".

Unfortunately my parking choices at work are limited. However by taking an end spot, and situating my vehicle as far to the right as possible, I've been able to avoid any parking damage for four years! (Yes, I've rubbed the curb a couple of times.)

Check this one out!

Another beauty from Jerry.

Can you spot the
"Bonus Spaces"?

Another Bonus

Seek the "Great Space"

As discussed above, the Holy Grail or brass ring of parking is what I call the "Great Space". Not too many parking lots have them. These are the spaces that seem to be made for paranoid parkers like me - and maybe you.

These are spaces with "built-in" protection on both (or all) sides. Perhaps they are surrounded by two concrete pillars. Or a mysterious three-side concrete curb.

Because these space are highly prized, they might only available when parking is light. In this case, you might want to reschedule your visit to that location.

Of course, as I said, there is no 100% safe space. But I sure feel better about leaving my car between two concrete columns rather than a couple of old rusty pickups.

One other thing - sometimes the greatest space in not in the parking lot at all. More on street parking later.

Plan "B" - The Bonus Space

While looking for the Great Space, you should be scanning for Bonus Spaces at the same time. Take a look at the (wet) lot in the picture to the left. Not a "Great Space" to be found. But can you spot the "Bonus Spaces"? As stated above, by using that extra space next to some parking spaces, you can easily avoid having someone park uncomfortably close. Yes, it's still a gamble. But I think you'll agree that the odds are better than in one of the other spaces.

Make slopes work for YOU!

Oops!

A blatant line violation.

Tire Ridge

Other Selection Factors

Avoid the Slopes

I enjoy living in the foothills of southern California. But there is one distinct disadvantage: many of the parking lots are on a mild to moderate slope. Parking downhill from a vehicle is worth avoiding at all costs. This is inviting contact.

But a sloping lot can work in your favor - if, and only if, you are at the top! Make gravity your friend! If you leave enough space between you and the car "beneath" you, it is less likely that their door will accidentally bump into your vehicle. You've got gravity on your side!

When pulling into a space, there are several things to look at:

First of all, make a mental note - is there a tire stop? (You sure don't want to run over that on the way out.) Try to get into the habit of thinking that there IS a tire stop in front of you. That way, you'll check.

Speaking of tire stops, be extra careful when parking in a space that backs up to another space with no wheel blocks between them (see photo to the left). You may think you are safely in your own space, but "line violators" are everywhere! (This tip was sent by a reader but I lost his name.)

Watch that curb! I've rubbed a curb more than once trying to get as far over as possible. Fortunately tires clean up pretty easily. But if you've got a fancy set of wheels, be very careful. (By the way, some tires have ridges that stick out over the edge of the rim to protect the wheel. See the photo to the left. Neat, eh?)

Try to leave a little more room for the driver of the vehicle to your right vs. the passenger of the vehicle to the left.

Here are a couple of suggestions sent in by readers:

One reader suggests always backing into spaces because visibility will be better when pulling out, especially if you are parked between larger vehicles. However keep in mind that some parking lots prohibit backing into spaces to prevent damage to walls and poles. Also reader Charlie notes that some law enforcement and insurance claim offices recommend that cars park "nose in" as it is easier to determine fault in a collision.

Another reader (Rob) suggests that if you are driving a smaller car, don't pull all the way into a space. With the rear of your car a bit more visible, you will decrease your chances that someone will pull into the space before realizing that there is already a small car there.

---

The French Connection

Some pics from Australia

Not the best...but it's all I've got.

Good form - an analysis.

Scary stuff, eh?

The new "family car".

A waste of a good space!

Another Bonus

Christine's strategy

Stay clear of driveways!

Argh!!!!!!

A Miata in great danger!
(click the pic for details)

Tom P's parking space fantasy
 

Your Neighbors - Choose Wisely!

With the failure to find a "Great" or "Bonus" space, sooner or later, as you troll through the lot, you're going to soon have to roll the dice, take a chance, and select an average spot. We'll presume, as suggested above, you've avoided a slope and you are far enough away to have some choices.

Although evaluating who your neighbor will be is an important step, obviously the vehicle in the adjacent space may not be the same one parked there throughout your stay. The risk of having different (and worse) neighbors increases the longer your vehicle is parked, especially if you are at a location in which people come and go often (i.e.: the post office or a 7-Eleven).

In general, one neighbor is better than two. All else being equal, parking to the extreme 'no-car' side of an end space (next to a bush or a wall as in the photo to the left) will give you 100% protection on that side. There is a small reduction in risk if the one adjacent parking space is to your left. If so, you can pull in far to the right leaving as much room as possible on your driver's side, which is the passenger side of your neighbor. If they don't have a passenger, you have a pretty safe space - unless, of course, a vehicle with a passenger pulls in.

Another idea for on-the-job parking, sent to me by a reader, is to let the folks at work know that you are particular about your car. I've done this for many years and it's nice when co-workers look out for you. I can hear it now: "Don't park to close to THAT car. You know how crazy HE gets." But that's ok.

Of course if you ever make anyone angry at work, you KNOW how they're going to retaliate! So be nice!

Here are some other factors to consider when selecting a neighbor. Remember, these are huge generalizations.

1) Small cars make better neighbors than big (or huge) vehicles. Some people who purchased those humongous SUVs did so at least partially for protection against others. If so, they may not care as much about your car as you do. And even if their drivers are careful, since their vehicles are bigger, they just need more room to open doors and load people, groceries and other cargo.
2) Four-door cars are generally safer to park next to than two door cars as the doors are not as long or heavy. But here's an important exception: because of the shape of the rear doors of four door cars (see photo to the left) if contact is made it will be much higher than any protective rub strip you may have. So if you are parking where families tend to go (i.e. movie theaters, amusement parks and malls), four-door cars present an increase risk.
3) New, nice cars might be a little safer than old and crummy cars - but there is no guarantee. There are many drivers of nice cars that are rude and don't car about other vehicles. Also that Porsche you parked next to may be gone when you return, replaced with a giant SUV.
4) When there's a choice, it's better to park on the passenger side of another car. ALL cars have a driver who will be getting in and out, but only SOME cars have a passenger.
5) Observe how closely adjacent vehicles are to their boundary lines. Ideally they are situated further way from your target space.
6) Do your neighbor's vehicles have protective strips on their doors? If so, and you have strips at approximately the same height, a door contact may not be a problem at all. (Too bad ALL vehicles didn't have those strips at the same height, eh?)
7) The presence of child seats or other evidence that children may be passengers returning to an adjacent vehicle is another danger. A mom who is buckling junior into the back seat will certainly not be focusing in on your car. (Thanks to Gareth for this one.)
8) Here in Southern California we sometimes have very high winds. Did you ever have a car door blow wide open while you were getting in or out? Your neighbor may have the same problem. If it's windy, use extra caution where you park and allow for some extra space. (Thanks again, Gareth.)
9) Reader Jeff C. sent in this suggestion:

"Although it is obviously subject to change the longer you are planning to be in a particular location, I give some credit (1/4 point perhaps) to the configuration that has a car to the left with passenger door facing and the car to the right that is backed into the space, thereby showing the passenger door to the right as well. All else being equal, it increases the chance for a "safe" park just a bit."

Thanks Jeff.

10) Reader Joseph G. warns that when parking in a garage, always use caution when raising a hatch as the garage door opener may hang low and cause contact. (I've had personal experience with this one.)

11) Reader Harold S. warns to avoid high foot-traffic spots (i.e. next to a crosswalk).

12) College student Christine from Delaware made a diagram of her strategy (click the picture at the left).

13) Joe P. warns to watch out for debris such as nails, screws, bolts, etc. in the lots of Home Depot and other home improvement stores.

14) Jerry sends a tip reminding us to obey the law...of gravity:

"When you park in a grocery store lot or Home Depot, etc, always park on the downhill side of the curbs. Cars and carts will roll downhill right into your car when you park anywhere, look to be on top of the hill or protected from carts by a curb."

15) My friend Will sent me the crunched door picture to the left to remind us all that if you are going to park on the street, avoid parking across the street from a driveway.

16) Andrew R. sends in a good tip: when parking in an indoor garage, the color of the walls in contrast with the color of your hood may make it difficult to tell how much space you have left. (Don't count on the cement wheel stop). Turning on your headlights will help, but if in doubt, take the extra few seconds and look before you pull all the way forward.

17) Martin (who supplied the pictures from Australia elsewhere) warns to avoid parking next to a high-rise building with balconies. It seems that an empty cigarette lighter committed suicide by jumping off one...and hitting Martin's car! Falling debris, intentionally or accidentally dropped, can cause very significant damage.

18) Mike Kohnke from Sarasota, Florida passes along a couple of good tips. First, when pulling into a space, beware if the front wheels of adjacent vehicles are turned very sharply. Your neighbor could jump in and back out before realizing the angle of departure. (This happened to one of Mike's acquaintances.)

Another tip from Mike is to beware of parking next to light poles. While they may offer some parking protection, there may be birds up there just waiting for an opportunity for some target practice!

19) Tom P. in Florida takes safe parking to the next level by checking Google Earth in advance of a trip to see what his parking options might be. (Great idea, Tom!) He also checks the wind direction to see which way the shopping carts might blow!

Of course, besides door dings, parking lots tend to be dangerous places for cruising around in general. In the first place, many people are looking for parking spaces, not at other drivers. Most spaces require backing out - and since so many drivers seem to have a problem with this, extra care is required when you see those white backup lights. It's a good idea to be constantly scanning for backup and brake lights. Have your hand near the horn button.

Parking structures pose unique dangers. It's hard to see in dark parking structures after you've been driving during the daylight (not just for you, but for the person heading your way). If you can, remove those sunglasses as you are entering. Also, the walls and columns often hide approaching traffic.

A good practice in any lot (but especially in structures) it to park near an exit. Spend as little time as possible in a parking lot traffic jam. When driving in parking lots and structures, presume that other drivers don't see you. It's probably true more often then not. And what a good excuse to get a little extra walk in you day. (You COULD use a little more exercise, couldn't you?)

The best parking space
may be where you didn't look!

In many locations, I avoid the lots and structures and park on the street. Often street parking not only provides more protection, but shade as well. And you can often find spots close to driveways so no one will back into the space in front of you. All else being equal, park in front of someone, not behind them. Today's bumpers damage more easily than you'd think. (For some reason, bumper damage doesn't bother me as much as door nicks - although you may feel differently.)

(You've got an ace-in-the-hole if you are comfortable at parallel parking as you'll find many more options.)

Finding a single street space between to driveways is a winner!

Some negative factors for street parking include:
1) Street parking is often metered. Not only is it going to cost you, but you will have a time limit.
2) Parallel parking may be required. If you are not skilled at parallel parking, you might do more damage to your vehicle than a stranger. (And nothing hurts more than damaging your own vehicle!)
3) Depending on the location of the space, others may back into the space in front of you, or bump into you from behind. (Even though bumpers are usually a bit stronger than the center of your door panel, protrusions like license plates and bolts can cause damage.)
4) The passenger door may scrape high curbs or hit an object like a pole or hydrant - warn your passenger if you think this is a possibility.
5) Once again, watch that curb when pulling in!
6) You could be further from your destination - a big factor is you are carrying merchandise.

Diagonal (Angle) Parking

I don't like diagonal parking. If there is an alternative, go for it.

Diagonal parking, especially at a curbside, is challenging. There is usually a slope on the side of the road by the gutter. That means that doors being opened, especially on the passenger side, will have additional gravitational force. Also, many curbs are high enough to cause damage to bumpers and air dams.

If your vehicle is equipped with protective molding, it is probably just on the lower part of the doors. Notice that when you angle park, doors of adjacent vehicles are often able to contact your fenders, especially on the unprotected lip over wheel wells.

When parking diagonally, pull in at a slightly greater angle then the lines would indicate. This provides a little extra space to the passenger side of the car to the left of you and more space to the driver's side of the car to the right.

Use extra car when backing out of diagonal spaces. Click the picture to the left for more information.

A scary place...

...but you never know!

Tight Fit at the bank...

Some vehicles "park"
better than others!

Shiver!

Where Are You Going...and When?

In a very real sense, good parking starts before you leave your house. This might be going way overboard for most. But if you've just had it with door dings and want to do everything possible to avoid them...

Before I leave on a trip, I think about my destination(s) and how the various parking lots are situated. Is there street parking available (often preferable)? Is the parking lot big enough to find an isolated spot far from the crowd? Are there any known "great spaces"? Will I be going at a busy time? (I'll admit that I'm crazy enough to alter which vehicle I choose to take depending on answers to these questions.)

As stated elsewhere, it is not the act of parking that's dangerous. It's the coming and going of neighboring vehicles. For that reason, I would give the "worst place to park" award to post office parking lots followed closely by banks. By the very nature of the businesses, it's almost a guarantee that the cars you park next to will be replaced before you return. I never park in a post office or bank parking lot - unless they are closed, of course.

Trader Joe's market is a great place to shop. But for some reason, around here, they all have horrible undersized and overcrowded parking lots. Because of that, I don't even enter the lot, and always choose to parallel park on an adjacent street. (We never do a "big" shopping at TJs, so carrying bags a little extra distance isn't a problem.)

I also sometimes visit a Home Depot near my house. This is what I consider one of the worst (i.e.: most dangerous) locations to park. In the first place, people who are going to any big-box store are likely to bring their pickup truck or SUV if they have one.

Another huge problem with stores like Home Depot is the many loose carts in the lot. As they do with shopping carts at supermarkets, most people do not return their merchandise carts to the proper rack or location. They are mostly left anywhere, creating a minefield of potential bumps and bruises.

And Home Depot always seems to be crowded.

There are other factors going against you at a home improvement store. The material being moved through the lot is often large, heavy and bulky: pipes, bricks, 2x4s, etc. And much of it is being maneuvered about by customers and workers who really don't care very much about your new car.

The lesson here: if you don't have to take your shiny baby to these places, don't. If you must go, park as far away as possible. Other techniques mentioned here may be beneficial, but the deck is stacked against you here. Remember - we're talking about reducing risk.

Supermarkets parking lots are very similar to those at home improvement stores for many of the same reasons. Of course, you (or your spouse) probably visit the supermarket more often than any other single place (except for work), so there is a good possibility your ding will (or did) happen there.

Practically everyone is pushing a cart out into the lot - many with children in them, obviously purchased with the many bags of groceries piled high.

The supermarket lot represents a deadly combination of shopping carts (full and empty), high traffic (hundreds of cars constantly coming, going and circling) and shoppers who are just looking to squeeze into the space closest to the front door as possible.

A suggestion made by one reader (thank you Mr. X) is to park right next to the shopping cart collector rack. The logic here is that if someone is close by, they would probably be willing to return the cart correctly and less likely to leave it loose.

A reader with an opposing point of view states:

"I found danger near cart corrals to be from two types of people. One is from those bringing the cart to the corral. Now most people I see bringing carts there do indeed put it away properly. But probably one in ten that I see will stop a number of meters away and just aim and let it go. This would work if everyone had good aim and the carts all had wheels that tracked straight but I see this is rarely the case. There is much potential for damage this way."

"The other potential problem with the cart corral is from people that are parked immediately across from the corral. These people invariably will just aim, windup and push across the lot. I have seen many cars damaged by people doing that."

One thing is sure...you can bet that the last thing on anyone's mind in a supermarket parking lot is how to keep from bumping your car.

Yikes. Don't go!

 Keep Your Distance

You might think that this is over-simplifying, but one of the best methods of protection is not to park next to anyone else. Of course this is only effective if there is a reduced risk that someone will pull into the empty space next to you.

Let's say every parking space in a lot is exactly the same size and risk - no protection whatsoever. Here's a very easy strategy: park further away than everyone else.

Because most people do not like to walk they will spend 15 minutes circling the first few islands of spaces before parking an extra 50 feet away. When I park further away, I tell myself (yes, and my passengers as well) it's a great opportunity for a little exercise.

Often you'll find a group of vehicles pretty far from the front door of the establishment. This could very well be where employees are instructed to park. This might be a good solution as the employee vehicles do not come and go as customers do.

Of course just because no one is around when you park there doesn't guarantee that you won't have company when you get back, so don't abandon other techniques provided here as extra insurance.

Here's a suggestion from Brian in Grand Prairie, Texas: "At 7/11 type stores, I do park at the gas pump regardless of whether I need gas. Usually, lots of space on all sides and I can duck into the store without fear."

Another reader comment from Rod warns that "distance" is only one factor: "I once had a new car, 2 months old, that I carefully parked far away at the end of a grocery store lot. When I returned to my car a shopping cart had rolled down the slightly sloping lot and put a big dent in the rear quarterpanel. $600 damage, believe it or not, paid in total by the store (Wegman's, Rochester, NY)."

Click to read more about
the disappearing rub strip

What Are You Driving?

Many vehicles have protective strips along their sides that provide varying degrees of protection. Unfortunately, some seem to be for show only, offering little in the way of protection. And, sadly, many cars offer no protection whatsoever. What this means is that the slightest contact with a hard object will most likely cause at least some damage.

I'm not suggesting choosing a vehicle based on the size and position of the protective molding (even though I do!). But be aware of how well or poor your side protection is as this will greatly affect the parking risks you may take. There are some Subarus, for instance, with large, plastic protective panels on the sides.

Also keep in mind that few vehicles provide protection over wheel wells. As mentioned above, this can be a concern when angle parking.

The size of your vehicle is also a major factor. It's simple physics. If you drive a huge SUV, the extra width will place those precious, shiny flanks closer to your neighbors. Also, there are a number of folks out there that aren't exactly fans of SUVs - you may irritate them if you park too close.

In hot weather, we all seek shade. Parking under trees is a two-edge sword: shady and cooler, but potential tree and bird droppings. Given a choice, I'll always take the option of something that will wash off (especially because I keep my vehicles waxed). If you do get bird doo doo on your paint, clean it off as soon as possible. Some will actually eat through the clear coat or the paint itself.

Reader Joseph G. warns that some trees can drop blossoms that will actually stain your paint. He also suggests to make sure not to get tree droppings in the runners/gutters of your sun roof.

A Quick Reference Guide
(PDF format for printing)

The following quick reference can be supplied to spouses, friends, or anyone else who may be parking your vehicles. I have also provided a Quick Reference Guide (in PDF format) to the left. Feel free to print and distribute it. (Let me know if there is any other information you think is necessary.)

Good parking is the result of a) finding a good space and b) optimally situating your vehicle within that space.

Seek the great space offering protection to BOTH sides of the vehicle.

If you cannot find a "Great Space" look for extra space next to pillars, bushes, etc. Many parking spaces will allow you to situate the vehicle slightly askew so that you can increase space between the adjacent vehicle. (Use extra caution when pulling in close to one side.)

End spots are your friend. They allow you to park over to one side and, all else being equal, reduce risk of damage by 50%.

When using an end spot, if you are not on level ground, being 'uphill' is better then being 'downhill'. Also, parking on the right of a vehicle (the passenger side) may also reduce risk.

Watch your neighbors - do you really want to park next to them?

Parked vehicles will not cause damage to yours - it's the coming and going that's dangerous. How long will you be?

Well, if you use your vehicle, you will undoubtedly suffer chips, nicks, dings and even dents. There are fixes other than the body shop.

Touch up paint.
There is an art to touching up nicks and chips - it takes patience and a little work. If you are in a location where they salt the roads (or by salt water) you'll want to attack these nicks right away. Check out the Links section for more information on paint maintenance.

Removing Goo.
There is a product called "Goo Gone" which is excellent at removing tar and other gooey stuff from your paint.

Paintless dent removal.
This is a pretty incredible process if you've got a small dent but the paint itself is not damaged. Using special tools (no, not suction cups) they will push the dent out from the inside. I've had this done several times and it is truly remarkable. (If you happen to live in the Los Angeles area, call 800-336-8362 - you will not be disappointed.)

Windshield Repair.
Many stone chips can be repaired. If you discover a chip, the first thing to do is cover it with clear tape. Resist the urge to stick your finger in it! Moisture and dirt are the enemies. Look in the phone book or on-line to find a service that will come to your house or place of business and fix the chip. It isn't perfect, but it will be better and should prevent the chip from turning into a crack. Once again, if you live in the Los Angeles area call 800-894-2200.

Here are a few interesting links related to parking and car care. If you know of any others, send me a note and I'll add them. (And feel free to let me know if any are broken.) Click your "back" button to get back here.

www.boomerangsystems.com
Take a look at these cool automated parking systems from the same company that builds thrill rides. I sure wish there were more of these around. Don't all those cars look safe and happy? (Thanks, Jason.)

www.parkassist.com.au
Here's another great parking service...but not for us! Lights in the parking structure guide shoppers to available spaces. It's a slick idea in that it will greatly reduce the amount of time necessary looking for a space in a crowded lot. But, unless it's going to guide me to a Bonus space, I think I'll pass.

www.parkingplanet.com
Check out "The world's first technology and parking blog." Lots of information and even parking 'blogs'! Make sure to check out the great parking games. (Be careful, they're addictive!)

www.performanceproducts.com
These folks have a magnetic side strip to put on your car to prevent nicks. Go to their main page and search for the keyword "park" as the direct link to the product does not seem to work.

www.autopia.org
A great site for anything related to auto detailing.

www.bettercarcare.com
Another good site related to auto maintenance.

www.doordefender.com
Here's a product which offers some side protection.

www.pcp-dota.com
Here's a company in the Netherlands that offers products to cover parking lot pillars.

www.fetchfido.co.uk/games/menu/games_menu.htm
You can find some fun parking games here. (Thanks, Jim.)

www.107.peugeot.co.uk/peugeot.swf
Another web-based parking game.

www.meguiars.com
I've been a fan of Meguiar's car cleaning products for years. Their on-line forum is great. And if you ever get a chance to go to one of their seminars, do it!

www.carfaq.htm
More information than you could ever imaging about car batteries.

www.ggbailey.com
This is the place to go for custom floor mats. You can actually build them on the screen.

www.iparklikeanidiot.com
If you are frustrated by the poor parking habits of others.

www.workingwitch.com/spells/car2.html
I found this one during a web search on "good parking." It is a witches spell to help you find a good space. (I haven't tried it yet.)

www.parcheggimale.blogspot.com
Here's a parking-related site by Gianluca Menna from Italy. He's got pictures of a few "interesting" parking jobs.

Your feedback, suggestions, photos and parking experiences are highly encouraged.

Please drop a note to: ParkingByDesign@aol.com