Tips for Parking Lots and Garages

When it comes to parking, whether you find yourself in a multi-story garage or an open-air lot, it’s completely natural to feel a bit anxious about the process, especially if it’s your first time visiting that particular facility. The layout can often be confusing, and the sheer number of vehicles can make it challenging to find a suitable spot. To help ease your concerns and ensure a smooth parking experience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive set of tips that will guide you through navigating any parking facility and assist you in selecting the best location for your needs.

 

Check Google Maps Street View

While this doesn’t always work for every location, it will help you find the entrance and exit, making it easier to get to the location and giving you a general idea of how to approach the facility.

If you’re parking with an SUV or Truck, Check the Height Restrictions.

When choosing a parking spot, consider the size of your vehicle. If you’re driving a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or a van, look for spaces that are wider or specifically designated for oversized vehicles. Parking in a tight spot can lead to difficulties when trying to get in and out of your vehicle, and it may also increase the risk of damaging your car or others.

 

Above the parking garage entrance is the maximum clearance height for vehicles. If you drive a big truck or SUV, you might be more aware of them than others. Parking facilities have designated stalls for large vehicles that are wider—ask the attendant for the location or look for signage.

Take your time

It's better to park correctly than to worry about other drivers trying to pressure you to park faster. If you rush, you might scratch your car, get into an accident, or have a hard time getting out of your car.

Use Your Signal and Look for Signage

Treat parking facilities like residential areas and keep your eyes open for your surroundings. Drive slowly and expect that people will not know where you are going.

 

Once you arrive at the facility, pay close attention to the signage. Most parking garages and lots have clear signs indicating available spaces, directions to exits, and any specific rules or regulations. Following these signs can help you avoid confusion and guide you to the right area quickly.

Stay Alert When Driving

Parking garages and lots have several blind spots. Keep your eyes and ears open when driving through a lot or garage. Drive slowly around corners and come to complete stops when directed. Drive close to the right side of the lane just in case someone speeds around the corner. Pay attention to pedestrians and cars exiting stalls. Also, turn your headlights on in dimmed areas for better visibility.

Use Your Mirrors

Mirrors are more than just seeing behind you. Line up your mirror to the parking spot's first line, and then turn into the space. Make sure to give yourself enough room to turn, so hug the opposite side of where you’re trying to park so you can turn enough to get into the space. 

Check Your Parking Job

If you go forward or backward a foot or so once you've pulled in, you can feel if you are moving straight or crooked. If you're crooked, pull out a small amount, straighten, and pull back in.

Parking in the Right Spot

When you are looking for a spot, pay attention to the signage on the different levels or areas. Parking facilities may have stalls designated for private parking and not for the general public. It can also depend on the type of parking you paid for, like first-level, premium parking, or roof parking. Parking operators can have your vehicle towed if you park in the wrong area or end up costing you more than just the parking fee when you exit.

Common Parking Payment Methods

Parking garages and lots often require customers to pay for the time their vehicle is parked. How a customer pays can vary depending on the facility. PreFlight allows customers to prepay for their stay through a parking reservation. When customers arrive, they scan a barcode from their email confirmation to enter and exit.

 

Be mindful of any parking restrictions that may be in place. Some facilities have time limits, designated areas for specific types of vehicles, or require payment in advance. Ignoring these rules can result in fines or even towing, so it’s essential to read the posted regulations carefully.

There are three methods:

Reservations

If you don’t want to be surprised by how much parking will cost when you get there, look up the location you want to park at ahead of time and see if they offer reservations. Often, making a reservation ahead of time can be cheaper and guarantee your spot if you’re traveling during a busy time.

 

Pay Box/Ticket

When you pull up to parking, there will either be a booth or a kiosk asking you to pull a ticket. This ticket starts your parking time, and you will scan it when you leave to close out your trip. Based on how long you stay will affect how much you pay unless the location says otherwise, like a flat fee amount. Leave the ticket in the car or place it in a wallet or purse for safekeeping.

 

Parking Tip: If the location has a pay box, sometimes you should take a picture of your license plate because you will type the number on the screen.

 

Parking Express

Some parking brands, like iParkit and PreFlight Airport Parking, offer apps that reward account holders with cheaper rates than driving up. You receive a QR code just for your account that you scan at the entrance and exit, and then it will charge the card you have on the account.