Opting to shop at quieter times of the day, as well as thinking about which parking space to choose could reduce the risk of parking prangs.
Driving experts from LeaseCar.uk have revealed six ways to help avoid any prangs to vehicles when parked, or parking.
Looking at the vehicles that are parked next to the space, as well as taking head of parking aids will help reduce bumps and scrapes.
A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk said: “Parking can be a daunting prospect for many people, so it’s important to take your time and don’t feel like you’re under pressure.
“Once you know your own car, its turning circle and parking points, it should be a lot easier to stay calm when parking.
“You should also think of others when you park. If you’re nice to other drivers and vehicle owners, they’ll be nice to you.”
These are LeaseCar.uk’s tips to avoid parking prangs:
- Where
If you’re at a supermarket or shopping centre, it’s best to park as far away from the front door as you can if you’re worried about parking prangs. Everyone else will park near the front to ensure they have the quickest access point, so by heading to the back of the car park, it’ll be quieter, and you’ll be less likely to have your car bashed if there’s fewer vehicles around.
- Who
If you see a vehicle which has lots of scrapes and is looking a bit dented, you could be right to assume that they may not look after their car as much as you do yours. Instead, opt for smaller cars which look clean and tidy, as chances are the owners will be a lot more respectful towards their own vehicle, and in turn yours.
- When
The busier the car park, the more likely it is for accidents to happen. If you’re particularly worried about this, try and avoid busy car parks at peak times, such as weekends and evenings. School let-out time is also going to be busy with both vehicles and pedestrians, so will be a time to avoid if possible.
- Parking aids
Lots of cars are now fitted with parking sensors and even parking cameras to help you see around your vehicle. You should get to know these sensors and know what the gap between each beep means. But be aware that parking cameras can also give you a false sense of security, so don’t rest on your laurels and get to know your vehicle as quickly as possible.
- Common sense
As with everything, common sense is important. Try not to park next to a busy road, and also don’t risk it and try to squeeze into spaces that are clearly too small for you. You should think about the other vehicles around you – as much as you don’t want them to prang your car, they don’t want you to do the same to theirs.
- Reverse in
Although for some people reversing into a car parking space is a daunting prospect, it is the safest when it comes to pulling out. It means that you can see if other cars are passing by your spot as you pull out, and you aren’t doing it blind.