Key Takeaways:

In this post, we show you nine of the parking spots you should think twice before parking your new car. These places include:

• Under trees
• On steep slopes
• Too close to a corner
• The bottom of a slope
• Close to a water body
• High crime areas
• Underground parking
• Sandy, muddy, and gravelly surfaces
• On single yellow lines

There are anywhere between 2.5 to 7 parking spaces for every registered car in the US. From the outlook, this is enough parking for every car, but things are not simple as they sound. Most drivers don’t look forward to the prospect of parking as it can be a challenge finding the perfect parking spot, maneuvering in, and having the peace of mind that their car is safe. To help you protect your new car, here are 9 places you should think twice before parking it:

1. Under Trees:

Trees can be beautiful, but they come with the risk of leaking sap or dropping branches and leaves on your car. Bird droppings are also a common issue when parking under trees, and they can leave permanent marks on your car’s exterior. While this might not seem like serious damage, it can be a nuisance to clean up. A tree or branch fall can also cause dents and scratches on your car. So whenever possible, avoid parking under trees.

2. On Steep Slopes

No one is doubting your driving skills, but parking your car on a steep slope can be tricky and dangerous. The risk of rolling downhill increases with steeper slopes. You also put a lot of pressure on your handbrake, which can make it give away sooner than expected. The best solution is to find a spot on even ground or park perpendicular to the street if you must park on an incline. If you have a manual transmission and think that you must park on a slope, leave your car in first gear. This helps avoid straining the handbrake and minimizes the chances of your car rolling away.

3. Too Close to a Corner

Yes, parallel parking is tricky and you might be tempted to park too close to the corner for convenience. However, this is very dangerous as it obstructs visibility for cars coming from either side. Additionally, you may block fire hydrants and other important access points. It’s best to park in such a way that the car is at least 5 feet away from the corner so that visibility is not obstructed.

4. Parking at the Bottom of a Slope

We’ve all seen funny videos of cars rolling downhill on icy surfaces. Now imagine your new car at the bottom of a slope and another one rolling down uncontrollably towards it. Not only is this dangerous, but the added weight of a rolling car could cause serious damage to your vehicle as well. Avoid parking at the bottom of slopes and look for spots that are flat or slightly uphill instead.

5. Near a Water Body

Water bodies are beautiful and a nice place to enjoy a peaceful evening. But, parking your car near them can be risky because of the possibility of flooding. Bad weather conditions could cause the water to rise quickly and your car could be submerged. Even if there isn’t flooding, continually parking next to water (even near a small stream) moisture from the water could seep into your car’s electrical system and cause damage. If you must park near a water body, ensure that it is well-protected and far away from the shoreline. Also, make sure to check the local weather forecast in advance to be extra safe.

6. High Crime Areas

High crime areas should be avoided at all costs. Even if it’s convenient, parking in an area with a lot of crime can put your new car in danger; from theft to vandalism and even joy-riding. To avoid this, always research the area you plan to park in before leaving your car for a longer period of time. Better yet, use a parking lot or garage close by that offers surveillance and 24/7 security.

7. Underground Parking Garages

Underground garages can be great for long-term parking, but they’re also notorious for being damp and humid, which is not good for your car’s paint job or interior. Before you decide to park your car in an underground garage, make sure to check the air quality and temperature. If it’s too humid or damp, opt for an aboveground lot instead.

8. On Sandy, Muddy, Grassy, and Gravelly Surfaces

Sandy, muddy, grassy, or gravelly surfaces are notorious for sinking and your car can get stuck there if you’re not careful. Plus, parking on these surfaces can eventually cause damage to your car’s undercarriage. How? The dirt and sand can get into the crevices and damage the rubber seals, leading to rusting of metal parts. To avoid any potential trouble, it’s best to avoid parking your new car on such surfaces altogether.

9. On Single Yellow Lines

Although single yellow lines are usually used to indicate that you’re allowed to park your car in a certain area during some hours, or when offloading, double-check the parking regulations of your local municipality before doing so. In some cases, you may be fined for parking on a single yellow line even if it’s outside of restricted hours. You don’t want to get a parking ticket for your new car!

Need Help Finding Your Dream Car? Contact Cutter Buick GMC

Taking care of your car is important. Make sure you’re avoiding the places listed above to keep your car in pristine condition. If you’re in the market for a car, Cutter Buick GMC has a massive selection of new and pre-owned cars for you to choose from. With years of experience and tens of satisfied customers, we know what it takes to get you behind the wheel of your dream car. Contact us today for more information!