The fastest way to park your car
We’ve all experienced the frustration of driving in circles while searching for that elusive parking spot. If you’re the type who tirelessly hunts for the space closest to the entrance, you might be wasting more time than necessary. So, what’s the secret to parking quickly and efficiently? We’ve compiled some practical tips and strategies to help you find and secure a great spot without the endless circling.
Common parking mistakes
One frequent mistake drivers make is endlessly circling the parking lot in search of a spot that’s closest to the entrance or exit. This strategy not only wastes time but also distracts from the primary goal of parking swiftly and efficiently.
Another common blunder involves waiting for someone to vacate their spot. It’s a familiar scenario: you see a car preparing to leave and position yourself to claim the spot. However, this approach often causes unnecessary stress for the departing driver, who might take longer to leave due to the pressure. Additionally, if you get too close, you might even make it harder for them to maneuver out. This can end up delaying the process for everyone involved.
So, what are some better strategies to streamline your parking experience? Let’s explore some effective alternatives.
Tips to get you parked quickly
One effective strategy to streamline your parking is to grab the first available spot you see. Don’t waste time searching for a spot closer to the entrance; often, the extra distance is minimal, and the time saved by avoiding endless circling is well worth it. Make a prompt decision, park in the nearest available space, and move on.
On particularly busy days or in high-traffic areas like airport parking lots, another approach is to find a good spot and wait for a space to open up. Instead of constantly driving in search of a better location, staying put and observing can be more productive. If you choose to wait, ensure that you leave enough room for the departing vehicle to exit easily and keep your car positioned so it doesn’t block traffic flow. This way, you’ll avoid obstructing other drivers and improve your chances of snagging a spot as soon as it becomes available.
We also recommend changing the places where you look for parking. Rather than aiming for those spots right near the front, look to the sides of the car park. Often the sides are empty and this means that you can get parked very quickly without having to wait too long or walk too far.
Finally, it’s always best to stay calm. Even if you’re frustrated, honking or road-blocking only makes other drivers angry. Staying relaxed is good for both you and any other drivers in the area. Everything will go a lot faster as other drivers are more likely to speed-up their exit from a parking space if they don’t feel any aggressiveness coming from you.
Final thoughts
Car parking is one of the bizarre triggering things that we all have. Part of this comes from feeling very defensive and stressed when parking, especially when in a rush or when the area is very full. As such, we lose the ability to be rational when it comes to the costs and benefits of how and where we park.
Remember, parking at the back of the car park and having a bit of an extra walk to the airport or store has many benefits. Not only will you be parked up more quickly, but you’ll do a little exercise too, and maybe even burn off some calories. Stay calm in the parking lot and you might be surprised just how quickly you can be parked and out of the car.
