The AA

AVOIDING CAR PARK CALAMITIES

Here are 15 tips for happier parking from the AA Team experts

• 1. Choose a car park that is well lit and has good security, even if it means paying a little more for your space
• 2. If you can, choose a car park where you pay on exit, rather than pay and display. A pay and display ticket gives a potential thief an idea how long you are going to be away from your car!
• 3. If you do use a pay and display car park, take your keys and lock the car while you purchase your ticket
• 4. Don't forget where you've parked your car, or at least make a note of what floor it's on
• 5. Reverse in to your parking space as this will make it more difficult for thieves to get through the boot or tailgate
• 6. Don't leave credit cards or store cards in your car
• 7. Make sure your car is locked - remember, it's easy to accidentally unlock your remote-locking car as you put your keys in your pocket or handbag
• 8.Never leave valuables on display

• 9. Never park next to a battered banger - it's a sign the owner doesn't care about their car, never mind yours!
• 10. If you can, fold your mirrors in so they don't get damaged by careless drivers
• 11. Don't park too close to the trolley stand
• 12. Never park on a corner where you're most likely to get bumped into
• 13. Watch out for low barriers or bollards when reversing into parking bays
• 14. Always drive slowly and watch out for pedestrians - especially children
• 15. If you see anything suspicious like people 'cruising' the car park tell the car park or store security staff or call the police