Parking Garages - Safe Public Parking Tips And Tricks

Public parking and parking commercial garage lighting fixtures garages usually are located in some of the most convenient places and make it a breeze to park, shop, and enjoy all the amenities a large city has to offer. However, navigating all of the parking structures and parking garages Chicago, New York, Miami, and other large cities have to offer can take some know-how if you want to remain accident free. Follow these simple hints to make you and your car's stay in the big city enjoyable and headache free.

Clean Your Car

When leaving your car unattended, the smartest thing you can do is make sure any and all valuables are out of sight, and preferably out of you car. While garages and parking structures are usually safe, it is always better to exercise caution rather than be sorry later. Leaving your belongings and valuables visible is simply inviting trouble in any circumstance.

If you do not invite people to break into your car by leaving valuables, phones, CDs, or stereo equipment lying around, the odds are no one will break in. If you have limitations as to what you can safely carry after you exit your car, be sure to place your valuables under the seat or in the trunk where someone walking by will not see them.

Don't Double Park

High demand for parking spots in most city garages make for a zero tolerance policy concerning double parking. It doesn't matter what the reason may be -- you have a really nice car, will only be gone for a minute, or just overshot your parking spot -- double parking will earn you a ticket, some door dings, or a nice trip to the city's impound lot.

If you do double park, even just a little over the line, you can expect a citation (if you're caught) or a door ding. At worst, your car may be impounded by the city or another vehicle may scrape up your paintjob trying to squeeze in next to you. The short amount of time you may save by double parking will not be worth the time it may take to track down where your car was impounded -- not to mention the expense of the towing charge, impound fees and any fines you may have gathered along the way.