Re: Where to park (WAS: Dings in the door...)

[Robert Malinka <rmalinka@spec.net>]

At 12:49 PM 10/5/98 -0800, you wrote:
>
>I have minimized the amount of dings I have been getting (got three in the
>first six months, and none for the past year) of owning my car, and
>attribute this lower incident rate for dings to the following reasons:
>
>1. If possible, always park as far away as possible from the "popular"
>parking spaces, and park in a spot where there is no one else parked next
>to you.
>
>(This is similar to going into a bathroom and picking the urinal where
>there is no guy right next to you, for similar reasons ;)
>
>Walking an extra dozen yards is a) good for you b) is sometimes faster than
>driving for five minutes just to find the closest spot

Always works for me definitely the number one choice.



>2. If possible, park where there are no cars, no shopping carts or other
>possibly mobile things around your car. While you can't guarantee another
>car won't park next to you, your chances are better than parking next to
>one or (worse) two or three cars around you (people might ding you from the
>front too).

Good sugestion mighty Khan, we must always have our radar out for hazards.


>3. Never park in "compact" parking spots.

This is a must to protect the paint job!  If this is the only thing
available where you work then go next door and use that parking lot.  I've
done that at some stores that try and squeeze in more spaces for their
customers.


>4. Never park in a spot that is adjacent to a beater (rusted out Pinto) an
>older car with a GATE for a door (82 GTO), and avoid cars that might be
>difficult to get out of with a partially opened door (4WD cars and certain
>sportscars).

Definitely the number two rule, because that type of owner doesn't give a crap!


>5. If you have to park next to a car, park to the right of a van or certain
>sportscars. Generally speaking, minivans and sportscars only have one door
>on the right side of the car. Minivan sliding doors are your paint job's
>best friend.

Also I might add don't park next to a two door coupe, some have 6ft long
doors making it easier for them to reach your door.  Park only next to a 4
door sedan if you can, preferrably one of the 4 door models listed below in
no.6.


>6. Park next to a nice car who will want to avoid dings in his own car.
>Mercedes, Porsche, Volvo, Lexus, or fellow VWers, etc. are good choices, as
>are most new/expensive cars.

Good suggestion Khan,  I find this always works well if you park at airports
and Malls etc.
Especially in high threat areas of crime. They are more inclined to hit the
BMW or Mercedes
than your VW, which is fine with me.  BTW if you must go to airports or
Malls, buy a beater for this.  I have an old '89 Jetta which is perfect for
airport duty.


>7. Park right next to an island. You know for sure at least that 1/2 of
>your car is protected by parking next to an island. Also park as close as
>possible to the curb of the island to give the other driver more swing in
>his door, possibly even parking so close to the curb that the guy couldn't
>hit your door if he tried.

Another good sugestion Khan, I can tell your an experienced VW preservationist!


>8. Avoid parking next to "family" cars. Cars with baby seats in them are a
>great car NOT to park next to, because generally parents need to open the
>door 100% to easily fit the stroller, the baby bag, the baby itself, and
>mommy in the front seat, etc. Also, avoid family cars and station wagons,
>as spoiled little brats may be the primary way to describe the children in
>these families, and the rugrats might open the door swiftly into your paint
>job by accident or carelessness, and mommy and daddy might not even know
>their rugrat did this, not to mention a note asking if they can pay for the
>damage.

Always remember you have to think of your new VW as honey and when in
the parking lot avoid the bears.

>9. Park next to bikes if available. Harley drivers especially are quite
>careful about their bikes, and want to keep them pristine. They'll
>generally give you the same courtesy.

Good one Khan I never thought of this one, this will work.


>10. If you haven't already, get a clearcoat from the dealer, ASAP. Mine
>cost $150, if I remember correctly, and is the best preventative
>maintenance. Especially metallic paints, which scratch easily.

Also if you have a scratch and can't get to it right away cover the wound
with a coating or something to prevent rust from forming.  Later when you
get time you can remove the coating to prime a paint. 


>11. Take your SO/roommate/friend's car to the mall instead. :)
>
>12. Cut off an arm or a leg, and apply for a handicap sticker. This is sort
>of extreme, but if you value your paint job more than a body part, you
>can't beat the spaciousness of a handicapped parking spot.
>
>Every situation is different use your judgement to save your paint, and try
>to stay observant to your environment to pick the safest location for your
>car.
>-Khan
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Khan Klatt <kklatt@nw.verio.net>                             Verio Northwest
>Network Engineer                                    Bellingham Branch Office
>Tel 800.591.2757 x 13                                    725 N. State Street
>Fax 360.738.8315                                        Bellingham, WA 98225
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

Here's one you forgot Khan, I use this regularly, get to work early in the
morning. This will give you a choice in finding a good spot.  Where I work a
few good buddies are VW owners also so we always park next to each other
usually in a corner of the parking lot
where the others can't get to you. This can also be accomplished by
utilizing fire spaces or other no parking areas as boundaries to protect one
side of the car when ever possible.

Goodluck,

Bob
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