sgcarmart logo
cart button icon
sgcarmart sign in icon
  • dropdown white triangle iconLogin
  • Sign up
  • All Sections
  • New Cars
  • Used Cars
  • Motor Directory
  • Product Guide
  • Articles
  • Forum
cart button icon
  • Login
  • Sign up
sgcarmart logo
  • login iconLogin|Sign up
  • New Cars
  • Used Cars
  • Car Loan
  • Rental Cars
  • Sell Cars
    • Sell By Yourself
    • Sell By Bidding
    • Sell By Consignment
  • Directory
  • e-Shop
  • Insurance
  • Articles
    • Car Reviews
    • Car Advice
    • Car News
    • Car Features
    • Car Videos
  • Forum
  • Resources
  • My Shortlist iconMy Shortlist
  • Home iconHome
  • New Cars iconNew Carsdropdown menu arrow icon
    • • Find New Cars
    • • New Car Promotions
    • • COE Results
  • Used Cars iconUsed Cars
  • Car Loan iconCar Loan
  • Rental Cars iconRental Cars
  • Sell My Car iconSell My Cardropdown menu arrow icon
    • • Post an Ad
    • • Sell by Bidding
    • • Consignment
    • • Free Car Valuation
    • • Advertiser's Login
  • e-Shop icone-Shop
  • Motor Directory iconMotor Directory
  • Accessories iconAccessories
  • Insurance iconInsurance
  • Articles iconArticles
  • Forum iconForum
  • Resources iconResources
  • Download Our App iconDownload Our App
  • All Articles
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Advice
  • Features
  • Videos
All
Reviews
News
Advice
Features
Videos

Home arrow Car Articles arrowAdvice arrowAdvice Listings arrowCar Ownership Advice

Eight parking courtesies all drivers should practice

26 Jul 2018Viewed : 110,869 times
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Being courteous can be as simple as folding your mirrors when you are parked in a lot or turning on your hazard lights when waiting for one. Here are eight parking habits you should practice as a courteous driver.

Everyone needs to park. Unless you're in a weird place on Earth where parking doesn't exist, the idea of parking a car well is sort of an etiquette to driving. We see a properly parked car like a person of exquisite taste, one who is a professional at what he or she does.

After all, we are pushing a ton of expensive metal around, it doesn't hurt to park them right. Here are eight parking habits you should practice.

Check if your car is parked in the centre of the parking lot
1. Watch the lines

Really, it is as simple as that. Parking lots are clearly allocated, but some people just don't get it. It is frustrating when a lot cannot be used because one car has used two lots.

Remember to check that the front of the car isn't sticking out of the lot, too. Your car may obstruct a safe passage for pedestrians to walk alongside traffic to get to their cars.

Park it right. At HDB and URA managed carparks, parking your car beyond the boundaries of a parking lot will attract a $50 fine.

What's the rush? Be patient, everyone will get a lot soon
2. Be patient

Some people take time, some have mastered the art. But all of us may occasionally take a longer time to park, especially when it's a place that we're unfamiliar with, or an unfamiliar car.

When you come across someone taking a long time to park, all you have to do is to just wait patiently. Showing your frustration by honking and throwing out questionable hand signs won't help.

It might just make the whole process slower if the other driver is panicking, or if more aggressive types end up picking a fight with you.

It doesn't hurt to let others know of your intentions by using your hazard lights
3. Make your intentions clear

When you are waiting, or want to go for a parking lot, indicate so using your hazard lights. It is really that simple, and it makes a difference.

Yes, hazard lights are meant to be used as a warning, but it has become a good habit for many to use it when parking or waiting. This gives other drivers behind an understanding of what you're trying to do. Wait by the side and let others pass before continuing to park.

By using your hazard lights, you will unlikely have to deal with the hassle of confronting impatient people as mentioned above, too.

Generally, whoever is waiting nearest to the soon-to-be empty lot gets it
4. First come, first serve

It is common to see cars waiting for a lot with their hazard lights on. Sometimes, we acknowledge with nods and waves on who will get the lot first, or simply, who is nearest.

But we've also seen the bad side. Some who go against the flow of traffic (which is illegal) to get to the lot first or going head-in while another is preparing to reverse. That's just blatant disregard for those waiting.

A lot shouldn't be choped by a friend or family member, either. Lots are meant for cars, and cars only, not humans!

Some drivers park their cars closer to a pillar or wall to give others more space
5. Leave the wall-hugger alone!

Some people are nice. They hug the wall - meaning they park very close to an immovable object, such as a wall or pillar. Aside from minimising the chance of dings and dents from goondus who disregard cars beside them and open their door like a bat out of hell, it also gives the next lot ample space.

Some people do not recognise the noble efforts of the wall-hugger - they proceed to park even closer to them.

Assuming that you can only gauge a parking space with cars or objects, we highly suggest that you find an empty carpark and practice spotting the lines to park. Save wall-huggers.

You don't need a big space to open your car door, just open it enough to get out
6. Open it gently

You really don't have to open your car door to extreme angles to get in and out. Also, it doesn't need Hulk-like strength to open it normally.

Parking in the centre of the lot helps as most lots are adequately spaced for occupants to enter and exit the car with some discretion. Do note that hitting an object with your own door does cause damage, either a dent or chipped paint, or both.

You should advise your passengers to exercise caution when opening your car door, if they don't want to pay for a new coat of paint.

Does your car have bad dings from years of parking abuse? Check out some body repair shops here!

Folding your mirrors only takes a few seconds and some cars do come with auto-folding mirrors
7. Fold your side mirrors

Some cars do come with auto-folding side mirrors. Use them. It is common courtesy nowadays. Plus, you save the chance of your side mirrors from getting knocked by accident.

If your car does not come with them, at least folding the mirror on the driver's side manually will ease access for those parked beside you, and for yourself. It only takes a few seconds, too.

By doing so, you save yourself from looking silly trying to squeeze between cars. Remember about looking like someone with exquisite taste?

Having sufficient money in your CashCard saves you from the inconvenience of getting stuck at the gantry
8. Top up your CashCard before leaving the carpark

Most carparks have upgraded to use Electronic Parking Systems (EPS) to pay for parking. It is very convenient compared to coupons, and with per-minute charging for some, you only pay for the time you parked.

But you need to make sure that your CashCard has sufficient value to pay for parking, or you'll be stuck at the gantry when exiting. In some narrow carparks, you will inconvenience others greatly if you are unable to exit.

Also, it's good to have an older CashCard on standby, as some carparks still use older EPS systems.

Here are some related articles that might interest you 

How to drive safely on the roads in Singapore

New drivers beware! Here's 5 dangerous driving habits you don't want to pick up 

Uniquely Singapore driving myths that need to die 

Many drivers have heard of these fuel-saving tips but do they really work?

Watch out for these speed camera hotspots in Singapore!

Some carparks are expensive, and you may be caught off guard at the gantry when leaving. Save the surprise, check out the rates for most carparks now!

Everyone needs to park. Unless you're in a weird place on Earth where parking doesn't exist, the idea of parking a car well is sort of an etiquette to driving. We see a properly parked car like a person of exquisite taste, one who is a professional at what he or she does.

After all, we are pushing a ton of expensive metal around, it doesn't hurt to park them right. Here are eight parking habits you should practice.

Check if your car is parked in the centre of the parking lot

1. Watch the lines

Really, it is as simple as that. Parking lots are clearly allocated, but some people just don't get it. It is frustrating when a lot cannot be used because one car has used two lots.

Remember to check that the front of the car isn't sticking out of the lot, too. Your car may obstruct a safe passage for pedestrians to walk alongside traffic to get to their cars.

Park it right. At HDB and URA managed carparks, parking your car beyond the boundaries of a parking lot will attract a $50 fine.

What's the rush? Be patient, everyone will get a lot soon

2. Be patient

Some people take time, some have mastered the art. But all of us may occasionally take a longer time to park, especially when it's a place that we're unfamiliar with, or an unfamiliar car.

When you come across someone taking a long time to park, all you have to do is to just wait patiently. Showing your frustration by honking and throwing out questionable hand signs won't help.

It might just make the whole process slower if the other driver is panicking, or if more aggressive types end up picking a fight with you.
It doesn't hurt to let others know of your intentions by using your hazard lights

3. Make your intentions clear

When you are waiting, or want to go for a parking lot, indicate so using your hazard lights. It is really that simple, and it makes a difference.

Yes, hazard lights are meant to be used as a warning, but it has become a good habit for many to use it when parking or waiting. This gives other drivers behind an understanding of what you're trying to do. Wait by the side and let others pass before continuing to park.

By using your hazard lights, you will unlikely have to deal with the hassle of confronting impatient people as mentioned above, too.

Generally, whoever is waiting nearest to the soon-to-be empty lot gets it

4. First come, first serve

It is common to see cars waiting for a lot with their hazard lights on. Sometimes, we acknowledge with nods and waves on who will get the lot first, or simply, who is nearest.

But we've also seen the bad side. Some who go against the flow of traffic (which is illegal) to get to the lot first or going head-in while another is preparing to reverse. That's just blatant disregard for those waiting.

A lot shouldn't be choped by a friend or family member, either. Lots are meant for cars, and cars only, not humans!

Some drivers park their cars closer to a pillar or wall to give others more space

5. Leave the wall-hugger alone!

Some people are nice. They hug the wall - meaning they park very close to an immovable object, such as a wall or pillar. Aside from minimising the chance of dings and dents from goondus who disregard cars beside them and open their door like a bat out of hell, it also gives the next lot ample space.

Some people do not recognise the noble efforts of the wall-hugger - they proceed to park even closer to them.

Assuming that you can only gauge a parking space with cars or objects, we highly suggest that you find an empty carpark and practice spotting the lines to park. Save wall-huggers.

You don't need a big space to open your car door, just open it enough to get out

6. Open it gently

You really don't have to open your car door to extreme angles to get in and out. Also, it doesn't need Hulk-like strength to open it normally.

Parking in the centre of the lot helps as most lots are adequately spaced for occupants to enter and exit the car with some discretion. Do note that hitting an object with your own door does cause damage, either a dent or chipped paint, or both.

You should advise your passengers to exercise caution when opening your car door, if they don't want to pay for a new coat of paint.

Does your car have bad dings from years of parking abuse? Check out some body repair shops here!
Folding your mirrors only takes a few seconds and some cars do come with auto-folding mirrors

7. Fold your side mirrors

Some cars do come with auto-folding side mirrors. Use them. It is common courtesy nowadays. Plus, you save the chance of your side mirrors from getting knocked by accident.

If your car does not come with them, at least folding the mirror on the driver's side manually will ease access for those parked beside you, and for yourself. It only takes a few seconds, too.

By doing so, you save yourself from looking silly trying to squeeze between cars. Remember about looking like someone with exquisite taste?

Having sufficient money in your CashCard saves you from the inconvenience of getting stuck at the gantry

8. Top up your CashCard before leaving the carpark

Most carparks have upgraded to use Electronic Parking Systems (EPS) to pay for parking. It is very convenient compared to coupons, and with per-minute charging for some, you only pay for the time you parked.

But you need to make sure that your CashCard has sufficient value to pay for parking, or you'll be stuck at the gantry when exiting. In some narrow carparks, you will inconvenience others greatly if you are unable to exit.

Also, it's good to have an older CashCard on standby, as some carparks still use older EPS systems.

Here are some related articles that might interest you 

How to drive safely on the roads in Singapore

New drivers beware! Here's 5 dangerous driving habits you don't want to pick up 

Uniquely Singapore driving myths that need to die 

Many drivers have heard of these fuel-saving tips but do they really work?

Watch out for these speed camera hotspots in Singapore!

Some carparks are expensive, and you may be caught off guard at the gantry when leaving. Save the surprise, check out the rates for most carparks now!
author
Written by Idris Talib 
While the world goes car-lite, Idris believes we should celebrate cars before they go extinct.
facebook icon
...
youtube icon
...
isntagram icon
...
tiktok icon
24.4k
 

Recommended Merchants

icon
Imperial Auto Style Pte Ltd
Paint Protection
icon
Advance Auto Sound Pte Ltd
Audio System - In Car Entertainment
 

Related Motor Directory Merchants

Tyres & Rims
Repair & Servicing
CNG Workshop
Security System
Motor Insurance Companies
Finance Companies & Banks
Decals, Stickers & Number Plates
 

All Advice Categories

Car Buying

Car Selling

Car Ownership

Car Technical

Car Maintenance

Miscellaneous

Related Articles

4 things you need to know about using a roundabout

4 things you need to know about using a roundabout

Stop retrofitting LEDs in your old head lights!

Stop retrofitting LEDs in your old head lights!

5 signs that your wheels are misaligned

5 signs that your wheels are misaligned

Oh no, your car’s interior is wet! What now?

Oh no, your car’s interior is wet! What now?

Relax, it's just the Stop-Start System

Relax, it's just the Stop-Start System

Eco-friendly tyres that last longer and save fuel

Eco-friendly tyres that last longer and save fuel

Best comfort-oriented tyres for a more relaxing drive

Best comfort-oriented tyres for a more relaxing drive

How to maintain your car leather

How to maintain your car leather

You May Also Like

EV your business with Hong Seh Evolution

EV your business with Hong Seh Evolution

Stop retrofitting LEDs in your old head lights!

Stop retrofitting LEDs in your old head lights!

Can we make it to Kuala Lumpur in one tank?

Can we make it to Kuala Lumpur in one tank?

Sgcarmart Explores: Kovan!

Sgcarmart Explores: Kovan!

V-Power up your everyday drive

V-Power up your everyday drive

The Audi e-tron GT points the way forward

The Audi e-tron GT points the way forward

BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport Facelift Review

BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport Facelift Review

First look: 7 things you should know about MINI's new family

First look: 7 things you should know about MINI's new family

Tags

driving drivers good habits manners parking carpark car park courtesy courtesies parking courtesies carpark courtesies viral

Contact Us
Careers
Follow Sgcarmart.com
facebook iconinstagram iconyoutube icontwitter icontelegram icon
sgcarmart app store download iconsgcarmart google play download iconsgcarmart app gallery download icon
Buy / Rent Cars
New Cars For SaleUsed Cars For SaleCars For Rent
Sell Your Car
Post an AdSell by BiddingSell by Consignment
Aftermarket
Workshop DirectoryAftermarket Products
Articles
Car ReviewsCar AdviceCar NewsCar FeaturesCar Videos
General
About UsContact UsCareersSite Map
Resources
COE PricesCar Loan CalculatorsCar Forum
 
Car InsuranceCar ValuationCOE Renewal
 
Used Car WarrantyBidded CarplatesCarpark Rates
Follow Sgcarmart.com
facebook iconinstagram iconyoutube icontwitter icontelegram icon
sgcarmart app store download iconsgcarmart google play download iconsgcarmart app gallery download icon
Sgcarmart is the number one car classifieds for buying vehicles like sports car, hybrid car, COE cars, OPC Car, hatchback, stationwagon, MPV, SUV, van, truck & parallel imported cars. Buy from new car dealer, parallel importer, car auction, etc. Also find useful products & services like car audio, car polishing, solar film, car accessories, car parts, car repair, car workshop, car bodykit, car tyre, sport rims, car mat, car stickers, mover, and motor insurance. Check out our car blog and coe prices. Find Rental Cars for short term rental, long term lease, private hire cars, wedding cars and cars for p-plate probation drivers.
Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyPersonal Data Protection Statement
©2004-2023 Sgcarmart, Singapore. All rights reserved.
Terms of Service | Privacy | PDPA
©2004-2023 Sgcarmart, Singapore. All rights reserved.