10 Rules for Carparks! Must Read!

[AWD Chaser]

1. Don't Speed
Most car parks have speed limits. But for those that don't, you really shouldn't be doing over 20kph. Just remember, there are little kids running around here and you could hit one if they jumped out at you. Not only that, but randomly open car doors, run away trollies and other cars not look around and just pulling out.
And just because you are driving in a carpark underground or a multistory one, just because your car echos the exhaust, it's no reason to put your foot down and sound like you got a mad exhaust (or if you do, setting of peoples car alarms). Also, never spin the wheels. Carparks are mostly concrete and it just makes a terrible sqeeling sound that echos even worse, and makes you look like a tool.

2. Be Patient
Never go honking your horn. It gets you no where in a car park, let alone on the road in traffic. If someone is taking their time parking their car, don't let it get under your skin.

3. Always indicate!
Indicating is the most important part of driving in a carpark. To indicate which row you are going to turn down, exiting, or waiting for a spot while someones leaving. Indicating gives you the power. eg. If someone is trying to park in a spot and realises they can't get in, and you also have your indicator on, it doesn't automatically grant the next peron in line to take this spot. Your indicator has done this for you.

4. Own up to it
If you ever have the miss fortune of bumping or scraping some elses pride and joy, or even if it is a crap box, at least leave a note explaing that you have damaged their car, and leave your details. This can apply to either driving, or your torolly driving skills (or it's own). What goes around, comes around. I'm sure if someone dented your car, you would like them to leave a note and their details. For this reason too, return your trolly!

5. Don't Smoke
Most closed in (ie. Multi story and underground) carparks are smoke free now days, so obey the law. Also, their are alot of different types of people (Mum's, Kids, Old People, Pregnant Women, Ex-Smokers) who would not appreciate breathing in your second hand smoke, so save it for somewhere else. If you drive a crapped out Laser that blows a pile of smoke or an old smokey diesel, perhaps you might consider parking away from the entrance.

6. Don't drive slower then walking speeds
Whats more annoying then people driving fast, is people driving really, really slow, looking for a parking spot. Just drive at a nominal car park speed. Also, stalking leaving shoppers is rude. There's not a problem doing it, but try and not drive at walking speed.

7. Don't double park
This is the worst of all parking things you could do. Double parking someone is rude, illegal, time wasting (for you and the other party) and can turnout expensive to you. Alot of carparks have a condition of entry, which prohibits (amoung other thigs) from you double parking. Some carparks (Westfield is one of them) will tow your car away at your expense, if you park someone in. If there are next to no spots left, this is no reason to park in the disabled zones. These are reserved for people with real problems, such as not being able to walk far, so respect these spaces.

8. Lock your car
The worst thing for you is to return to your car, to find out, someone else has parked there and no sign of your car. Even if they can't take your car, they can still take everything in it. In the ACT, it is illegal to leave your car unlocked.

9. Park straight
Another painfull thing is when you try to squeeze into a carpark space because the knob beside you has parked at some absurd angle and is over the lines. Lead by example and park properly. Also, if you park over the lines or very close to them, you increase your chances of getting your car damaged with scratches and dents

10. Avoid Confrontation
Apart from following all of the above to avoid confrontation, you can always park well away from the entrance where there is a field of free spaces, and sometimes even take up two spots to further avoid damage. This is recommended for larger vehicles.