A car passing through an electronic parking system (EPS) gantry operated by Wilson Parking at Mapletree Toa Payoh North carpark.
Singapore may be relatively safe in terms of crime.
But parking in Singapore can sometimes put your car at risk of damage.
If you’re a newbie driver, here are 3 tips to keep in mind before going out.
Parking in Singapore Tip #1: Do online recon first!
The majority of motorists are happy to just park at the carpark that’s the nearest to their destination.
However, if you take a lot of pride in your car’s appearance, you need to recce first!
Google Maps may sometimes have a street view option for your destination.
If you have never been to a place before, it is a good idea to check out the locale.
As you “move” down the street, look for the carpark entrance.
Or, is there even a carpark, sheltered or otherwise? If you are precious about your car, kerbside parking is a no-no!
You can also check out this sgCarMart article about hellish carparks to up your knowledge base.
If not, this YouTube channel that shows actual videos of carparks will come in handy.
Ask friends/colleagues/relatives about carparks to avoid.
There is always someone who remembers details such as steep ramps, awful speed bumps, tiny spaces, etc.
Remember, if you value your car, parking in Singapore means finding a decent carpark!
Parking in Singapore Tip #2: Avoid lower floors and carpark spaces nearest to the lifts/entrances!
There is no scientific evidence, but most experienced drivers who love their cars will testify to this anyway.
Folks who park on the lower floors and spaces nearest to building entrances value convenience above all else.
We must also assume that some of these folks, in their rush to run errands, may not take care when opening their car doors!
Remember, if efficiency is their priority, they won’t care about dinging or denting your car door.
You’re not going to use that much more fuel driving to higher or lower floor that’s more empty.
If you want to be safer, find a lot that’s the furthest from the entrance, too.
Because the location is inconvenient, there’s a higher chance you’ll avoid being beside someone who’s in a rush.
Parking in Singapore Tip #3: Don’t park beside motorcycle lots!
The reason to avoid parking beside motorcycle lots is simple.
If a bike should fall over and hit your car, the damage is going to be much worse than another door denting yours.
Also, depending on the carpark layout, access to the motorbike spaces might be a bit close to carpark spaces.
If riders tend to zoom in and out, there is a risk of your vehicle getting damaged.
And if riders have to walk past your car to get to the motorbike lots, this is also risky.
If they are carrying their helmet, the risk of bumping your car is higher.
