Roadside parking - Precautions

[rajesh1868]

Hi,

i will be shifting to a new place this june. Problem is that this house doesnt have car parking . Almost all neighbours are parking it on roadside and i have been asked to do the same (under a tree).
I used to drive 30 kms daily . but this place is so close to office that i wont be driving for work. so most of the weekdays it will be parked ,unless i take it out to drive after work which normally doesnt happen that often
I would like to know any precaution to be taken for such parkings. Im planning to cover it anyway
next to this parking spot is an empty land . This is properly fenced area with some trees.

Thanks!

[amitoj]

When parking in Bangalore, its better not to park under a tree!
If you are living so close to your office, why not park it in your office only, assuming it has covered parking?

[VJ_MAVRICK]

Yea ! I agree with amitoj about parking in your office rather than under a tree. This is not to scare you,As one of my pal had a nasty experience parking under a tree and a whole branch landed on his palio due to rains and it was a costly affair for him to get it rendered back to normal state.

[GTO]

Since its going to be parked outside, ensure that you get a gear / grip lock installed for the purpose of security. Also try and park in an area which is not directly exposed to harsh sunlight (if possible).

[eclectix 1st]

Since its open parking, there will be other cars parked there.
Try and park farther most to the center of the street, so there are no moronic kissing/brushing to your car by some inexperienced driver while maneuvering for parking or driving.
cheers:

[HappyWheels]

The first two years of my cars possession saw it being parked outside, on the road. Since there was a government school near my place of stay, it was often that the school kids used to do all their writting practise on my vehicle (it being black and with dust on it, was a great scribbler!!!).

I used to cover it over night and during one particular holi session noticed that the kids tore open the cover and smeared my car with color!

Nothing much to do except sign in disgust!

But I guess mine was a one-off case due to the school being near.

Rajesh, as mentioned, make sure you get a gear lock and do not park in a spot which has direct sun light. But, if possible, park in your office!

[iraghava]

In open parking do the following:

1. Get a good quality car cover which has a strap to secure the cover from the underbody side.

2. Always, fold both ORVM's.

3. Never leave the stereo face plate in the car or any valuables either.

4. Get a good sunfilm installed.

5. Get a good security system & a gear/steering lock.

[rajesh1868]

I forgot to mention that this is a Wagon R with iCATS

My office has limited parking space. so i think i dont have a choice.

Originally Posted by GTO

Since its going to be parked outside, ensure that you get a gear / grip lock installed for the purpose of security. Also try and park in an area which is not directly exposed to harsh sunlight (if possible).

Area is shady. How much will gear lock costs? any specific brand that i should look for? and can this be done in Maruti service center or somewhere outside?

@ HappyWheels
sorry to hear about the holi incident.

Any precaution to be taken against rats?

[maddy42]

Buddy dont park under coconut trees. My cousin has just replaced his windscreen on his ikon.

[sanjayatarizona]

Preferably keep notaried copies of vehicular documents in your car and the originals safely tucked away.

Also pray hard every morning

[sammyboy]

Originally Posted by iraghava

In open parking do the following:

1. Get a good quality car cover which has a strap to secure the cover from the underbody side.

2. Always, fold both ORVM's.

3. Never leave the stereo face plate in the car or any valuables either.

4. Get a good sunfilm installed.

5. Get a good security system & a gear/steering lock.

Ishan has given a very good list . Just an addition , because you are in Bangalore please make sure you do not park under the tree. Its rainy season and you saw the havoc created by rain a few days back. Trees getting uprooted or branches breaking and falling on the car are common sites here. Also please do get a gear lock installed. Its not common in bangalore but it is extremely useful.

[rahuldeodhar]

I had heard about informing the local police station and getting permission from them - but never bothered to know more - this might be Mumbai police idea for all you know.


RD

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by rahuldeodhar

this might be Mumbai police idea for all you know.

Seems likely, Rs 200 per permission please

[kavesh55]

If you are parking on the roadside, get ready for some tinkering work every now & then, or stay with it. I too have similar parking and most scratches on my car have been done when the car was stationary & not moving.
Be prepared.

[abhaybakshi]

I am one of the unfortunate lot who dont have a covered parking.
Worst part is that I even dont have covered parking in my office as well....
So, my Swift is open to natural elements 24*7....rain and sun.

I would like to know,

1. How much this will impact on interiors (dashboard specially)
2. What impact on exterior (paint and rubber)
3. Precuations to take

I usually polish the dashboard and vinyl parts with Waxpol every month and
fortunately this has kept them shining without any fading. Do I need any special care for outer body like wax polish or any polish which will protect from UV rays (please let me know product name)