Weighing down on car parking

With the recent fire truck incident in Makati, and the obvious damage the frequent rains do to our vehicles—flooding included—we at Zigwheels Philippines believe it is time to weigh the benefits of having a personal parking area.

From setting aside a small shed in one’s home driveway to renting a dedicated parking slot in a nearby car park, here are the advantages of giving your vehicle a home of its own. 

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Towing, fines, obstruction

While it has become a norm for many neighborhoods in the metro to use part of the road as a parking area for one’s automobile, having a designated parking space will save one from the trouble of having to pay fees and penalties, dealing with a clamped car, or recovering a towed vehicle.

Depending on local ordinances and regulations, a thoroughfare can be declared a no parking zone and allows officers to clamp or haul an obstructing automobile to clear the way. 

Citing the example of an incident in Makati, a parked car blocked a responding fire truck and suffered damages. While the owner of the vehicle states that it was parked outside since it was being repaired at an auto shop, a proper place to work on the vehicle would have saved everyone the trouble.

It was later reported that the owner received a show-cause order from the Land Transportation Office, where he surrendered his driver’s license.

Damage protection

A car parked outside is exposed to the elements and other factors that could cause scratches, dents, and other damages to the vehicle’s body.

Rain carries pollutants and minerals that leave watermarks on the paint as well as acidic components that might harm the coating. Moreover, as the water dries, dust and other particles can accumulate on the moist surface, which stays on the panel and can potentially cause light, hairline scratches when wiped down. 

If the paint chips and the body is still constantly exposed to rainwater, it may lead to rust. And while applying wax and other protective products might help, investing in a roofed garage would have save one the money, time, and effort.

Constant exposure to the sun, too, may cause the paint to fade. Plus, interior trims that are often under the sunlight may weaken overtime, with surfaces becoming crusty and falling into a state where repair or replacement will be in order.

Other instances that can cause damage to a car parked on the road include scratches from animals taking shelter under and finding warmth above the automobile; dings from hard items that passersby might be carrying; as well as falling debris like twigs or branches.

And if one parks near sewage drains, rodents could chew on one’s wiring, causing more trouble.

Convenience 

For people living in condominiums and apartments with no carport, having to hunt for a parking area becomes part of daily life.

And let’s be honest, driving around the block to search for an area to leave your vehicle not only wastes one’s time, but also causes unnecessary fuel consumption. It’s as bad as being stuck in traffic.

Vandalism, theft security

Leaving a car parked outside leaves it vulnerable to vandalism and theft.

While not prevalent, there is no assurance that no one will intentionally scratch the car’s paint, pierce the vehicle’s tires, and maybe crack the glass—just for fun, maybe if they are under the influence of any substance.

In places where the crime rate is high and the population is deprived, leaving one’s vehicle right out in the open could be an invitation to criminals and wrongdoers to loot the car. 

Things commonly taken include side mirrors, license plates, rear spoilers, batteries, tires and wheels, as well as hood ornaments. These are typically sold for a price on online marketplaces and in some physical stores that trade automotive parts.

If one accidentally leaves valuables inside the car, someone can easily break the window and take whatever is inside. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are appealing targets. Purses and bags, which can be visibly seen from the outside, also entice lawbreakers into getting some quick cash after stealing one’s possessions.

With a secure parking area, bad guys will have to think twice before they even go near the vehicle, as many parking spaces are equipped with deterrents like closed-circuit television cameras.

Peace of mind 

Finally, nothing beats having that peace of mind when one leaves their vehicle in a dedicated parking area. Doing so can prevent the above from happening and even save the vehicle from flooding, should a car owner have or is renting an elevated garage. 

One can sleep sound at night knowing that his or her ride is secure from the elements, thieves, and vandals.

Sure it may add more on top of the usual operational and ownership cost, like fuel, monthly amortization, maintenance, and insurance, but it can save owners from sudden expenses like dent repairs, repainting, or buying a new battery or a new set of tires. 

Also read: 

Loving your car 101: how to protect your car's paint

Maximizing Transmission Lifespan: How Often Should You Change Your Transmission Fluid?

Navigating the Aftermath: A Comprehensive Guide to Assessing Flood Damage on Cars 

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