Tips for Parking in a Parking Garage

Parking in a parking garage saves you the time you’d otherwise spend searching the limited streetside and municipal facilities. You can reserve your spot ahead of time and have it ready upon arrival. Leading garages partner with reservation management companies that offer convenient online booking and daily and monthly passes. Here are a few tips for parking in a garage:

Find a Garage

Parking facilities offer different options, including single-level, multi-level, underground, and automated garages. A single-level parking garage offers one level of parking space above ground or underground. Multi-level garages feature several levels and may involve driving up and down ramps. Underground garages feature space beneath commercial buildings and apartment complexes, while automated garages use robotic systems and lifts to park and retrieve your car.

Choose an option that suits your needs and preferences. Review the parking arrangement to find garages with the right layout for your parking skills. Angled parking arrangements make it easier to move in and out of the spot, but you may also be able to find perpendicular and parallel parking. Check if the garage offers self-parking or valet services.

Reserve Your Spot

Garage parking lots are run by reservation management companies that offer websites and apps you can use for online booking. Instead of driving around looking for a parking place, search and reserve your spot online. The reservation companies partner with landlords, stadiums, and large establishments to manage various parking lots in the area. You can search for empty spots near your destination and reserve them for a specific duration.

Leading reservation management companies also offer monthly passes that allow you to use all parking facilities they operate. Monthly passes usually feature discounted rates, making it easier for you to plan your day and book a spot in different garages. You can sign up for a free account, add your vehicle information, and link your card for easy payment and convenient reservation.

Review the Rules

Every garage has unique policies and restrictions that impact their suitability based on your needs. Some garages only accommodate small cars, while others are designed for large trucks and SUVs. Garages may also offer daytime parking only, overnight stays, or both. Other rules include how long you’re allowed to park your car and fees for delays, extensions, and no-shows.

Check the rules in advance and comply with the garage’s requirements. If you need more time than the original allocation, inform the facility to make such arrangements and avoid towing fees. Ask about any violations and prohibitions to make sure your parking experience is as seamless as possible.

Follow Parking Protocols

To avoid accidents, look up the facility information provided by the reservation management company and assess the size and angle of your parking space. Adjust your mirrors and use reference lines and visual cues, driving slowly into the reserved spot. Check for clearance when approaching obstacles and ramps, and choose a spacious spot for your vehicle.

Pay attention to the traffic flow to avoid blocking other cars and causing delays. If the facility has an attendant, follow their instructions for convenient parking. You can also use parking aids like sensors and cameras. Stick to the speed limits, one-way signs, and other instructions in the garage, and stay alert for pedestrians walking between cars. You can also back into your parking spot for an easy exit later.

Find a Safe Parking Garage Today

Garage parking lots are safe and convenient, especially when booked through a reservation management company. You can reserve a spot in different locations based on your itinerary to help you save time when traveling. Contact a reliable reservation management company today to find a parking garage for your vehicle.