Street parking in a major metropolitan city like Toronto can be a major headache. Drivers shouldn’t just look for the first available spot but choose wisely to protect their cars from theft and vandalism. Below, we outline some simple street parking tips every city driver should know to keep their vehicle safe and avoid parking fines.
Take the Corner When Possible
When prowling for a parking spot, your first choice should be a corner spot (the first or last spot on the block). For one, these spots are much more convenient as it means surrounding cars won’t box you in by parking too close, and you don’t have to parallel park.
However, you should be wary of things like fire hydrants, stop signs, and driveways when parking on the corner, as they typically bookend blocks. Ensure you’ve got enough space so you’re still parking legally but on the corner.
Look for Light
Unfortunately, vandalism and theft are things every driver should take into account when finding a parking spot. If you’re parking at night, overnight, or early morning, it’s best to do so in brightly lit main areas or as close to the nearest street light as possible.
Vandals and thieves will avoid high-exposure areas like streetlights and main streets, focusing on darkly lit side streets and alleys. If you don’t find any spots, consider parking in front of an occupied building with some light for better exposure.
Hug the Curb
Another street parking tip every city driver should know is to park as close to the curb as possible. This is a useful wheel security tip to prevent theft and damage, as it blocks wheel thieves from placing a jack beneath your car and stealing the wheels.
Drivers should also turn their wheels at a 45-degree angle to make it more difficult for wheel thieves. While these won’t guarantee your car is safe, they’ll deter thieves from targeting your vehicle as an easy mark.
Check the Signs
Of course, you’ll want to check the signs first when parking on the street, whether in a major metro area or a small town. Parking signs will explain the rules for parked vehicles in the area—whether there’s a time limit, free or paid parking, and more.
If you can’t find a sign or are unsure, many metro areas have apps that allow drivers to pay for parking and look up the rules remotely; for Toronto drivers, it’s the Green P app.
Avoid Tree Branches
While it may be tempting to park beneath a tree offering bountiful shade, especially in the summer, you should avoid parking your vehicle directly beneath one when possible. For one, there’s always the possibility of a falling tree branch damaging your vehicle. Also, we know that trees attract birds, and birds may leave their droppings on your car.
Now, you can park like a pro in Toronto or any large North American city. These simple but effective tips will help you keep your vehicle safe and parking ticket-free!
