Parking seems trivial, but it is one of the most common moments for thefts and minor damage to occur. For those just starting out, a few simple precautions already make a big difference.
The checklist below focuses on the basics that work in everyday life. These are quick actions, easy to repeat, and that help preserve the car — something that weighs positively when it’s time to sell.
1) Choosing a spot: visibility and circulation
The parking spot influences more than one might imagine. Isolated or poorly lit areas make approaches easier and increase the chance of bumps from surrounding vehicles.
What to prioritize
- Direct lighting, even during the day (deep shade hides movement) - Close to entrances, guard posts, or foot traffic - Away from tight curves and ramps, where cars maneuver with limited visibility
A common example: the “corner” spot may seem safe, but it’s often where fewer people pass by and where doors from other cars hit without witnesses.
2) Locks, windows, and alarms: the basics done right
A large share of thefts happens due to simple carelessness. Locking properly is still one of the most effective measures.
Quick check before leaving
- Locks engaged (check by pulling the handle) - Windows fully closed, including the sunroof - Alarm activated, if available, watching for the sound or light signal
Avoid relying solely on the remote control from a distance. Interference can prevent locking without you noticing.
3) Discreet interior: less invitation, less risk
Objects in plain sight turn the car into a target, even if they don’t have much value.
Habits that help
- Nothing visible on seats or on the dashboard - Glove compartment and center console closed - Cables, mounts, and backpacks stored in the trunk
A forgotten coin or a simple pair of glasses is enough for someone to force a door or break a window.
Minor damage also matters
Beyond theft, think about scratches and small dents that reduce the car’s value. Leaving lateral space when parking, aligning properly within the spot, and avoiding areas with heavy loading and unloading traffic reduce this type of problem.
Building these habits takes only a few seconds and quickly becomes routine. For those who want to keep the car valued or make a future sale easier, this daily care makes a difference.
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