I've noticed, in San Antonio, when you make an obvious attempt to protect your car, it apparently offends someone who then has to go out of their way to kick, spit, bang or scratch your car. I try as well to go wide or a row nobody uses, but parking over a line, will not work.

 

Where I park at work......

 

It's funny how small they are next to pickups. I came from a pontiac sunfire and the CMS, despite it's small appearance is so much bigger to me. And the funny thing is, my sunfire is longer than my MINI. I have a ton more space in our garage for my gardening stuff.

 

My first parking job!

 

WantAvant
Um taumax--worried some creep is going to cop a 'tude about your parking job! Be careful out there

 

How do I park my Countryman? One wheel at a time.

 

Had my CMS for 2 weeks and there is already a dent, not a scratch, a dent on my door.

 

I park like this, exclusively... LOL!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bentyyc/6174838129/

 

as usual....great pic

 

Don't worry, it was an empty parking lot at the very edge and I parked that way mostly for the picture

 

No countryman yet, coming soon! Currently I have a R50 (a bit smaller) and even that is a magnet for attention. Parking in spots near the end or at the back end of the lot is preferred, but if I do need to get a closer spot for some reason some rules apply:

Avoid minivans - minivans have kids. Kids are careless and parents are too busy to notice the huge ding they just put in someones care.

Same for Giant 5+ passenger SUVs.

Any car with lots of dings, or evidence of an owner who doesn't care.

Park next to nice cars that have signs of OCD owners like myself.

Finally if I have to squeeze into a spot next to these cars (or any tight spots) I will park a little bit left off center. That way I can control how I get out and give more room to the driver on the other side. It's a bit of a gamble but usually cars only have a driver. I have done it in a tight parking garage with cars mostly filled with work commuters. This rarely happens, but has not done me wrong yet.

 

In parking garages, I like to park next to columns; at least that side will be protected (and take extra care entering and exiting).

I always avoid spaces designated for "compact" cars, because too many drivers squeeze their big vehicles in next to you.

I also avoid lots with cart corrals if I can. People don't use them are often careless maneuvering carts between vehicles. Home Depot lots are especially hazardous.

 

Had to bump this up again since i got another dent, a 4 inch verticle one on the passenger door. Had this car for exactly 3 weeks.

 

I'm sorry that just sucks.

Just to geek out: what do people think about these products:

for front or rear bumper:
http://www.amazon.com/4Bumpers%C2%AE...pd_sim_auto_13

for sides of car to protect against door dings:

another front bumper protector:

 

Now you can justify getting both doors fixed and sprayed. Make sure the dent is large enough that they have to reskin it versus pulling and filling. Also it will be easier to match paint now when its new rather than later.

 

UG LEE.
I would imagine using the side door magnetic ones very often would put tiny scratches in the paint as you could not ensure every time both the painted door surface and the magnets were completely clean. You could carry a bottle of spray wax cleaner, but after a while it would be real easy to get lazy on doing that or even deploying these monsters. Not to mention you are just screaming out for someone to key you as it advertises your fear. I find it much easier (and healthy) to force myself to park far away and on an end spot where I can hugh the outside giving the one lone car next to me a wide berth.

 

I posted this in another forum.

I park on the 7th level. There are some spaces where the cars line up in a row, then there is an angled place next to a column. I opt for that as that leaves a nice triangle next to me and the car on the left of me. That car the driver gets out on the side not next to my car so no need to worry about his door. And his passenger door is so far away from my car there are no worries.

I am also very careful of end spaces as cars will squeeze in where there is no space sometimes.

For those who park on the street I found these interesting.
http://www.4bumpers.com

Also these BumpShox
http://www.bumperpad.com

Basically a thing to add to your license plate if you parallel park.

Keep an eye on your car with Blackvue now with 2 channel front and rear.
http://www.blackvueusa.com

Or we could get real ugly with these.
http://www.dentgoalie.com

Get a Mini Fini trailer hitch and then add one of these babies.
http://www.sparebumper.com

For me I drive a S Coupe and I have the clear bra. I do have to park in a parking deck but fortunately I opt for the end of a row. And I always park up on the 7th floor and by the back wall. Meaning I have to walk the length of the deck to the stairs or elevator.

Park high up, walk, not much activity around the car at all. Deck is safe and has security. Cars appear to only get broken into if things like computers are left on the seat at the lower levels.

Think about it. Who wants to break into a car and run down seven flights of stairs? And don't leave valuables in the open.

The DoorShox seem ugly but might not be a bad idea just in case I find I am parking in the odd situation. Rare. I normally only drive the car to work. Other errands I have a beater car I drive like to the grocery store.