Many people, due to carelessness, have made seemingly minor mistakes when parking their cars, resulting in regrettable consequences. Here are some important notes to remember:
Engage the parking brake entirely: Forgetting to fully engage the parking brake is a common mistake many drivers make before turning off the engine and parking the car. Maintaining this habit can wear down the brake system, resulting in reduced sensitivity and posing a danger when driving. Forgetting to engage or release the parking brake entirely can cause brake shoes and pads to rub against the brake discs/drums, creating significant friction and increasing temperatures, potentially leading to brake fires.
The first mistake many drivers make when turning off the engine and parking their cars is forgetting to engage the parking brake.
To protect the brake system, before parking, drivers should press the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop. Afterward, engage the parking brake, shift from “Drive” to “Park,” and then turn off the engine. Before exiting the car, the driver should also carefully check if the warning light is illuminated to ensure the parking brake is engaged.
Adjust the steering wheel when stopping: One of the things drivers need to remember before turning off the engine and parking is to readjust the steering wheel. Drivers should remember the rule of how much they turned the wheel in one direction while driving and straighten the wheel before turning off the engine. In the case of parking on an incline, it’s advisable to park with the wheels turned for safety.
Additionally, a note to remember is when parking under hot, sunny conditions, drivers should turn the steering wheel 180 degrees. This position prevents direct sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of burns when touching the steering wheel.
Turn off the air conditioning system: Before turning off the engine, it’s recommended to stop and park the car for a few minutes, then turn off the air conditioning system and use the fan to circulate air. This practice prevents thermal shock when stepping out, especially during hot summer days with high temperatures. It also helps the air conditioning system last longer, saves fuel, and prevents the interior from becoming damp, moldy, or having unpleasant odors.
When turning off the engine and parking the car, it’s necessary to turn off the air conditioning system.
Close all windows: Before turning off the engine and leaving the car, drivers should check if all windows are closed. Ensuring that all windows are closed not only ensures physical safety but also prevents dirt and harmful air from entering the car’s interior. However, if parked under hot, sunny conditions, the car owner can slightly open a window for airflow, preventing the cabin from absorbing too much heat.
Fold the side mirrors: When parking, drivers should not forget to fold the side mirrors to prevent potential collisions that might cause unnecessary damage. For electrically adjustable mirrors, owners should fold them before leaving the car. For manually adjustable mirrors, they can be folded manually.
Close all window glasses: When parking the car outdoors without closing the windows, the car’s interior may get wet if it rains. Additionally, leaving the windows open might create enough space for thieves to easily break into the car. However, during hot weather, if parked in a secure location, drivers can slightly open both windows for ventilation to avoid excessive heat buildup inside the car.
Turn off lights and windshield wipers: Modern cars have automatic headlights that may not require manual adjustment. However, older car models may need manual headlight adjustments to avoid draining the battery. Additionally, some cars’ windshield wipers may not automatically reset to their starting position when the engine is turned off. In such cases, they need to be manually adjusted to prevent water stagnation, dust buildup, or obscuring the windshield, which can affect visibility when it rains.
Lock the car doors: Forgetting to lock the car doors might be the cause of valuable belongings disappearing from the car.
