Skip advert
Advertisement

Parking aids

Parking aids can ensure garage scrapes become a thing of the past. But which are the ones to go for? We try them out

Cars are getting bigger with every new launch, but the average garage isn't, so the chances of a scrape or a ding when parking your motor are increasing.

Even if you manage to get your car in the garage without damage, there is always the problem of trying to squeeze out of it and the potential for scraping a door on a wall. With mobile SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technique) repairs costing around £100 a panel and bodyshop fixes much more, it pays to have help when parking, especially as cars' factory-fit sensors leave too much space to be useful in a garage's tight confines.

But what kit should you choose? To find out, we tried garage-mounted parking devices, which aim to stop you hitting anything in the first place, and protective pads, which are designed to prevent damage if you accidentally do.

The test

With the pads, we used a scrap door and a trailer to simulate in-garage bumps and scrapes, and looked for the protectors and metalwork to survive unscathed. We also factored in value for money, as sizes varied. For the sensors, we 'parked' several times, checking for accuracy, consistency and ease of use.

Verdict

For total protection, we'd go for a combination of products, and the Garage Parking Guides and Protector Set included them in one reasonably priced package. The yellow mat made parking in the right spot easy, and the twin foam blocks can be used on the walls to protect car doors. For gizmo fans, the Garage Parking Signal was extremely accurate and well priced. The Door Guard in third was good value and offered a range of size options.

1. Garage Parking Guides and Protector Set
2. Garage Parking Signal GPS1
3. Door Guard

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,241 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £11,948
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £12,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025