Best Garage Parking Aid – Buyer’s Guide

Best Garage Parking Aid

With a garage parking aid, scraping your car on your garage becomes a thing of the past.

Even if you have great garage lighting, you will still need something to help you out parking — like when parking at night time, or if the risk is just too high!

If you buy a bigger car but don’t get a bigger garage (which is much harder), you’ll either spend a lot of time (and get stressed) parking a lot more carefully, or end up scraping your shiny new car.

Even when it is easy to drive your car into a garage, driving it out isn’t so easy. Repairs are expensive, and no one wants to spend extra money on repairs or spend a few hours in the mechanic’s shop every week. Even if your new car has sensors, they don’t help much with the tight tolerances of garage parking.

The question is which kit to pick with the wide range of parking aids in the market. And even with the best garage parking aids, you can still also use protective pads, which prevent damage to the car when you knock your car on the garage walls by mistake.

In reality, you don’t have to use just one parking aid. It’s useful to use a combination of two — for example a visual aid and an aural one — to make sure you’re parking as safely as possible. Parking aids are very inexpensive compared to repairs and tend to last forever (or until the batteries run out).

Below are some of the top garage parking aids in the market, based on our extensive testing.

Best Garage Parking Aids of 2020

ProductTypeCars countUse batteries
Maxsa Dual Garage Laser Park (Editor’s Choice)Maxsa garage parking aidlaser beam2+Check Price
Maxsa Parkign Matbar1Check Price
GoodChief Laser Line Park AssistGoodChief garage parking aidlaser beam2+Check Price
Striker Concepts Adjustable Parking Sensorultrasonic1+Check Price
Camco 44442 AccuParkbar1Check Price
Maxsa Light-Up LED Parking Ballball1+Check Price

1. Maxsa Park Right Dual Laser Parking Guide – Best For a Two-Car Garage

The Maxsa Park Right Battery-Powered Dual Garage Laser Park is designed for two-car garages. The Maxsa garage parking guide helps you monitor all the sides of the garage when driving in or out.

This garage aid is easy to install — it’s battery-powered, so it doesn’t need wiring. It works by shining lasers onto your car to guide it to the correct spot. This not only helps keep your car safe, it helps keep your garage safe, too.

This garage aid is engineered with high-quality class 3A red laser. This makes it highly effective even when you are parking your car in a dimly lit garage. This laser has a max output of greater than 5 mw with a wavelength of 650 NM plus/minus 10, giving it a wide range. You need to drive forward until the laser beam of the vehicle gets to a spot you have predetermined.

When the beam goes off, it means that you have parked in the right position. Once you have parked your car correctly, the lasers will go off automatically. They are recommended for those with 2-car garages.

PROS:

Easy to install and includes mounting bracket and mounting hardware
Works well in a wide range of lighting, including in dimly lit conditions
Offered with an easy-to-follow user manual

CONS

Narrow adjustment angles
MAXSA Innovations PARK RIGHT™ Laser Parking Systems - Models 37310 & 37312

2. Maxsa Parking Mat — Parking block mat-style parking guide for cars, RVs, and trailers

The Maxsa Innovations Park Right parking mat is a simple pair of bars on a mat that stops your car (or trailer, RV etc.) when you are parking. I love this parking guide for being easy to install — just put it on the ground where you want your wheel to be!

It’s pretty low-tech, but it works. It’s just a mat you place on the ground and doesn’t need any complicated installation. All you do is roll your car onto it and feel the bumps through the car. You only need one, but you can use two if you’d like a stop on each wheel.

how to use the maxsa innovations parking aid
Maxsa innovations parking aid — roll your wheel onto the aid

You can use this parking aid inside a garage or in a carport, or even out on an outside driveway — it’s made of resilient material and can withstand heavy rain and bright sunlight.

The Maxsa parking mat is made of rubber and conforms to uneven surfaces, like asphalt and concrete. No matter what condition your garage is in — even if it’s dusty — you’re covered. You can use this parking aid inside a garage or in a carport, or even out on an outside driveway — it’s made of resilient material and can withstand heavy rain and bright sunlight.

This parking mat is small at only 21 inches long and 11 inches wide, with a 2-inch stopper at the end. You can get it in gray, red, or yellow, if you want higher visibility. Because it’s quite small, it’s easy to store away if you use your car parking space for something else for a while.

PROS:

Easy to use with no complex installation needed, and fool-proof
Highly visible color options
Resistant to elements and highly durable

CONS

Not as fancy as the laser parking aids

3. GoodChief Dual Laser Line Garage Parking Aid — Easy Laser-guide Parking by Line, Powered by Garage Door Light

The GoodChief Universal Garage Parking Aid uses laser beams to direct you to the correct parking position in your garage.

All you need is to watch the laser beam until it lands on a predetermined position on your car. The pre-determined position on the car can be on the hood or windshield — anywhere that you can see. (But not directly into your eyes, preferably.)

The GoodChief laser parking aid is easy to install. It’s powered from the garage door opener’s light, so there’s no motion sensor that might get dirty or fail. And it comes with installation hardware and mounting brackets. But my favourite thing is how easy it is to use — it’s just a laser that shines a line or an X into which you drive.

What I love about the GoodChief laser parking aid is that even though it’s a high-tech laser product, it has low-tech design that isn’t likely to fail. It’s basically just a laser pointer that shines a line (or cross) and is powered by the garage light.

The next thing I love is that it creates a line or lines, rather than a dot. This makes it much easier to see as you’re parking.

And finally, the GoodChief is entirely made in the USA, in Michigan, by one guy who builds these and sells them on Amazon. Support a local business!

PROS:

Simple to install — powered by garage door opener’s light
Projects a line rather than a dot
Can be used for one car or two
Made in the USA by a small business entrepreneur

CONS

Laser light can be hard to see in bright sunlight (if you park in the middle of the day)
goodchief laser garage parking aid in use in a garage
GoodChief Universal Laser Parking Assist - An Easy & Innovation Way for Parking

4. Striker Concepts Ultrasonic Parking Sensor (2020 model) – Easy to Mount, Easy to Set

The Striker ultrasonic parking aid is a simple parking sensor that can be installed on any wall, shelf, or working bench within sight the front of your car where you park it.

You only need to attach it to the surface using Velcro and the double-sided tape included in the package. Once you install it, you press and hold the “Set Distance” red button. Once all the LEDs on the device light up, your distance has been set.

The Striker garage parking sensor uses ultrasonic range-finding technology to sense when the car is nearing its parking spot by showing green, yellow, and red lights, alerting you when to slow down and stop. It detects your approaching car between 6 inches and 6 feet away. This sensor comes in handy when you need to reverse into your garage. When the car is approaching, a green light comes up. Yellow means slow down, and then red means stop.

One of the best things about the Striker ultrasonic parking aid is that once you set it, you can use it for any car. You set it for the ideal distance for one car (calibrating it for the bottom of the car), and then it’ll beep at the same time when the front of any other car reaches the same point.

Another advantage about the Striker is that it can be used reversing in to the garage.

The only significant disadvantage to ultrasonic parking aids is that they’re aids for going forwards and backwards only. In other words, you are at risk of hitting the walls of the garage if there’s something there. A laser-style parking aid gives you a precise target to move towards.

A previous version of the Striker had poor battery life. But the 2020 updated model has been updated for much better battery performance.

PROS:

Can be used for any car once calibrated
You can use it going forwards or reversing
Easy to use and install
No laser (no danger to children’s eyesight, or an adult accidentally looking)

CONS

For one car only
Forward/backward guide only
Striker Garage Parking Sensor

5. Camco 44442 AccuPark – Most Budget Solution

The Camco 44442 AccuPark Parking Aid is a bar parking aid designed to stop your car when you reach a pre-determined position. This being a bar, it is easy to install with adhesive strip tapes included. This is a yellow bar that reflects light, letting you see it even in dim light. The bar gives you a stopping point inside your garage. The bar is 18 3/8 inches long to fit all sizes of cars.

Each bar is made of UV stabilized resin, making it highly durable. The bar is lightweight and easy to move from one place to the other. You do not need any special equipment to move it, and neither do you need any equipment. It is recommended for those on a budget.

PROS:

Lightweight and easy to move
Relatively cheap
Easy to install with only adhesive tapes

CONS

Relatively less durable
Camco 44442 AccuPark Parking Aid2

6. Maxsa Light-Up LED Parking Ball – Most Simple Solution

This is a small and simple parking aid designed to light up when you park at the right spot. It is a light green ball with a rope tied to it and a screw to mount it to a wall. Its 8-foot line extends long enough for convenient use. Each unit is offered with three replaceable batteries. The batteries are easy to replace. Installation is as easy as attaching this to the garage ceiling.

Yes, you could use a tennis ball on a string. I’ve done that before. Aside from wanting to upgrade to something slightly higher tech considering the investment in my car and garage, I like that the Maxsa ball lights up when you make contact. This takes guessing work out. Otherwise when I’m parking up against a tennis ball I keep thinking “have I hit it yet? have I hit it yet?” which is distracting from the task of driving.

The ball has been improved to make it look like a tennis ball and make it more sensitive with a softer texture. It is designed for those who need parking aid at a budget.

PROS:

Great price with an improved tennis look
Easy to install
Replaceable batteries

CONS

Relatively less durable
37340 Maxsa Parking Ball

Buyer’s Guide

Best Garage Parking Aid

Parking in a garage can be challenging, especially when you are doing it for the first time. Unless you get out of the car, you never know whether you are in the right position. Without the help of a parking aid, you might need to keep repositioning your car to ensure the garage door can be closed.

If you don’t know how much to back up before making the parking maneuver, a parking aid makes it easy. At the end of the process, you will have wasted a lot of valuable time. Parking aids, in this case, are devices that assist you to park your car by monitoring the positioning in the garage. It saves parking time and reduces the risk of bumping into the rear or sidewalls.

These devices allow you to use your garage for other purposes, such as storage. With these devices, you avoid bumping into stored items.

Garage Parking Aid Options

Back in the day, people used to improvise parking aids such as hanging balls with a string to help them mark the exact parking position. Nowadays, there are all sorts of parking devices, ranging from simple and easy to use bars to high-tech gadgets.

Parking Stops/Bars

Parking Stop Bar

The bar is the most basic parking aid. Parking bars, also known as parking stops, are placed in a single position where you need the stop. You brake when the front or back wheels (depending on how you park) hit the bar. These bars are fitted with reflective material, allowing you to see them during the day and at night. When you are buying a bar, consider the length of the bar and its ease of installation. Most of these bars are easily installed using adhesive tapes. When buying this bar, consider its construction material, which determines its durability.

LED Parking Signals

LED parking signals are other types of parking aids. These are simple stop signs fitted with weighted bases and flashlights. When you hit the bump, the base with flashlights alerts you to stop. These parking signals are effective in a 1-car garage and can easily be moved from place to place. When buying these parking signals, you need to consider the brightness of the signals during the day and at night. During the day, the lights need to be bright for visibility. Again, each unit needs to be light for transportation from one area to another.

Ultrasonic Parking Sensors

Ultrasonic Parking Sensors

Ultrasonic Parking Sensors feature a sensor with a signaling unit. When your car approaches the garage, the sensor will flash a signal, alerting you either to decelerate or to stop. A sensor that gives off three different lights is better than those with a single light. The first light flashes when you approach the garage, the second light tells you to decelerate, and the third light tells you when to stop. Most of the ultrasonic parking sensors are fitted with three signals with different colors.

The good thing with these sensors is, they can be used for a 2-car garage without having to move the sensor. When shopping for ultrasonic sensors, consider ease of installation and whether you are offered mounting brackets and hardware, the range or how long the sensor detects your car, and its price-performance ratio. The Ultrasonic sensors are installed on the rear wall of the garage or on the ceiling.

While some sensors are already programmed, some will need simple settings to ensure that you get the correct distance from the wall to the parking spot. When shopping for these sensors, consider the ease of setup.

Parking Lasers

Parking Lasers

Parking lasers are more like ultrasonic sensors. They are fitted with motion detectors that go on when the car is approaching. You will need to stop when the red light from the laser hits a predetermined point on your car’s hood or dashboard. Just like the ultrasonic sensors, you can use lasers for a 2-car garage. You will need to consider the ease of installation, the brightness of the laser light and its safety to the eyes, and ease of setup.

Parking Ball

Parking Ball

A parking ball is the least expensive of all parking aids. True to its name, this is a ball that hangs from the ceiling. Not only is the ball cheap, but also easy to install and easy to use. You need to drive your car into a safe spot by readjusting its position until you get it right and then taking the measurements. Using these measurements, install a hook eye on your ceiling and hang the ball with a line. The ball should hang up to the windshield of your car. The line should be long enough to allow adjustments once you have taken the needed measurements.

There are different ways to use this ball. You can attach it to your garage door to make it retract when the door is closed and drop when the door is open.

Wall Bumper

The wall bumper is less of a parking aid and more of a protector for your car’s door and the wall of the garage. This is an easy tool you can use to estimate the exact parking position in your garage. It is a good option for tight garages. It allows you to open the door to a rubber stop instead of the hard garage sidewall that might scratch your car.

These wall bumpers are created easy to install. Some are easily installed with screws, but some have double-sided tape. Screw bumpers are preferred, seeing that most dry walls are unfinished, and tape does not stick. When buying these bumpers, consider the quality of the rubber. Its needs to be soft and easy on your car and durable for resilience.

Considerations when buying a garage parking aid

When you need a parking aid device, there are lots of options to consider. You need to ask yourself a few questions in order to choose the best:

  • How large is your garage?
  • How precisely do you need to park?
  • How much work will you need to do?
  • What is your budget?

If you have a small garage (or have some other things in the garage), you will need a parking assist device that allows you to park precisely. For a small garage space, a low-tech parking aid such as parking stops work fine. Parking stops are straightforward and easy to use.

If you have a large garage, for instance, a two-car garage, choose ultrasonic sensors and laser beams. These options are easy to set up and can be adjusted to fit even large garages.

If you are not willing to put in a lot of work, choose a low-tech garage aid, which is easier to install and easier to use. High-tech devices are relatively challenging to install, and some of them need programming. When you do not know much about installation, go for a simple parking aid. Low-tech parking aids only need to be screwed into place. And if you need convenience and accuracy, choose a high-tech garage aid, but be ready to do the installation.

When you need to park precisely and accurately, you need a parking laser to an ultrasonic parking sensor. These will give you great results, and they are easy to use. This comes in handy when you need to park two or more cars. A parking laser when setting up right, lets you park a car and leave enough room for the second car.

You should consider the durability of the device you buy to ensure you get value for money.

How to Use Garage Parking Aids to Park Safely

The garage parking aid you buy should be informed by your needs, the size of your garage, and the convenience you expect to get from the aid. Will your choice of garage aid offer you the desired results?

First off, you need to choose the exact spot on which to park your car. This will make it easier for you to decide which parking aid is the best for your garage. Even with parking aid, it is still hard to park when there are obstructions on the way. Granted, ensure that you do not store too many items in the garage to make it easy to access.

Ensure that devices that need charging have been charged, and batteries have been replaced for those that use batteries. You need to periodically check the condition of the devices to ensure that they are in good working condition.

Even though you have a parking aid, you need to ensure that you learn how to park without parking aid by developing your parking skills.

Garage Parking Aids vs. Car Parking Sensors (that you mount on your car)

In some instances, you can install sensors in your car to tell you the proximity of items when you are parking. While some cars come fitted with these sensors, they need to be installed on some cars for them to work. These are good alternatives to garage parking aids. The advantage of these sensors is that they are installed in your car, and you can use them anywhere you go besides your garage.

The sensors need to be installed on the rear and at the back of the car, allowing you to go into your garage and reverse out. Some car parking assist devices are fitted with cameras that allow you to see when reversing and when moving forward.

Not everyone needs a parking aid, seeing that some have bettered their driving skills, allowing them to park with ease. When chosen correctly, a parking aid will give you convenience and, in the long run, let you learn how to park without one.

Parking Aid Durability

Besides parking stops, which may be made of metal and composite materials, most of the other parking aids are made of plastic. Even then, most of them are made of strong materials, allowing them to last long. Ensure that the aids do not feel flimsy and can resist impact in the garage. For parking stops and plates, metal is the most ideal material.

You should also ensure that you check user reviews before buying a parking aid. This will show you how the aid performs and its durability.

F.A.Q.

1. What are the park assist sensors?

Park assist sensors are proximity sensors that help drivers park their vehicles. There are many different types of park assist sensors that drivers can choose from, and each of them has a variety of features that are designed to make parking easier.

Park assist sensors use electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors to work.

2. How does rear park assist work?

Rear park assist systems work by sending an auditory or visual signal to drivers as they park to alert them of objects that may be in their way. The auditory signal gets louder and beeps more frequently as drivers get closer to an object, and visual alerts warn drivers by growing in size or flashing.

Some advanced rear park assist sensors work by showing drivers video of the area behind them and any objects that are in their way, and other advanced rear park assist sensors work by showing drivers the direction their car is going in as they turn their steering wheel.

3. How do front car sensors work?

Front car sensors work by detecting objects in front of your car. A warning signal goes off to alert drivers if they are getting close to hitting an object. The warning signal is usually noise or a visual alert.

If the warning signal is a noise, it gets louder or beeps more frequently to alert drivers when they are getting closer to hitting an object. Visual signals flash or grow in size as drivers come closer to hitting an object.

4. How does self-parking work?

Self-parking cars work by using an on-board computer system to help the driver park their car.

  • The driver controls the speed of the car by pressing or releasing the brakes.
  • The self-parking system takes control of the steering wheel and begins parking the car.
  • The car sends signals to the driver, letting them know when to press or release the brakes.
  • The car backs into space.
  • The self-parking computer system tells the driver to stop and shift the car into drive.
  • The car settles into space.

5. Which cars have parking sensors?

Many cars have parking systems. Whether you prefer to drive a truck, car, SUV, or hybrid, you can find a vehicle that has parking sensors. Most car brands and dealerships offer cars with parking sensors, so you don’t have to give up your favorite dealership or brand to get a car with a parking sensor.

6. Is it better to park your car in a garage?

It’s good to park your car in a garage. Parking your car in a garage can save you both time and money. Below are four benefits of parking in a garage:

  • Protection from the elements – snow, rain, strong winds, hail, and dirt damage the appearance of cars.
  • Protection from animals – squirrels, stray cats, dogs, and birds can damage your car.
  • Protection from dents or scratches – falling tree branches or accidental scrapes from visiting friends or family can put dents or scratches into your car’s exterior.
  • Protection from UV damage – sunlight damages the interior and exterior of cars.

7. What is a parking aid on cars?

Parking aids are tools that help drivers park their cars. There are many different types of parking aids to choose from. Front parking sensors help drivers park by warning them of objects that are in the front of their car.

Rear parking sensors help drivers park by warning them of objects that are behind them while blind spot sensors help drivers by warning them of obstacles in their blind spots. Self-parking is a parking aid that some cars have. Self-parking cars park themselves with little help from the driver.

8. Is it OK to park a wet car in the garage?

Yes, it is okay to park your wet car in a garage. If you park your wet car in the garage, you shouldn’t close the garage door. If you close the garage door while your wet car parked there, your car will not dry correctly, and it will deteriorate faster due to condensation.

Parking your wet car into an open garage allows your car to enjoy the benefits of being parked in the garage while avoiding the problems condensation can cause. The open garage door allows the damp air from your car to flow outside and not rest on your car.

9. Is it bad to park a car in a garage in winter?

If you live somewhere where salt is put on the roads in the winter, parking your car in a garage can lead to rust damage. Salt is corrosive, so when you park your car in your garage, the salt from any ice on your car may damage your vehicle as to the ice melts.

If salted roads isn’t a concern in your area, you can park your car in the garage, but do not close the garage door. Leaving your garage door opened will provide an exit for any condensation that forms if the ice on your car melt.

10. Is it bad to park a car outside?

Parking your car can be bad, especially in the summer. The reason for parking your car outside can be bad is because your car will be exposed to the elements. Trees, birds, stray animals, rain, hail, and many other things can damage your car if it’s parked outside.

Parking your car outside can also be good, especially during the winter or if your car is wet. A wet car shouldn’t be parked in a garage without the garage door open. If you aren’t comfortable leaving your garage door opened with your car parked inside, you should park your car outside.

11. Can 2 cars fit in a 2 car garage?

Whether two cars can fit in a two-car garage depends on the size of the cars and the garage. The minimum recommended dimensions of a two-car garage is 20 feet by 20 feet. This size is big enough to fit two smaller cars, but not much else.

If you want to fit larger cars in your garage, or if you want storage space in your garage, a larger two-car garage is needed. The exact garage size you’ll need will depend on what you want to put in it.

12. What is the easiest car to park?

There is no one car that is easiest to park. Your size and skill will determine which car is best for you to park. If you are smaller or aren’t very skilled with parking cars, a small car that is easy to maneuver may be best for you.

If you are nearsighted, a more compact car may be easier for you to park since its hood will likely be shorter. A shorter hood means you’ll be able to see the space in front of your car much better. Taller or stronger people may feel more comfortable parking a larger vehicle.

13. Are smaller cars easier to park?

Smaller cars are easier to park for a lot of people. Smaller cars are usually easier to control and maneuver. Shorter people, especially, may feel more comfortable parking a smaller car. Nearsighted people may also feel more comfortable parking a smaller car since their vision may be less obstructed.

For taller people, a smaller car may be harder to park because the car may be uncomfortable for them. Stronger people may find parking a smaller car harder since they may overshoot the parking space more often due to using too much force on the steering wheel.

14. Does garage kept cars last longer?

A garage can keep your car lasting longer. A garage protects your car from harsh weather and falling tree branches or leaves. A garage may also keep your car lasting longer by protecting it from extreme temperatures and sunlight.

A garage can also keep your car from lasting longer if you park your car in it while it’s wet don’t leave your garage door open. Your garage door should be open if your car is wet to limit the amount of condensation in your garage or in your car. Condensation can damage your car and shorten its life.

15. What is self-parking system?

A self-parking system is a system that some cars have that has an on-board computer system integrated into it. This computer system takes control of the steering wheel when drivers want their car to park itself. Self-parking systems are typically safe, but drivers should remain aware of their surroundings when the system is parking their car so that they can take back control if there is a problem.

Conclusion

With a wide range of parking aids, it is challenging to choose the best. Users need to choose a parking aid based on the convenience it gives them and their budget. When you need a movable device, choose stop signs, parking stops, and tennis balls. The sensors and laser beams are ideal choices when you need fixed options. Even when you have parking aids, ensure that you install bumpers on your garage walls.

When shopping, ensure you get a good English manual for the high-tech parking aids, and you get a good warranty for all the parking assists. For some options, buy more than a single unit. Parking aids are diverse, and there is no one good option for all. From the ultrasonic sensors for those who love fun to the LED stop signs for those who love simplicity. It is up to you to choose what appeals to your taste.

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7 thoughts on “Best Garage Parking Aid – Buyer’s Guide”

  1. What about the Park-Daddy?? Check it out! Better than all the rest and I’ve tried all of the above!

  2. Have you seen the Park-Daddy? It has the highest rating on Amazon of all the Garage Parking Systems! I have one, I works great!

  3. Ryan – you missed the Park Ranger. It’s a relatively new product and differs from many of the others. It’s optically based and is mounted on the sidewall of the garage out of the way. You can learn more about it at tkachenterprises.com. It’s available at Amazon, where it is one of the most highly rated (4.4 stars) and one of the least expensive parking aids. Maybe you can discuss it in your next review/update.

    Steve

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