Have you ever wondered, “How do most mechanical parking systems work?” While the mechanics are complex, the basic process is simple to understand. You may be used to parking garages where you drive in, find a space, park your vehicle, and leave it behind while you go to work, shopping, or what have you. Mechanical parking systems remove much of the hassle, pollution, and dangers of regular parking garages by taking the human element out of the system, protecting your car, the environment, and you at the same time.
Arrival
Unlike a typical parking garage, with a mechanical parking system, you never have to be inside the facility where the cars are stored. When you arrive at the garage, you will usually enter a waiting area or terminal. There should be several spots where you can pull in your car and begin the process of parking. Sensors will guide you to the proper place and guide you so you can pull in and situate your car correctly on the parking platform. Once you’re in place, you leave your car, lock the doors, then exit the area. There should be adequate signage or directions provided to take you to where you will receive a code, parking ticket, or card for when you return to pick it up.
What’s Next?
Your job is done! Now leave your car in the “hands” of the mechanical parking system. Mechanical parking systems come in different styles and designs, offering different parking and spacing options according to the size, shape, and needs of the building. In general, however, once you leave your car, the platform or similar device lifts and takes your vehicle to the parking garage’s interior. Not to worry, though, as no one drives your car to its space and the wheels remain perfectly stationary. The platform follows a fixed path of supports, gears, and so forth, bringing your car to a large area where cars are stacked in elevated rows and racks. Cars are carefully moved and removed in a constant cycle as people drop off and pick up their vehicles throughout the day. And since it’s stored in a place that’s inaccessible to humans, you don’t have to wander through a dark garage, worrying about muggers and thieves breaking into your vehicle. No coughing and gagging on exhaust fumes, either!
Departure
As a final answer to the question of how most mechanical parking systems work, after your car is placed on the shelving unit inside, you can go about your business then return later. Once you’re back, you can punch in your code or scan your ticket or card, and the system will retrieve your car in the same way it parked it. On average, your car will be available within minutes to a well-lit area or terminal where it will be ready to drive straight out and onto the exit ramp or street.