If you are parking your car in a large car park, try and find a space next to, or near, a memorable landmark such as a tree, large building or lamp post. It can also be helpful to jot down the location on a slip of paper, but don't write 'next to the big van'- it may be gone when you return. Don't forget that at night a well-lit car is easier to find than one in the shadows.
Child safety Toddlers have been known to release a handbrake, operate automatic windows, put a car in gear and even start one. Never leave a child alone in a parked vehicle, even for a moment.
Summer dangers On a day that reaches 30°C/85°F, the temperature inside a closed car can rise to 38°C/100°F in as little as 10 minutes, presenting a serious hazard to objects, children and pets left inside.
Cassette tapes and camera film may deteriorate. Remove them if it's hot or if you will be parked for more than a few hours.
Perishable foods will start to deteriorate within an hour, and milk-based foodstuffs and dishes can spoil even faster.
To keep interior fabrics from fading, cover the front windscreen with cardboard shades. The side windows can be shielded with louvres or stick-on blinds, which are easy to install and can reduce the temperature by as much as 17°C/30°F. There are also covers for sunroofs.
Never leave your pet in a parked car in warm weather - even in the shade with the windows open. The animal can die from the combination of heat and stress.
If your plastic-covered seats get too hot for bare legs, drape them with fabric.
