A Proximity Sensor May Be Needed

[skullandbones]

I visited my local McDonalds this morning for "breakfast" which was uneventful. However, when I returned to the car, there was a little problem. It seems that the bodywork under the nose (oil cooler hole) was stuck over the concrete guard that usually engages with your front tires if you go that far. I didn't hear going over the guard so when I started to back out I noticed the nose raise just a little. Good thing I didn't power out of there or it would have left a piece of the body on the ground. Then it would look even more like an FIA after I smoothed it off. I ended up getting a couple of smooth river rocks laying near by and raised up the body enough on both sides to clear the guard. When I left, the rocks were still there. I hope no one moves them so it will remind me when I'm pulling into my favorite space. I'm glad I am testing my car with it's disposable paint job as it would pain me seriously to see a fine paint job scratched up because of little accidents like today. Every time I think I am getting the hang of this, something else unexpected happens!!! Maybe a proximity sensor isn't such a bad idea.

Anybody else experience little problems like this or am I just special?


Thanks, WEK:cool::cool:.

[Blue MK3]

I also "hooked" the nose over a curb when I pulled in a bit too far. Didn't hear the hook going in, but I did backing out. The nose goes in easily, but not so backing out. Like a barb on a fish hook. It took out a small (~1/4") piece from the back edge. Since it's totally out of sight, I left it alone. Lesson learned: these are short cars and you don't need to pull in as far as you would in your DD.

[billjr212]

Blue describes it perfectly as the barb on a fish hook. Scared the heck out of myself once doing the same thing. Best to follow his advice and just leave plenty of space. The car is so short you could stop 2 feet from the curb and still be tucked in compared to those around you.

[CraigS]

I was lucky, I saw someone else do it when there were a bunch of us around. We got 4 people to help lift the front just enough that he didn't crack the fiberglass on the way out. So I park far enough back to look silly from the front.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Anybody else experience little problems like this or am I just special?


If you're special so am I! Scraped the curb at the hardware store the first week or two that I was on the road. :rolleyes:

Jeff

[Gumball]

Almost on the road... thanks for the warning!!!

[MPTech]

A bunch of the more experienced owners recommended to me to back in to spots. Although that's near impossible while belted in! :p

[rich grsc]

A bunch of the more experienced owners recommended to me to back in to spots. Although that's near impossible while belted in! :p
Yes, I almost always back in. It a rule in our club. :rolleyes:

[Blue MK3]

A bunch of the more experienced owners recommended to me to back in to spots. Although that's near impossible while belted in! :p

Amen, bro'. I can't turn around while belted in either.

[skullandbones]

Hey that's why they make that red ejection tab. I've always been able to get out much faster than hooking up! But seriously, I remember from my Smith Driving training that backing in is the preferred way when possible to reduce risk of a backup accident in the parking lot. I will have to start that practice again and it has the added benefit of not messing up my frontend. Thanks for reminding me.

WEK.