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Dambusters Parking Aid

  (+18)(+18)
(+18)
  [vote for,
against]

Whilst driving into a parking space against a wall in a supermarket car park, I have difficulty judging the length of the car's bonnet (hood).
This idea uses simple moulded lenses in the headlamps, so switching on the headlamps produces two converging beams.
When the beams coincide (possibly one produces a circle, the other a cross-hair), you're the perfect distance from the wall.
AbsintheWithoutLeave, Oct 11 2008

[link]






       [+] for the idea, but I'd go with something that's not on all the time.
FlyingToaster, Oct 11 2008
  

       It isn't on all the time; just when you turn on the headlamps.
(Unless you drive a Volvo, in which case, yes, it's on all the time)
AbsintheWithoutLeave, Oct 11 2008
  

       Just as many (if not most) newer cars are equipped with an audible back-up proximity sensor that beeps with increasing frequency as you near another object or obstacle, I have often wondered why a front-mounted proximity sensor isn't also standard equipment. The gear is available off the shelf at most complete auto parts stores for a modest cost to install it yourself, but why isn't it a standard feature?
jurist, Oct 11 2008
  

       I vote + just for the Dambusters reference.
krelnik, Oct 11 2008
  

       no bouncing bombs then?
po, Oct 11 2008
  

       As long it plays the Dambusters theme tune as well, it gets my vote +
xenzag, Oct 11 2008
  

       //no bouncing bombs then?//
Later, later...
AbsintheWithoutLeave, Oct 11 2008
  

       <drums nails>
po, Oct 11 2008
  

       What's wrong with the parking radar?
MaxwellBuchanan, Oct 11 2008
  

       Laser cross hairs.
WcW, Oct 11 2008
  

       hah!
po, Oct 12 2008
  

       This idea might upset the Germans. [+].
8th of 7, Oct 12 2008
  

       //I don't recall driving into too many carparks where there isn't a concrete "bump stop" barrier mounted on the floor //
Quite rare in the UK, and I have an air-dam that would (and does) scrape them if present.
Basically, I don't want to touch *anything*.

//What's wrong with the parking radar?//
Have a thought for the poor moths. (sp. "sonar")
AbsintheWithoutLeave, Oct 12 2008
  

       This would also be helpful for large parking lots when you can't tell how close you are to the car parked facing you, providing the car is the right height for the beams (I have a truck and have this problem when parking across from small cars).
paix120, Feb 15 2009
  
      
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