Hack of the day: Save exactly where you parked

'The Times of India' brings you 'Hack of the Day'—a new weekday series of quick, practical solutions to everyday hassles. Each hack is designed to save you time, money or stress, using tools and features within your reach—from government websites to everyday apps. In simple terms, it's simple fixes for smarter living.Few things are more frustrating than wandering through a massive parking lot or basement garage, trying to remember where you left your car. It happens in malls, airports, stadiums, and even on unfamiliar streets — you think you’ll remember the spot, but after hours of shopping, traveling, or attending an event, the details blur.

Many people resort to snapping a quick photo of a pillar or floor sign, but that often fails when the lot is crowded or looks identical across levels. The smarter solution is built right into your phone: Google Maps’ “Save Parking Location” feature. By marking the exact spot, you can avoid confusion, save time, and head straight back to your car without stress.

What it solves

This hack eliminates the guesswork of finding your vehicle.

Instead of relying on memory or vague photos, you get precise directions back to your car, even in complex multi-level parking structures.

How to do it

1. Open Google Maps once you’ve parked.2. Tap the blue location dot on the map.3. Select the option to “Save your parking location.”4. Add notes or a photo — such as the floor number, pillar code, or section name.5. Later, open the saved location and simply tap “Directions” to walk straight back to your car.

The power move: Notes and photos

Saving the location is useful, but the real trick is adding notes and photos. In giant indoor parking spaces, GPS alone may not pinpoint the exact floor or section. Writing “Level B2, near pillar P17” or snapping a quick photo of the signage ensures you’ll find your car without confusion.

Why it’s useful

* Airports & Stadiums: Navigate sprawling lots with multiple entrances.* Basement Garages: Avoid the maze-like search in underground parking.* Unfamiliar Streets: Mark your spot in crowded city areas where landmarks are scarce.