Garage Parking Works With A Tennis Ball

A tennis ball hanging from the garage ceiling is enough to park in the same spot every time. No camera, laser, or app involved.

I set the car where the garage door could close, the stroller and bikes still had room, and I could walk behind it with groceries. Then I hung the ball so it touched the windshield at that exact position. The next time I park, I roll forward until the ball meets the glass and stop.

A few details make the setup less annoying:

• Use a bright ball that is easy to see in the rearview mirror.
• Tie the string to a ceiling point that will not interfere with the garage door.
• Test the position with the car centered, not angled toward one side.
• Recheck it after moving shelves or storage bins.

The ball is a better signal than judging the hood against a wall. It also gives me the same amount of room for the stroller and bikes without asking me to remember an invisible stopping point.