When it comes to running a successful car dealership, the importance of the right lighting cannot be overstated. The parking lot is often the first point of contact for potential customers, and as such, it is essential that the lighting in this area creates a safe, welcoming, and visually appealing environment to draw customers in. Let’s explore the factors to consider when designing car dealership parking lot lighting and the different types of fixtures available.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Car Dealership Parking Lot Lighting
Selecting the right parking lot lighting for your dealership begins with assessing the following:
Aesthetics
The right lighting can do wonders for the appearance of your dealership. It can create an inviting atmosphere and highlight the beauty of your vehicles, making them more appealing to potential customers. When selecting lighting fixtures, consider the overall look and feel of your dealership, including its branding and architecture. You want to select fixtures and finishes that complement your dealership’s aesthetic and enhance the features of the cars.
Safety
The safety of your customers and employees is of utmost importance. Poor lighting in a parking lot can create an environment that is conducive to criminal activity, accidents, and injuries. Ensure that your parking lot lighting provides enough illumination to deter criminal activity and keep vandals and thieves away from your inventory. Also, make sure it is bright enough to allow customers and employees to see where they are going and to help them feel secure in their surroundings.
Brightness
Your parking lot lighting should be bright enough to ensure that customers can see your vehicles from a distance and while driving down the freeway near the dealership. You want to make sure that the lighting is bright enough to reach the cars and showcase their unique features in order to attract potential customers. Consider the placement of your lighting fixtures, and ensure that they are positioned to provide consistent illumination across the parking lot.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient lighting not only benefits the environment but also your bottom line. LED lighting is the standard for today’s dealerships because it saves on energy bills and maintenance costs. Consider using other energy-saving measures such as motion sensors, which will turn off and reduce the output of non-essential lights when the parking lot is empty, further reducing energy consumption and costs.
Maintenance
Selecting lighting fixtures that are easy to maintain and repair can save you time and money in the long run. Ensure that your fixtures are made from durable materials and that they are designed for easy access and maintenance. You may also want to consider working with a lighting maintenance company that can help you keep your lighting system in optimal condition and address any issues as they arise.
Types of Fixtures for Car Dealership Parking Lot Lighting
Now that we have covered some of the key factors to consider when selecting car lot lights, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of lighting fixtures.
Site/Area Lights
Site/area lights are a popular choice for car dealership parking lots. They are designed to provide wide, even illumination over a large area. Site or area lights can be mounted on poles or buildings and are available in a variety of sizes and styles.
Wall Packs
Wall packs are mounted on the sides of buildings and provide high-intensity illumination. They are an excellent option for dealerships that have limited space for parking lot lighting. Wall packs are available in different sizes and wattages to meet your specific needs.
Flood Lights
Flood lights are high-intensity fixtures designed to provide directional broad and bright illumination over large areas. They are typically used in combination with site/area lights and wall packs to supplement the lighting in areas where additional brightness is required. But be careful, flood lights create uplight and often create glare, due to the angling of the fixtures.
Solar Lighting
Adding Solar panels is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for car dealership parking lots. Fixtures use solar panels to generate electricity during the day, which is stored in a battery and used to power the lights at night.
Solar panels may work for dealerships located in areas with plenty of sunshine, but may need to be supplemented with other forms of power. They are also an excellent choice for reducing energy costs and minimizing the dealership’s carbon footprint.
It’s important to note that solar panel options may not be suitable for all dealership parking lots, as they require direct sunlight to function correctly. Additionally, the initial cost of installing solar may be higher than traditionally powered lighting fixtures.
Smart Lighting Controls
Adding smart lighting controls is revolutionary technology that allows you to control and adjust your dealership’s lighting system from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. These fixtures are equipped with sensors and other smart features that automatically adjust the lighting levels based on the time of day, weather conditions, and other factors.
Smart lighting is an excellent choice for car dealership parking lots as it allows you to save energy, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the overall customer experience.
Car Lot Lights Selection, Installation, and Maintenance
Once you have chosen the lighting fixtures and layout for your car dealership parking lot, it’s time to consider the installation and maintenance process. Proper installation and maintenance can ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your lighting system.
Work with a reputable lighting designer and contractor who can assist you with the installation process. They can help you define your goals and advise on the best way to install the lighting fixtures and make sure that they are properly secured to prevent theft or damage.
Have a maintenance plan in place for your lighting system. This can include regular cleaning of the fixtures, checking for any damage or malfunction, and replacing any burned-out bulbs or damaged components. Make sure all electrical components for exterior lighting are checked regularly to prevent any electrical hazards.
Contact Solais for Your Lighting Needs
Choosing the right lighting system for your car dealership parking lot is an important decision that requires careful consideration of several factors such as aesthetics, safety, brightness, energy efficiency, maintenance, and cost. There are several different types of lighting fixtures to choose from, including site/area lights, wall packs, and flood lights.
With the right lighting system in place, you can create a safe, welcoming, and attractive environment for your customers and employees. Contact Solais Lighting to discuss your car dealership parking lot lighting needs and start the process of designing and installing your new lighting system.