
First, drive the car inside and onto the elevator. The elevator ascends, lifting the car to the rooftop, then drive the car out. Some parking facilities have dedicated multi-level parking systems where you don't need to drive your vehicle up yourself. Simply park your car inside the designated space and turn off the engine. For those multi-story parking structures, they use spiral ramps.

As an architect, I frequently deal with rooftop parking solutions when designing high-rise buildings. We typically incorporate dedicated vehicle ramps or spiral driveways to allow cars to easily access the top level. Rooftop garages require reinforced structures, where engineers calculate the load-bearing capacity of concrete beams to ensure they can support multiple vehicles. Safety is the top priority, with sturdy guardrails and anti-slip flooring installed to prevent vehicles from skidding or overturning during storms. Many urban shopping malls adopt this approach to save space, such as having entrance ramps that lead directly to the rooftop, alleviating ground-level congestion while providing convenience. I recommend drivers choose professionally built parking towers rather than personal modifications, as rooftop conditions are vulnerable to weather—heavy rain or strong winds can pose risks and compromise driving safety. Regular maintenance of the lifting systems is also crucial to prevent accidents caused by malfunctions.

I once parked on the roof of a busy shopping mall, where the entrance featured a wide, winding ramp that required slow and steady driving. The rooftop parking spaces offered open views but were designed to be low and discreet to prevent accidental falls. The parking attendant told me the structure was reinforced concrete slabs with steel bars, capable of supporting fully loaded trucks. During heavy rain or strong winds, they would close the rooftop to avoid water accumulation causing vehicles to skid. I often took my family there and found it very convenient, especially during peak hours to avoid the crowds downstairs. It's worth noting that older buildings' rooftops may not meet standards, and parking is prohibited if the load-bearing capacity is insufficient, as it could crack the slabs and cause collapse. Newer buildings' rooftop garages usually have smart navigation systems with lights guiding drivers to empty spots, reducing chaos.

I have been in the automotive repair business for many years and have seen some rooftop parking facilities, mainly relying on elevators or conveyor belts to transport vehicles up. The system is driven by an electric motor that operates chains or rails. After driving onto a dedicated platform, the vehicle is lifted slowly to the rooftop via button operation. During maintenance, it's essential to check lubrication and safety switches to prevent jamming or falling. The rooftop structure must be capable of supporting the vehicle's weight, often requiring the installation of load-bearing beams on top of office buildings or hotels. In practice, avoid parking when overloaded or during wet conditions, as elevator malfunctions could leave the vehicle suspended, leading to high repair costs and delays.


