Have you ever found yourself in a pay and display car park with just about enough change for the time you need? There’s never anyone around able or willing to offer you more change so the money you have is it. Have you then found that the machine won’t accept one or more of your coins, which then leaves you stuck and ever so slightly annoyed? Well I have, on many occasions. Usually when I have both children in tow, it’s busy and I’m desperately trying to get a bit of Christmas shopping in or some such task or am in a rush and don’t have time to phaff around.

I have a tip for you that may make things a little easier. It was told to me by a parking attendant who noticed my agitated state one afternoon when I was struggling with my change.

He told me that if you have a coin which keeps being rejected, try placing it on top of the machine for a moment and rub it along the top. For some reason, this has worked every time since I first tried it. I’ve absolutely no idea why this works (must be something to do with the magnetic friction I suppose) but it really has worked a treat for me. It’s saved me time and hassle, so I thought I’d pass on this little gem to you too.