Most of us have experienced that sinking feeling when we realise we don’t know where we parked the car. Multi-story car parks, shopping centres, unfamiliar cities – they and many other locations can catch us out.

But fortunately for us, tech giant Google is at the rescue once more, with their updated Search App. Simply start the app and a new Google Now card will identify where you left your ride.

More information on the revamped app can be found on Google's support pages. Parking location cards are only visible if your car is your main mode of transport within Google Now.

Your elusive vehicle will appear as both a map location and an address. In the event of an incorrect location, users can obtain alternatives – and despite any hiccups, it is surely a lot better than wandering around a huge car park for hours on end!

Google has warned, however, that the feature is not always accurate, sometimes resulting in a parking location card appearing even if you haven't parked your car. A card may pop up if you leave a taxi or a bus, for instance.

You can see previous parking locations by selecting 'previous locations'. Google pointed out that parking location cards are not shared with anyone else. This could be handy if you don't want certain people to know where you've been parking!

If you're not familiar with Google Now, check www.google.com/landing/now/

If the Android version 3.4 update is not yet available to you yet, it should be very soon.

The software could also be useful as an app for a car breakdown: for example, if you have to leave your car, then cannot find it again, it will locate it for you.

By Craig Hindmarsh