I have done the dance with a revolver and a semi-auto, with the revolver, emptying the cylinder is not as bad as reloading. (I don't/didn't use speed loaders). With the semi-auto, at first I just didn't rack one into the chamber (unless I was going somewhere that I thought it would be best to be fully loaded (cocked and locked). My hands and wrists hurt a lot so I really do did not like that.
Solution was, get a CPL. Until then, park in the back 40, and try not to look like you are doing something strange...that is what draws attention to you. With a little practice you can get it done in a couple seconds, and it will look like you are just locking up your car the old way. I don't like door dings either, so, even though we could probably get a set of perminent disabled plates, we walk from the back 40, even though I did finally break down and get my CPL.
Don't do it while you are in your car...not wort the risk.