Dings and dents can take place just about anywhere on a vehicle. If you own or lease a vehicle, chances are you have had to deal with these ill-timed, all-too-common occurrences.
Obviously, you want to protect your vehicle, but, frankly, most dings and dents simply aren’t your fault. They can appear as a mystifying door ding after you’ve returned to your vehicle from shopping or possibly it’s the result of a hailstorm your local weatherman didn’t predict.
Let’s face it, sometimes, the unexpected happens. As a vehicle owner, you need to get ready for the unexpected and learn how to protect your vehicle from those annoying dings and other daily occurrences.
The good news? Most dings and dents are avoidable. Our blog will show you how to prevent such door dings and help make sure you know the steps to take if one occurs, in spite of your best efforts. As for those unforeseen dings and dents, keep in mind that Becker Body Shop remains equipped with affordable dent repair solutions you can rely on.
Protecting your vehicle from door dings
Remember that vehicle you parked next to, and you thought it might be hugging the line a bit too tight. Not surprisingly, someone opened their door while you were shopping and bang! Now, your vehicle’s door has a dent in it.
Any number of things can produce door dings. Other drivers in a parking lot, runaway shopping carts, opening your door too hastily next to another vehicle or even kids playing baseball in a nearby yard.
That’s why prevention is so important. You can be proactive and do some things to protect your vehicle from nasty door dings and other external damage.
Try to find an end spot or walk a little way out
The end spot is typically the best bet in a crowded lot. If you don’t mind walking a bit to your destination, park further out, where there are usually only a few to no parked vehicles. After all, only you can control your actions. Consequently, the ultimate precaution from dings is to park as far away as possible from other vehicles, shopping carts and people. The odds of another driver cramming in next to your vehicle are considerably more remote.
Look out for curbs and obstacles
Stationary objects can also easily ding your vehicle. When parking or maneuvering around corners and curbs, be sure you have enough room to open your doors without hitting any nearby obstacles such as curbs, signs, light posts, walls and bushes, all which can be just as damaging as another vehicle.
Never take up multiple parking spaces
Misaligned parking is nothing more than an invitation for trouble. Okay, some drivers may opt to take up two spots to prevent door dings, but you’re probably more likely to anger other drivers, taking the chance that someone deliberately damaging your vehicle. Conversely, by parking evenly within the lines, you demonstrate courtesy to other drivers, while appreciably lowering the possibility of door-to-door contact.
Look at the height of the vehicle you’re parked next to
If there’s another vehicle comparable in height to yours and if you have protective door moldings, those moldings will most likely shield your vehicle from dings. However, since most SUVs and trucks are a bit taller, their doors may produce dents higher than your moldings can protect. You’re probably better off by simply relocating to another spot.
Choose parking on the top level of the garage
At malls, hospitals and other locations with multi-floor parking, avoid parking on the lower levels if possible. Rather, go to the top of the garage, where there’s usually plenty of open parking spaces clear of other vehicles.
Protecting your vehicle from daily dings
Sorry to say, but dents and dings don’t just take place when your vehicle is left unattended in a parking lot. Occasionally, they can occur while you’re on the road or even in your driveway. Here are some preventive tips for those routine dings and dents.
Use covered parking to get away from the elements
If you have a garage or covered parking, use it! It’s the safest means to safeguard your vehicle. Covered parking has several benefits, including shelter from heavy winds, snow or hailstorms that can be accompanied by costly deductibles.
Exposure to all these environments – ice, snow, rain, heat, sun, etc. – can eat away at your vehicle’s exterior. Heavy winds can also flatten trees, limbs or send branches or other airborne rubble towards your vehicle. A hailstorm can result in your vehicle with plenty of dents, even marring the paint job.
Leave space between the vehicle in front of you
When going down main roads or highways, continuing close behind the vehicle in front of you can be considered the norm, particularly if you’re in heavy traffic. The problem is the closer you are to a vehicle, the more apt it is for debris to be kicked back on to your vehicle. Rocks, salt, sticks and other such debris can not only affect your safety but also result in damage to your vehicle’s front end if they become airborne from the vehicle in front of you.
Don’t put or store items on your vehicle
If you’re getting in and out of your vehicle, placing things on it might be expected. After all, if your hands are full, anything from keys to coffee cups and maybe even groceries, your vehicle’s hood or roof might become a convenient place to hold these items, even if only for a moment.
Nonetheless, something as insignificant as your keys has the capacity to scratch your vehicle’s surface. Heavier items can even cause permanent dents in your hood, roof or trunk, particularly if such items are stowed on your vehicle for prolonged periods. Even though your vehicle might be sitting in your garage, if it has such things laid on top of it, your vehicle’s surface is in jeopardy.
What to do if your vehicle is dented or dinged
In spite of your best efforts, from time to time, identifying how to avoid dings and dents and taking added safeguards isn’t sufficient. Luckily, solutions to repair your dented vehicle are obtainable at Becker Body Shop if you find yourself with this familiar but aggravating problem.
Becker offers a quick and cost-effective dent repair that will have your vehicle looking as good as new without breaking the bank.
