How can I prevent my vehicle from getting door dings?
There are several ways to prevent your vehicle from getting door dings:
Park away from other vehicles: When you park, try to park in a spot where there are no other cars or in a spot that is far away from other vehicles.
Use designated parking spots: Look for designated parking spots that are specifically designed to prevent door dings. These spots are typically wider than regular parking spots and have additional space on either side.
Be mindful of parking lot layout: Try to park in a corner spot or end spot that is less likely to have a lot of foot traffic. Avoid parking near shopping carts or trash cans as they can be moved around easily and cause dings.
Use a car cover: If you are parking your car for an extended period, consider using a car cover to protect it from dings.
Install door edge guards: Door edge guards are rubber or plastic strips that attach to the edge of your car door and protect it from dings.
Be aware of your surroundings: When getting in and out of your car, be aware of your surroundings and take extra care not to hit nearby vehicles or objects.
Educate others: If you see someone opening their car door too close to your vehicle, kindly ask them to be more careful or considerate.
You’ve had a long day and are just wanting to run to the store quick. You pull up to the closest spot to the door and jump out and go inside and get your items. Once returning to your vehicle you realize your vehicle has been struck with a door ding or unexpected damage. You feel upset, betrayed and in utter disbelief. Don’t put yourself in this position, follow some of these tips to minimize parking lot damage!
Parking Spots You Should Avoid:
Near The Store Entrance
Maybe it was raining, you’ll be in and out quickly, maybe you just don’t feel like walking any more today. We have all been there. While these spots can be the most convenient in some cases, if you come out to find a door ding or damage in your vehicle, all of that benefit goes out the window. Parking close to the store entrance opens you to a number of surprises. Typically these areas can have more random shopping carts scattered around, waiting to blow into your vehicle. These areas are also high in traffic and more traffic means a higher potential for other drivers parking near you, increasing your chance of damage.
Near or Beneath Trees
Trees can make you feel like your vehicle has some sort of shelter. While in a perfect world, that might be true, but remember mother nature can strike at any time. From furry critters sprinting along branches to random branches and nuts falling, these are all are all potential hazards for your vehicle. If you do insist on parking under an item for shade or safety, rely on a carport or some type of overhand instead.
Other Damaged Vehicles
Everyone gets into accidents from time to time, but vehicles with very big obviously damage should be avoided. If you see a vehicle with a door smashed in or similar bigger damage this can raise a red flag. Why didn’t the vehicle owner have this damaged repaired? Does the vehicle have missing paint and big scratches? Especially with a newer vehicle it has to make you wonder why is this not repaired. If a driver is willing to neglect their own vehicle, what does it say about their thoughts on other vehicles on the roadways? Now we are not saying a damaged vehicle makes for a bad vehicle owner, but it has to make you wonder. If you have the chance to, park next to a more maintained vehicle.
So where DO you park?
Near Other Nicer Vehicles
Someone with a nicer newer vehicle typically tends to take better car of their new investment. This is especially true if the vehicle is a higher end model. Often if these vehicles ARE damage, they are repaired immediately because they want to keep their new car NEW.
Park Further Away From The Entrance
This is where you will often find nicer vehicles, people with a newly purchased vehicle tend to know, the small walk is worth it.
If your vehicle has become a victim of parking lot damage, get in touch with us at Sioux Falls Dent Repair.
Dents and dings happen. Often, there’s nothing we can do to stop it. But our Hartford PDR experts have some tricks to protect your car from potential damage. Here are a few ways you car might be placed in harms way without your knowing:
#1: Parking Accidents
Everyone has errands to run, and sometimes it’s on a tight schedule. Parking in the far corner of a lot might mean you have a mild walk ahead of you, but it puts your car miles from danger. Suddenly you don’t need to worry about careless drivers opening their doors, or stray shopping carts wandering into your car.
#2: Kids & Sports
If you live near a lot of kids or something like a park or a golf course then your car might score a nice catch if you’re unlucky. If you can park in a garage then that’s definitely the safest option. It’s also wise to educate children early on the value of something as expensive as a new car. However, this isn’t always in your control.
#3: Automatic Car Washes
The appeal of a 5 minute car wash without ever having to leave your vehicle is very tempting. Just know that you’re giving up some personal control when it comes to the safety of your ride. It might be wiser to give the car a thorough wash yourself.
#4: Slow Impact Fender Benders
Your fender is always the first place to be struck in an accident. If the collision happened at a slow speed then you might leave with only a minor fender bender. Depending on the extent of the damage, our Hartford PDR team can repair your fender no problem!
While these are some of the most common ways dents happen, they aren’t limited to only this list. If you find yourself the unfortunate victim of one of these incidences, our Hartford PDR team can restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Call Sioux Falls Dent Repair today at 605-595-4061 for a free quote!
