Stop! Don’t squeeze your car into that tight parking spot unless you absolutely have to.
It doesn’t matter whether you drive a brand-new car or one that’s a few years old, it’s always a good idea to try and prevent getting dings on your vehicle’s exterior. Not only are they a bit unsightly, but they also reduce resale value. With a new car or truck especially, one that you may still be making payments on, having to shell out extra money to pay for dent removal is frustrating.
So what are some simple, but effective actions you can take to avoid car door dings and other types of vehicle dents?
- Park away from other cars.
Is it worth getting a spot near the front of a store if the parking spot you found is a bit tight? That person who parked too close to the line could end up putting a ding in the side of your car. Plus, parking away from other vehicles means you’re likely to be further away from shopping carts. - Choose parking on the top level of the garage.
At malls, apartment buildings and other locations with multi-floor garages, skip parking on the lower levels if possible. Instead go to the top, where there’s often an abundance of open parking spaces away from other cars. - Teach your kids about car care.
I’m not talking about getting them familiar with a dipstick (although you could for your older children); rather, educate them about playing away from and keeping toys a safe distance from your vehicle. Believe me, bikes, baseballs and remote control planes can do damage. - Invest in “car door bumpers.”
Car door protectors can help prevent dents and they come in a variety of styles, though whether they’re in line with your aesthetic tastes is another question. Vinyl car body wraps are also available, however they can be pricey and effect the look of your car; plus they only provide minimal dent protection. - Don’t park under trees whenever possible.
This will not only help keep your car cleaner, but could also reduce the chances of your vehicle incurring a large dent if there’s a storm and branches come flying down. - Make a habit of opening your car door slowly.
Even when you’re in a rush, be mindful about opening your car door. If you swing it open in a hurry, and are a little closer than you realized to another object, a car dent could be in store. - Find covered parking as much as possible.
This is especially important for car owners in the Dallas area, where hail storms occur throughout the year. - Purchase a car cover.
At home, if you don’t have a garage, considered purchasing a well-made car cover.
In the event that you do receive a car ding or dent, Westway Ford’s paintless dent repair specialists may be able to help. And if that’s not possible due to the nature of the dent, our body work pros can work their magic.
You can also look into getting PDR coverage, as well as other vehicle protection services that could save you money in the long term.
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