Updated November 2023:
Whether you've just driven your brand-new car off the lot or have been faithfully cruising the same vehicle for years, keeping your car looking its best is a priority. Unfortunately, dents, dings, and scratches are an inevitable part of owning a car. But fret not! In this updated blog post for 2023, we'll delve into the most common culprits behind exterior car damage and provide you with valuable insights on how to prevent and mitigate these issues. Armed with this knowledge, you can ensure your car remains in tip-top condition for years to come.
Common Causes Of Exterior Vehicle Damage:
The most common cause of dents and dings remains the actions of other drivers. Whether it's someone carelessly flinging their door into your parked car or a rogue shopping cart taking aim at your bumper on a windy day, this damage can be tricky to prevent entirely. However, you can reduce the risk by:
- Parking in well-lit areas away from heavy traffic.
- Opting for covered parking whenever it's available.
- Avoiding parallel parking between two vehicles if possible. If you must parallel park, make sure there's ample space between your car and others.
- Hail is another natural enemy of your car's exterior. While hail damage is mostly beyond your control, you can take steps to minimize the risk. If you reside in an area prone to severe weather, consider investing in a hail-resistant car cover.
- Avoid parking under trees or power lines during thunderstorms.
- If you notice hail beginning to fall, pull over and wait out the storm in a safe location rather than trying to drive through it.
Tips To Avoid Cosmetic Damage To Your Vehicle:
- Often, scratches are inflicted by inconsiderate drivers who rush their parking jobs. To steer clear of this type of damage, practice patience when parking and ensure you have a clear view of your surroundings.
- Take your time when backing into a parking spot, using your mirrors and backup camera (if available) to get a clear view.
- Avoid parking next to taller vehicles that may obstruct your view when backing out.
- Exercise caution when driving through construction zones, as debris on the road can quickly cause scratches if lodged under your tires or hits your paint job.
Vehicle Damage Is Normal; No Need To Panic:
Dents, dings, and scratches are the inescapable companions of car ownership. However, this doesn't mean you must resign yourself to a permanently damaged vehicle. By taking a few simple precautions and using common sense when driving and parking, you can minimize the risk of cosmetic damage to your car.
Moreover, if your car does sustain some damage, rest assured that most dents, dings, and scratches can be easily repaired by a qualified collision repair center specializing in interior and exterior detailing.
Visit Us If You Need Detailing!
Maintaining the exterior of your vehicle is essential to keep it looking its best. While car damage is a part of life, you can take steps to prevent, minimize, and even repair it. If you have dents, dings, or scratches that need attention, consider reaching out to CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, CA, today! Learn how we collaborate with insurance companies to provide top-tier collision services. Schedule an appointment with us now and discover what sets us apart in the Monterey community!
Post from 10/3/22
Dents, Dings, Damage, & Disaster
Whether you just bought a new car or have been driving the same one for years, you want it to look its best! Unfortunately, dents, dings, and scratches are an unavoidable reality of car ownership. But don't despair!
This blog post will tell you about some of the most common causes of exterior car damage and what you can do to avoid them. Armed with this knowledge, you can keep your car looking great for years to come.
Common Causes Of Exterior Vehicle Damage
One of the most common causes of dents and dings is other drivers. Whether it's someone opening their door into your parked car or a shopping cart ramming into your bumper in a strong wind, there's not much you can do to prevent this type of damage altogether.
However, you can minimize the risk by:
- Parking in well-lit areas away from traffic
- Using covered parking whenever possible
- Avoid parallel parking between two vehicles if possible; if you must parallel park, make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the other car
Car Vs. Nature
Another common cause of cosmetic damage to cars is hail. While hail damage is mostly out of your control, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. If you live in an area prone to severe weather, consider investing in a hail-resistant car cover.
You should also avoid parking under trees or power lines during thunderstorms. And finally, if you see hail starting to fall, pull over and wait out the storm in a safe location rather than driving through it.
Tips To Avoid Cosmetic Damage To Your Vehicle
Scratches are often caused by careless drivers who don't take the time to properly back into a parking spot:
- To avoid this type of damage, always take your time when backing into a spot, and be sure to use your mirrors and backup camera (if your vehicle is so equipped) to get a clear view of everything around you.
- It would be best to avoid parking next to taller vehicles that could block your view when backing out.
- And finally, always use caution when driving in areas with lots of construction; debris on the road can easily cause scratches if it Becomes lodged under your tires or hits your paint job.
Vehicle Damage Is Normal; No Need To Panic
Dents, dings, and scratches are inevitable realities of car ownership, but that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to living with a damaged vehicle. By taking some simple precautions and using common sense when driving and parking, you can minimize the risk of cosmetic damage to your car.
And if worst comes to worst and your car does sustain some damage, remember that most dents, dings, and scratches can be easily repaired by a qualified collision repair center specializing in interior and exterior detailing.
If you have dents, dings, and scratches you want to fix, come to CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, CA, today! We can tell you all about how we work hand-in-hand with insurance companies to bring the best collision service we can provide! Please schedule an appointment with us today, and see what makes us so unique in the Monterey community!