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3 Tips to Prevent Car Dings in Parking Lots

Whitesell Collision • Jun 29, 2021

Car dents, dings, and scratches are common in parking lots. Shopping carts can nick the exterior of the vehicle, and other motorists might swing open their doors into your automobile. While a dent repair shop can fix any blemishes your car sustains, here's what you can do to prevent parking lot damage in the first place.

How to Avoid Parking Lot Car Dents

1. Park Well Away From Other Vehicles

The best solution is to park as far away from other cars as possible. In most cases, shoppers clamor for spots near the store's entrance. Avoid these areas and instead choose a parking spot at the end of the row or well away from the building. You may have to walk a little further to reach your destination, but it should prevent any unpleasant surprises—like a door ding or chipped paint—upon your return. 

2. Park Next to Cars of the Same Height

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Auto manufacturers usually mount a protective rubber strip on car doors. This helps guard against dents and dings from similarly-sized vehicles. However, if the car you park beside is considerably taller or shorter than yours, a carelessly flung door could miss the protective strip and instead dent the door panel. 


Additionally, note the length of the doors on nearby vehicles. For instance, the doors of two-door cars are usually many inches longer than those of four-door vehicles. When parking next to a car with unusually long doors, be sure to leave additional room for them to open.

3. Be Aware of the Weather

Many dings and dents occur on windy days. Two common hazards are shopping carts set in motion by gusts of wind and doors blown free from the grips of drivers emerging from their cars. Therefore, you should be especially mindful of where you park on blustery days.

When you need reliable car dent repair, contact Whitesell Service Inc. in Waynesboro, VA. This family-owned auto shop has served drivers throughout the Shenandoah Valley since 1949. They're renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, friendly customer care, and prompt turnaround times. They'll efficiently restore your vehicle to its former condition, whether that involves fixing a dent or performing a paint job. Learn more about their services on their website, or call (540) 943-3361 to schedule an appointment for dent repair.

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