A vehicle is a big investment for most drivers, and as such many prefer to keep their vehicle looking its best as long as possible. Of course, part of the car-owning experience is dealing with the potential risk of your vehicle getting dents or scratches at any time. Here are the ways to help avoid door dings on your car by assessing your surrounds before choosing a parking spot.
Try to find an end spot or walk a little ways out
The ending spot is generally the safest bet in a crowded lot. If you don’t mind walking some to your final destination, park further out, where there are very few to no cars. The best way to avoid getting dinged up in a lot is by parking in an emptier part of the lot.
Practice parallel parking
When parallel parking, park as close as possible to the sidewalk or curb. Also, be further inward compared to the vehicles in front and behind you to create a buffer zone from passing vehicles
Never take up more than one space
An obvious one. Never take up more than one space. There's a good chance you'll end up with more than little door dings. Before you pull into space, look at the length of the doors on the neighboring vehicles. If they are fully extended, can they reach your vehicle?
Look at the height of the vehicle you are parking next to.
If it's another vehicle similar in height to yours and if your car has protective rubber door moldings, those moldings may protect your car's doors. Since SUVs and trucks are taller, their doors may cause dents higher than your moldings can protect, so you're better off moving to another spot.
Try to park straight
If you have to take a parking space where another car is crowding one side of the space, you'll have to decide how best to handle that risk. But never park crooked or at an angle because someone is crowding the space. When that car leaves, you will look like the one who can't park. Always try to park straight.
While driving in a parking lot, also be cautious. Low-speed collisions are rarely serious, they can be costly, time-consuming, and aggravating. Protect yourself and your vehicle while driving in a parking lot with some simple tips
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