We’ve all been there: You come out to your car after a long day at work and cringe at the new dings on your driver and passenger sides. No doubt, these were caused by a client or coworker who rushed to get in or out of the office and flung their own car’s doors open to do so, hitting yours in the process.

As lovely as it would be for everyone to take responsibility for the door dings they inflict upon others’ vehicles, unfortunately, we live in a world where few do. Whether winter, spring, summer, or fall, it’s up to you, as a car owner, to reduce your risk of damage and seek dent repair services.

Luckily, though, this process doesn’t have to be excruciating, and thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep your car safe from seemingly unavoidable door dings. Read on to learn more from Dent Heads, a paintless dent repair company.

Take Care of Current Dents First

First, get those current door dings you have repaired at Dent Heads. Paintless dent repair provides a fast and cheap alternative to other, more traditional auto shops, which can keep your car held hostage for days on end, not to mention charge a pretty penny.

Once your car is looking like new again, thanks to our talented technicians, you’ll be far more motivated to implement your door-deterring plan.

Park Away From High-Traffic Areas

If door dings are getting you down, consider removing other drivers from the equation. While it may be impossible to park away from people entirely, you can still avoid high-rush areas or park further away from the entrance. Know your most frequented parking lot’s general traffic flow and use this knowledge to protect your car.

If you’re visiting a new area, seeking out an end space, as GEICO recommends, is always a safe bet. You’d be hard-pressed to find such a space near the entrance of your destination, as the open ones are hot real estate, so cruise to the back of the lot instead.

Keep Your Car Looking Sharp

Think about it: Would you feel worse about hitting a sleek, well-maintained ride or someone’s old fixer-upper?

Keeping dents down with auto hail damage repair or other methods can make others more careful around your vehicle, potentially preventing future damage.

Park Respectfully

This means in the center of the space – no straddling! This helps other drivers to maintain a good parking distance from your vehicle and allows them to open their doors without invading your vehicle’s personal space, so to speak.

Consider Street Parking

If you encounter a situation wherein you can park in a garage or on the street, the latter is much safer in terms of preventing door dings. Because you’re parallel parking, you don’t risk the same collisions or dents that you would when parking in a lot.

Scared to tackle that sort of driving task after all those years away from Driver’s Ed? DMV.org outlines the process step-by-step if you need a refresher.

Just be careful when choosing a street to park in. Though Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities metro are safe for urban areas, practice street smarts and take your valuables with you when you go.

Additionally, take care to get close to the curb and turn your wheels correctly when you parallel park to avoid your vehicle getting side-swiped or launched into traffic when you aren’t around – those are much bigger dents to deal with!

Winter Tips

Winter is a great time of year, but everyone here knows Minnesota winters are harsh. When the temperature drops, There are a few ways to add extra protection to your vehicle, including investing in a hail blanket that acts as a protective layer for your car and using carports as much as possible.

Regular weather alerts will also notify you, so if a storm is brewing, you can find alternative parking options to keep your vehicle safer.

Spring Prevention Tips

While the spring season is prone to storms, the damage is more likely to be caused by careless drivers. So, if you need to park next to someone else, take a good look at the vehicle. If you're seeing obvious damages like dents or scratches, this is a good indication that the person isn't worried about what happens to their car, and it can be a warning to find a different parking space.

Parking on the passenger side is also helpful because there is less chance of a passenger, and just the driver will open and close their door.

Summer Tips

Summer months are for road trips and cruising, and almost everyone who owns a vehicle feels the same way you do. This means more people hitting the road, so we have two recommendations for avoiding dents this summer.

First, park away from areas where children play, especially if they use sports equipment like basketballs or baseballs.

Second, give yourself enough space from other drivers to avoid taking damage from debris and rocks that can fly up from other their tires.

Fall Prevention Tips

Fall is notorious for storms, and it only takes a quick wind gust to cause a ton of damage to your vehicle. Areas like shopping centers can become a parking pain fast, especially in the wind! While most people will return carts to the dedicated site, a select few don't bother.

So keep an eye out for loose carts, and if the wind is kicking up, be mindful of giving your neighbors as much space as possible.

How Can Your ADAS System Help Prevent Dings?

ADAS systems are becoming a standard for most vehicles, and they have multiple features to help make your commute easier. They can also help protect your car from dings and dents because they are an extra safety feature.

Most dings and dents are caused by negligence and error, but your ADAS system is like having someone watching your back in the car with you. Its features can monitor lane changes and the distance of other cars from you, reducing the risk of needing a repair.

Consider Paint Protection Film

If you don’t want to go out of your way to change your parking habits, we get it. If you still can’t bear to see your car’s paint damaged, paint protection film is a no-fuss solution.

Car paint protection products are applied to your vehicle as a contoured shield, providing an extra layer of protection between your car and potential offending doors. Not only will this keep your car looking great, it can also maintain its resale value.

To learn more about this awesome auto upgrade, check out our auto paint protection film blog that details the subject.

Contact Dent Heads Now for Efficient Dent Repair

We’re a Bloomington hail dent repair and paintless dent repair company that would be flattered to take on your vehicle. Contact us online or give us a call now at 612-986-1171.