New drivers have a lot to think about when it comes to staying safe on the road. Sometimes, dings and dents happen when you least expect them. In those cases, you’ll need to seek out auto repair service right away. However, most of the time there are simple ways to keep your vehicle out of the way of potential damage. Here are a few common causes new drivers should know about.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Car Dents & Dings?

1. Parking Lot Incidents

When you leave your car in a parking lot, other drivers may park nearby and open their door right into your vehicle. They also might run into your car when trying to back out or run shopping carts into your doors. You can’t always avoid these issues, but try to park toward the back of the lot and avoid hugging the parking lot lines whenever possible.

2. Extreme Weather

Most weather won’t cause physical damage to your vehicle directly. Hail, however, is sturdy enough to leave noticeable dents. Monitor the weather if you’re expecting storms, and whenever possible, park in a garage or covered lot. If this isn’t an option, use a thick car cover to absorb the impact of hail.

3. Recreational Activities

If there are kids in your family or around your neighborhood who love sports, they might start playing around your car. A stray ball, puck, or stick can do some major damage, so try to park a safe distance from where they congregate. A basketball hoop set in a driveway or hockey nets in the street, for example, are red flags.

4. Fender Benders

Collisions with other vehicles can also lead to small dings or large body damage. No matter the extent of damage, seek out auto repair services right away. While collisions cannot always be avoided, keeping at least 3 seconds of distance between you and the car in front should give you sufficient time to react to abrupt stops.

If you need auto repair services for dents or dings, contact Alliance Collision in Rochester, NY. With more than 70 years in business, the company provides a variety of auto repair services, ranging from oil changes to brake replacement. For drivers who are stranded on the road, they also offer towing and roadside assistance service 24 hours a day. Learn more about their collision repair work online or call (585) 232-2390 to request immediate assistance.