Whether you’re at the grocery store or parking in your driveway at home, you constantly run the risk of adding a dent to your car. While minor dents and dings may be fixed through DIY remedies, many require auto repairs at a body shop. To help protect your car from preventable auto repairs, learn about four of the most common causes of dents.

Top Reasons for Dents in Vehicles

1. Vehicle Doors

Vehicles in parking lots are one of the most common causes of dents. Parking too close to other cars means that you’re more likely to hit their car with your door as you enter and exit the vehicle, and that the adjacent drivers are likely to do the same when getting in and out of their cars. To prevent auto repairs caused by other vehicle doors, avoid parking too close to the edges of parking spaces. If you’re feeling cautious, park further away, where there’s less competition for parking spots.

2. Shopping Carts

Wayward shopping carts are one of the most common causes of denting in vehicles. A gust of wind could blow a stray cart into your car, or a distracted shopper could bump their cart into the back of your vehicle. To avoid this kind of damage, park as far away in the lot as you can from cart stalls and other shoppers. If you notice a stray cart near your car, return it to the nearest cart collection area — or use it for your errands.   

3. Fallen Branches

Storms often cause fallen trees and broken branches. A single branch could create multiple dents in your car if it falls. Avoid potential auto repairs by parking away from trees. If you have trees on your property near where you park, keep your branches trimmed. 

4. Hailstorms

Hailstorms wreak havoc on your home’s roof and siding, but they can also dent your car. If poor weather is in the forecast, park your car in a sheltered area like in a garage or under a carport. If you need to run errands in a location that doesn’t offer parking coverage, consider heading out before or after the storm comes through.

If your car has suffered body damage from hail, shopping carts, or other roadway hazards, trust the professionals at Murray’s Auto Body Shop in Goshen, NY. For more than 60 years, the experienced technicians at this auto repair shop have offered a variety of services, ranging from general collision repairs to custom bodywork. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (845) 294-6139.