From a usability standpoint, car dents aren’t a big deal—you can probably continue driving. But dents can compromise your car’s value, cause the paint to wear off, and expose the body to the damaging effects of weather. Although the causes of some dents are unavoidable, like car accidents, this guide explains a few dent-causing cases that you can proactively avoid and limit the expense of dent repair.

How to Avoid Common Car Dent Repairs

1. Outdoor Conditions

If your car is caught in a hailstorm, it could be dented by the force of falling hail. If you know that heavy weather is expected, shelter your car. Put it in a garage or under a carport. Don’t park it under a tree, as high winds may drop dead limbs onto your car. Even under normal weather conditions, not parking under trees is wise. Nuts, saps, branches, and twigs can all damage the body.

2. Parking Lot Accidents

Many dent incidents occur in parking lots. Another driver carelessly taps your car or dents your door when they open theirs. Shopping carts on the loose may gather speed on slopes or in high winds and slam into your bumper. Corral any shopping carts near your parking space. For extra safety, park away from other cars in the lot, and pick a corner spot to minimize the chance of door dings.

3. Street Sports

If you live in a neighborhood where children play basketball or hockey in the road, parking on the street puts your car at a higher risk of dents. One stray puck or basketball can damage your mirrors or dent your roof. If you can’t park your car inside a garage, find a parking space as far away as possible from where kids play.

Did you take safety precautions but still ended up with a dent? Don’t fret—the experts at Mark’s Auto Body can help with dent repair. For more than 25 years, they’ve served Cincinnati, OH, with a wide range of auto body services, including collision repair. Learn more about their offerings online, and call (513) 731-4273 to schedule body work.