Your vehicle is one of your most valuable assets, so you likely want to keep it in the best possible condition. While minor scuffs can often be addressed through paint scratch repair, it’s best to try to avoid them in the first place. Between other drivers, car doors, and shopping carts, parking lots are common sites for scratches to occur, so follow these tips to minimize your risk of damages.

Do:

Park next to the right vehicles.

When selecting your spot, scout out vehicles that are in good condition and smaller in size. While you shouldn’t necessarily make assumptions about other drivers based on their cars, it’s safe to reason that someone who drives a scratched vehicle may not be as cautious with their doors as someone with a car in good condition. Also, compact cars take up less space, which reduces the odds that the driver or passengers will hit you with their door while getting in or out.

Select end spots.

If possible, select spots on the end of a row. This way, you’ll only have to worry about another car on one side. If you’re most concerned about preventing the need for paint scratch repair on your driver’s side, but the end spot has a car to the left, you could always back in. This may also allow you to enter and exit your vehicle more conveniently.

Don’t:

Go to the closest spot.

You’re more likely to have neighboring vehicles on both sides if you seek out prime real estate in the parking lot. Plus, people who park close to their destination may be in a hurry to get in and out, which could also make them less aware of their surroundings. Whenever possible, park further out to avoid getting surrounded by other cars.

Park next to kids.

Young drivers are often still learning how to navigate tight parking spots, so if you happen to see a teenager in the lot, try to steer clear of them. Additionally, vehicles with young children in the backseat could present risks for eventual paint scratch repair. Parents often need to swing their doors open wide to get children in and out of car seats, and they may accidentally scratch other vehicles while doing so.

If you’ve been unable to avoid scratches, dents, or more extensive damage to your car’s body, the experts at Bob Hastings Collision in East Rochester, NY, can help. These professionals have been serving Monroe County since 1972, specializing in paint scratch repair and large-scale body work. Browse through their full list of services online, or call (585) 383-8150 to schedule an appointment.