While small scratches on your car may not rack up a large bill at an auto body shop, large ones can be costly to repair. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent these blemishes on your vehicle. Here are some common causes of car scratches and how to avoid them. 

What Are Some Reasons for Car Scratches?

1. Rocks & Gravel

While driving at fast speeds, large vehicles are prone to kicking up rocks and gravel that can scratch your car. Your tires can even send rocks flying up to your own front and back bumpers.

Driving on paved and well-maintained roads will help you avoid these scratches. Stay a considerable distance away from large cars and trucks while driving so that the rocks and gravel don’t hit your car or impact it with less force. In general, you should stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.

2. Car Washes

While automatic car washes are convenient, they’re also an easy way to scratch your vehicle. The brushes used at these washes can accumulate dirt and debris from other cars which can cause abrasions on your car.

They’re also strong enough to knock off antennas and windshield wipers, which may require replacement from an auto body shop. Try to avoid automatic car washes altogether, and opt for manual car washes or washing your own car instead. 

3. Parking Lots

Parking lots pose many risks to your car. If you park in a compact space or close to another vehicle, you may come back to find a scratch or ding left by someone else.

This could be from a door opening into yours or someone accidentally scratching your car with a zipper or key as they squeeze through the tight space. Shopping carts also cause many scratches when they’re not put away properly.

To prevent damage in parking lots, park away from other cars when you can, even if it means walking a little farther to the store entrance. Avoid squeezing into small parking spaces, and make sure that when you park there’s plenty of room for you and the drivers on either side of the car to open their doors safely. 

If your car has been scratched, turn to Chris Paint and Body in High Point, NC. Since 1981, this auto body shop has restored damaged and blemished vehicles using state-of-the-art technology, including paintless dent repair. Call (336) 847-4006 to request a free estimate, or visit them online for more information on their services.