Scratches are among the most common vehicle damages, and they can come from a variety of sources. Here are seven of the most common causes of car scratches:
1. Parking Lots
Parking lots are a prime location for scratch damage. Other drivers can open their door into yours, leaving scratches. When choosing a parking spot, take note of the scratches and dents on the vehicles near it. Avoid parking near vehicles with a great deal of scratches or dents. Ideally, parking farther back in the lot away from other vehicles is the wisest choice.
2. Parking Meters
Parking meters are another common scratch location, but they can be hard to predict. When you’re parking in a parking space next to a meter, it’s best not to park right up to it. Leave some distance between your car and the meter for safety, this way if another driver hits the curb or needs more room, you might get spared from scratches. Another reason meters scratch cars is when someone tries to park too close and nudges other vehicles when they misjudge the space available.
3. Other Drivers
Other drivers are a scratch threat as well. If someone parks too close to you and can’t fit their car properly in a spot, they might scratch your fender as they pull back out. The same risk is there when going through drive-thrus or traffic jams, another driver’s mistake or sudden movement could scratch your vehicle if there’s no time to avoid it. The best defense is to be aware of your surroundings while in these situations.
4. Shopping Carts
Shopping carts are one of the most common scratch creators. They often cause small scratch marks on vehicles with their metal prongs when you open your door into them or when a shopping cart hits your vehicle. The solution is to remember to look around your parking space before opening your door. If there’s a shopping cart there, either find another spot or move the cart so you don’t have to risk getting scratch damage from its metal prongs.
5. Landscaping
One problem many drivers face is scratch damage from landscaping. When you’re parking near a bush or plant that has small branches, they can scratch the side of your car if you open your door into it. One key tip to avoid this scratch damage is to stop and look around every time before opening your door. There might be a branch above or rocks below that can scratch your vehicle, if so, choose another spot instead if possible.
6. Automatic Car Washes
Automatic car washes are a scratch risk. Improperly maintained brushes and equipment inside the wash can scratch your vehicle. You can avoid this risk by washing your vehicle by hand or by only using “no touch” style car washes.
7. Malicious Behavior
The 7th common cause of scratches on vehicles is malicious behavior. While there isn’t much you can do to prevent malicious behavior, one good practice is to make sure you don’t park too close to other vehicles. Hindering someone’s access to their vehicle by parking too close could cause a case of road rage (or parking rage) that leads to malicious behavior.
Scratches can make your vehicle seem older and more damaged than it is. The good news is that there is a Colors on Parade Riverside mobile scratch and dent repair technician near you! We’ll get your car scratches fixed up and make your vehicle look as good as new.