Keep Your Ride Looking Smooth

Think Carefully About Where You Park To Limit Your Risk Of Body Panel Damage

6 July 2016 by Max Day

When you own a vehicle, it's always in your best interest to keep its body panels as pristine as possible. You can accomplish this goal not only by driving carefully, but also by giving consideration to how you park. In your own driveway, the vehicle is likely at minimal risk of getting dents and scratches that will require a trip to the auto body shop. However, whenever you're out in public, it's a good idea to think twice before you park to decrease the risk of damage occurring. Here are some things to think about before you drive — and park — your vehicle the next time.

At Your Children's Sporting Events

When you drive your children to their various sporting events, the manner in which you park may take a backseat behind getting your children and their equipment unloaded in a timely manner. However, it's always a good idea to think about what potential risks are associated with where you park. If you're at a baseball or a softball facility, survey the scene and evaluate which parking spots — and the vehicles in them — could be at risk of being hit with a foul ball and receive damage. At a soccer field, take note of where children might be warming up, as a kicked ball could easily dent your vehicle.

When Visiting Friends

Upon visiting friends, you may face the choice of parking your vehicle in the driveway or leaving it in the street. In most cases, the former position will be preferable. A vehicle parked on the street is at risk of not only being swiped by motorists, but also the sharp handlebars of kids bicycling around the neighborhood, which could cause significant damage to your vehicle's body panels. If you're parked in front of a neighbor's house, there's also a chance that he or she will mow the lawn while you're parked there; the lawnmower could fling rocks against your car and cause dents.

In High-Crime Areas

When you're out and about, you might occasionally find yourself needing to park in an area that has a relatively high crime rate. Leaving your vehicle in such an area can not only make it susceptible to a break-in, but may also increase your risk of having your car keyed or vandalized. Whenever you have to park in an area that is less than desirable, try to leave the vehicle in an area that is highly visible. Contact a business, such as Rocky Mountain Collision of Sandy, for more information.   

Share

Search