Tips for Preventing Car Scratches In Parking Lots

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about careless patrons or vandals while you are shopping. However, there are steps you can take to protect your car from damage while it is parked. Here are a few tips for preventing car scratches in parking lots.

Park Far from Entrances

When you park in a parking lot, the best way to minimize the possibility of sustaining scratches is by parking in as remote a location as possible. This may be inconvenient because you will have to walk further to reach your destination, but you will also save the time, money, and effort of having a scratch to repair. The inconvenience of having to walk a significant distance to an entrance is what makes those far away spots less appealing to people, so you will usually find wide-open spaces.

Uncovered Corner Spaces

If you cannot park in a remote area, try to park in a corner spot so that fewer cars surround you. This will reduce the possibility of doors swinging open into your car and causing deep scratches that require repairs. You should also try to find spots that are not covered by trees that may drop nuts or acorns onto your car. Although nuts and acorns are small, they still may damage or scratch your car, especially when dropped from a tall tree.

Park Next to Favorable Vehicles

If you find yourself in a parking lot where you cannot find an isolated area or an open, uncovered corner spot, bear in mind that it is better to park next to certain vehicles if you are trying to avoid getting scratched. Motorcycles do not have doors, so those who ride them are unlikely to accidentally damage your car. Vans and other vehicles with sliding doors are also preferable, due to the fact that they have doors that do not open outward.

If you would like more tips for preventing car scratches in parking lots, feel free to call Michael J’s Body Shop. We have been proudly servicing the Bay Area with collision repair for more than 20 years. For more information, visit our website or call 408-279-2070. If you live in the San Jose area, come in and meet us today to learn more about our auto body collision repair services.