5 Proven Tips to Prevent Scratches, Dents, and Dings

Colorado car owners take great pride in the appearance of their vehicles. From religiously washing and waxing their ride to parking their car in spots protected from UV rays and bird droppings, savvy drivers go to great lengths to keep their cars looking fresh and flawless.

But how can you protect your car from dents and dings when you’re behind the wheel? While you may have control over a lot of things, you cannot predict the careless actions of other drivers while out on the road.

Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to avoid vehicle body damage. Here are five proven tips to shield your car from scratches and dents.

1. Be Mindful of Parking Lots

Whether it’s at a grocery store or the movie theatre, parking lots can be deadly places for your vehicle. Many folks are too busy looking around for an empty spot that they forget to pay attention to their surroundings. Moreover, a recklessly opened car door or rogue shopping cart can severely damage your vehicle.

When you’re in a parking lot, stay mindful. Don’t let your desire to find a spot trump the awareness of your surroundings. Consider parking further away from the store in emptier sections of the lot. Sure, you may have to walk a little further. But you can rest easy knowing your car is safe.

2. Master Parallel Parking

Unless you live in a city and have to park on the street, you probably don’t need to parallel park that often. However, it’s still a good skill to have. It can be tough to precisely squeeze your car into a tight spot on a busy road. Furthermore, it can be easy to damage your bumper if you back into another car.

Master your parallel parking skills by practicing at home. You can either practice in your driveway or on a quiet street. Set up two traffic cones or trash cans about 25 feet apart from each other. As you improve, move the objects closer together, while still giving yourself enough space to comfortably park. Soon enough, this seemingly difficult maneuver will be a breeze!

3. Watch Out for Extreme Weather

If you have a garage or a car port, keep your car under cover during severe weather. Hail, broken branches, and other outdoor hazards can make small damages to your vehicle’s hood or roof. If you don’t have a garage, consider investing in a sturdy car cover.

4. Avoid Drive-Thru Car Washes

Many drivers probably don’t know that cleaning their car could also be damaging it. Low-quality, drive-thru car washes might put your car at risk for bumps and bruises. Abrasive brushes, careless after-wash wipe-downs, and other issues can scuff your vehicle’s paint. 

If you don’t have the time to hand wash your car, always do your research on a facility before taking your vehicle there. Read online reviews and ask your friends or relatives for their recommendations.

5. Trim Your Trees

An overgrown driveway can be disastrous for your car. If there are tree branches growing over your driveway, they can put small but unsightly scratches in your paint job. Before you park, trim the trees!

Protect Your Paint with a Clear Bra

Another way to keep your car in mint condition is to get professional paint protection film (PPF) services. Also known as a clear bra, this thin, flexible, and invisible barrier will protect your car from UV damage, scratches, and small dents.

To find out how the technicians at Red Rocks Tint can keep your vehicle looking pristine, call us today at 303-261-7384. We look forward to hearing from you soon!