How To Prevent Car Door Dents in Parking Lots and Save Your Favorite Saab?

When you leave your car in a public garage or parking lot, there is always a risk that careful drivers who park next to you will scratch it and hit the side door of your car when they open the door. Parking dents and dings can be a frustrating reality for car owners, especially when they love their vehicle and want to keep it in pristine condition – as almost every Saab car owner wants.

The thin body panels of modern cars and the often careless actions of other drivers can make it seem like avoiding damage is nearly impossible. However, with a little bit of effort, it is possible to reduce the risk of parking dents and dings. So far, many solutions have been devised for this problem – from simple protective side moldings to systems that activate a plastic bumper hidden in the door when it is opened – but none of them guarantee 100% success.

In this article, we will outline some practical tips for protecting your car from parking damage.

Choose Your Parking Spot Carefully

One of the most important things you can do to protect your car from parking dents and dings is to choose your parking spot wisely. Look for spots that give you enough room to open your doors without hitting other cars or walls. This will reduce the risk of damaging your car with your own door. Additionally, be cautious when parking near other cars with doors that open towards your car. This will reduce the risk of another driver accidentally hitting your car with their door.

Park in the Corner of a Parking Lot

Another simple tip, but an effective one nonetheless. Parking in the corner of a parking lot or garage can help reduce the chances of door dings and dents from other drivers. The corners are often less busy, making them a safer place to park. Additionally, it gives you a little extra space between your car and other vehicles, providing a buffer zone for accidental bumps or scrapes.

By parking in the corner of a parking lot or garage, you can reduce your chances of door dings and dents by 50 percent. This is because you only have doors on one side of the car, making it less vulnerable to damage. If you’re lucky, you may even find a spot between two pillars in a parking.

Park near like-minded (Saab) car enthusiasts

If you’re a car enthusiast, chances are you share similar concerns with others who are passionate about their vehicles. When parking in a lot or garage, look for Saab cars or look for cars that appear to be well-cared for and avoid those that look neglected. By parking near these vehicles, you can reduce your chances of getting door dings and dents.

All of us Saab car owners are happy when we see a parked Saab in one of the public parking lots, and we almost always park next to another Saab.

It’s important to remember that the condition of your own car can also impact where you park. If your Saab car is overdue for a wash or appears to be neglected, other car enthusiasts might not want to park near you. In this case, giving a one-spot buffer between your car and others can keep your distance and suggest to other drivers to park elsewhere.

Choose a spot next to a passenger door

When parking in a lot or garage, it’s important to consider the type of door that the car next to you has. The driver’s door is more likely to cause a dent or ding when opening, so it’s best to park next to a passenger door, which is less likely to make contact with your vehicle. This simple step can help you prevent damage to your car while it’s parked.

Do not park next to neglected or family cars

In addition, avoid parking near cars that have a run-down appearance, dirty exteriors, and dents everywhere. These drivers are more likely to be careless when getting in and out of the car, increasing the risk of damage to your vehicle. Also, avoid parking next to family cars and vans, because children do not pay attention to neighboring cars when they open the door.

Watch out for cars with the tow bar

Yes, tow bars stick out from the back of the car and can easily cause damage to the front bumper of your car if you park too close. It’s best to avoid parking behind a car with a tow bar if possible. Additionally, be mindful of large vehicles such as trucks and SUVs that may have bigger blind spots and take up more space when opening their doors.

Avoid Tight Parking Spots

Tight parking spots can be especially risky for your car, as there is less room for error when you are opening and closing your doors. Additionally, tight spots can increase the risk of damage from other drivers who may be opening their doors too close to your car. If possible, avoid parking in tight spots, and look for spots that give you enough room to open your doors without hitting other cars or walls.

Park in Well-Lit Areas

Parking in well-lit areas can also help reduce the risk of parking dents and dings. Illuminated areas are often monitored more frequently, which can reduce the risk of damage from vandals or other drivers. Additionally, well-lit areas can make it easier to see your surroundings when you are getting in and out of your car, which can reduce the risk of accidents.

Park in places covered by surveillance cameras

If at least one part of the public parking lot is covered by cameras, you can park your Saab right there because if someone damages your car, you will be able to identify the culprit through video surveillance. Then it is enough to call his insurance and collect the damage and repair your car.

Invest in protection

If you’re a frequent parker in public parking lots, it might be worth investing in some protection for your car. Car door protectors can be easily attached to the door and provide a barrier between your vehicle and other cars. Some protectors are made from rubber or foam and are designed to absorb any impacts. Alternatively, you can purchase car door guards that are made from metal or plastic and are designed to deflect any dings or dents.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Finally, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings when parking your car. Take a moment to look around and assess the risk of damage from other drivers or objects. Additionally, be mindful of your own actions when getting in and out of your car, and try to avoid opening your doors too wide or too quickly.

In conclusion, parking dents and dings can be a frustrating reality for car owners, but there are many practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage. From choosing your parking spot wisely to being mindful of your surroundings, there are many things you can do to protect your Saab from parking dents and dings. By following these tips, you can ensure that your car remains in great condition, even when you are parked.