A new car is a big investment, which is why you likely want to preserve its pristine condition for as long as possible. Dents, for instance, are one of the biggest threats to your ride. That's because they can crack the finish and paint, which allows water to seep to the metal underneath. To avoid the need for dent removal and auto body repairs for rust damage, here are a few tips to protect your vehicle from dings and nicks. 

How to Avoid Dents on Your New Car

1. Park in the Garage

Although parking on the street or in a lot might be convenient, doing so exposes your car to the elements. During a storm, for instance, tree branches or hailstones can hit your ride. By parking in the driveway, there's also the risk kids could accidentally hit the car with toys, baseballs, and other objects as they play in the yard.

For these reasons, it's best to clear out the garage so you can safely keep your ride in the enclosed structure. If bad weather is on the forecast when you're out and about, find a covered parking deck instead of leaving your vehicle in an open lot. 

2. Use Your Rearview Camera and Mirror

The rearview mirror allows you to see through the back glass without turning your head, and the camera helps you see things lower to the ground behind the car. This way, you can avoid sideswiping bushes or the house when trying to back out of the driveway or maneuver through other narrow spaces.

You'll also be able to see people and other vehicles passing behind your car and any stationary obstacles in the way. You can hit the brakes before making contact. The rearview camera can also improve your sight line when parallel parking. 

3. Don't Use Your Car as a Shelf

Get out of the habit of putting keys, groceries, tools, and other objects on the hood or trunk. Putting down these items forcefully could leave indentations in the panels. Sharp objects could also scratch and scuff the protective clear coating and paint underneath. This is especially true if you forget the items and they slide off as you drive. If you plan to perform auto repairs, put the heavy, sharp tools on a workbench next to the car instead.

If your vehicle is dented, reach out to Dent Spot in Addison, TX, for help. The certified technicians will provide dent removal services to restore your vehicle after unfortunate incidents. They will also work with your insurance provider for hail damage repair claims. Learn more about the process online, and call (800) 257-0131 for a dent removal appointment. Check out videos of the crew's work on Instagram.