While the odds are that you’ll eventually get a dent in your car, your driving and parking habits can have a significant impact on how likely you are to get one. Once you have one, you’ll need car dent repair to prevent rusting. Watch out for the following sources of dents to protect your auto body.

What Are Some Common Causes of Car Dents?

1. Shopping Carts

Many shoppers leave their grocery carts in the parking lot instead of returning them to a corral. Wind or natural slopes can cause the carts to roll and pick up speed before ramming into your car. If a parking lot is sloped, park uphill and away from cart corrals to limit the chances of a dent.

2. Hail

Hail can cause severe damage to a car if it’s caught in the open. At home, park your vehicle in the garage or under a carport to protect it. When you’re out and about, look to park in a parking garage.

However, avoid seeking shelter under trees during a storm. Hail is often accompanied by strong winds, and a falling tree limb can do far more damage than hail.

3. Road Debris

Trucks hauling rocks and pieces of debris thrown up from the roadway can threaten your auto body and windshield. While some debris contact is inevitable, you should adhere to the three-second rule to maintain an adequate following distance from other drivers. If you have to drive behind a truck hauling gravel, maintain a further following distance than normal until you can pass.

4. Other Drivers

From door dings to sideswipes, there are plenty of ways other drivers can damage your auto body. You can’t change the way other people drive, but you can look for parking spots that are distanced from other cars. If you’re trying to fit into a tight parking spot, consider that this can also increase the chance of door dents, and try to find a different space.

If your car has sustained dents, contact Valiante Auto Body in Norwalk, CT. They serve motorists throughout the Fairfield County Area with a wide range of services, including car dent repair, frame straightening, and full paint jobs. To learn more about their areas of expertise, visit them online, or call 203-847-3043 to get a repair estimate.