Common Causes of Car Dents

Road accidents are not the only causes of auto body damage. Even seemingly minor occurrences can cause car dents. Learn about the common causes of auto dents.

Car Doors

Car doors can cause auto dents when parking near other cars if there isn't enough room for clearance. When people in the adjacent car are in a hurry and carelessly open their doors with excessive force, they can inadvertently collide with the side of your car, resulting in dents. Ensure you leave sufficient space when parking next to other vehicles to minimize the risk of door-to-door impact.

Grocery Carts

Grocery carts can cause auto dents when users inadvertently collide with parked cars. This occurs when individuals fail to exercise caution while navigating the cart in crowded parking lots or neglect to secure it properly.

Be mindful of your surroundings and control the trajectory of the cart to minimize the risk of auto dents.

Hailstorms

Hailstorms cause auto dents when hailstones, often varying in size from small to large, fall forcefully onto the surface of vehicles. As the hailstones collide with the metal or glass surfaces of the vehicle, they transfer and cause localized depressions or indentations.

The dent's severity depends on the size and velocity of the hailstones, as well as the material and structure of the automobile. Parking your vehicle in the garage can help protect your vehicle. 

Fallen Tree Branches

Fallen tree branches can cause auto dents when they come into contact with vehicles. The weight and force of the branch can cause a significant impact on the car's body, leading to visible depressions or indentations. These dents can affect various vehicle parts, including the hood, roof, doors, or trunk.

To avoid auto dents from fallen tree branches, park vehicles away from trees during periods of high winds or storms. Regularly trimming tree branches near parking areas can also minimize the risk of such incidents. Timely removal of fallen branches from roads and driveways can further reduce the chances of vehicle damage.

Road Debris

When vehicles are in motion, they might encounter various objects on the road, such as rocks, metal scraps, or even fallen tree branches. The speed at which the vehicle is traveling amplifies the damage from road debris. Higher speeds lead to greater force upon impact, increasing the likelihood of dents. Additionally, the debris’ size and weight contribute to the dents' severity. Larger or heavier objects can cause more significant damage.

The vulnerable areas of a vehicle, such as the hood, roof, or doors, are particularly susceptible to dents from road debris. These parts often have less structural support compared to the chassis, making them more prone to deformation.

To mitigate the risk of auto dents from road debris, drivers can maintain a safe following distance, avoid tailgating, and be cautious while driving on roads known for debris accumulation. Regular inspection and prompt repair of any existing dents can also prevent further damage and maintain the vehicle's appearance.

Tight Spaces

When vehicles are parked in narrow or cramped areas, such as narrow streets, the chances of accidental collisions increase significantly. The restricted space makes it challenging for drivers to enter or exit their cars smoothly, often resulting in unintentional contact with nearby obstacles.

Similarly, misjudgments or miscalculations can lead to accidental impacts with stationary objects when attempting to park or maneuver within confined spaces. Drivers must exercise extra caution and spatial awareness to avoid dents and minimize potential harm to their vehicles when navigating through such constrained environments.

Coats Auto Body & Paint in Raleigh offers top-notch auto body repair services. We guarantee excellent service with a written lifetime warranty. Trust our certified mechanics to diagnose and fix your vehicle accurately. Contact us now to get started.