Very few things are more irritating than a fresh door ding on your car when you get back from work, class or your friend’s place. These dents can happen just about anywhere on your vehicle and the vast majority of them aren’t your fault. Below is a list of parking tips for you to consider next time you’re out and about.

The end spot

  • If you see one of these spots open, take it! The probability of you getting a door ding is significantly reduced because only one side of your car is exposed. You could lower the chances even more by parking your car against the very edge of that parking spot, creating ample room between you and the car next to you.

Park further away

  • I might be stating the obvious when I say this but people always look for convenience. By parking further away and having a handful of parking spaces to the left and right of you, chances are no one’s going come and cram you for space.

Avoid parking next to the rust bucket

  • If you see a spot next to a beat up, rusted 1992 Honda take another lap and try finding a better spot. Chances are owners of rusted, old and damaged cars will be less careful when opening their door.

Do a good job parking!

  • Try and park your car straight as possible. Don’t park crooked because someone else is crowding the space. When the car next to you leaves, you will now look like the one that can’t park. A good way to ensure you park straight on your first attempt is to back your car into the parking space.

Determine if they have a passenger

  • Try to determine if they have a passenger with them or not. This may impact which side of the vehicle you would park on. If you’re at class or work and figure they don’t have a passenger, parking on the passenger side will be your best bet. At least you can protect one side of your car.

In the end, door dings cannot be completely avoided. But, by using some of the tips above you can reduce the chances.