Preventing damage to your car starts with the right habits. With regular servicing, sensible parking and an appropriate driving style, you can keep your car in top condition. Discover five practical tips below that make all the difference.
1. Keep track of maintenance
A well-maintained car is less prone to faults that could lead to damage. Have the car serviced regularly in accordance with the service schedule, check the tyre pressure and tread depth (at least 1.6 millimetres) every month, and keep fluid levels topped up. Clean windows and correctly adjusted mirrors give you a better view, enabling you to react more quickly to unexpected situations. A good foundation starts with a car that is in good working order.
2. Park sensibly
A strikingly large proportion of all car damage is caused by parking, and this can almost always be prevented. It’s best to reverse into a parking space so that you have a clear view when pulling away. Use your parking sensors, fold in the wing mirrors and choose a space with sufficient room on both sides. Avoid spaces directly under trees or next to bushes, as falling branches, sap and berries can damage the paintwork. Walking a few metres further in this case will save you an expensive repair.
3. Adjust your speed to suit the situation
Most accidents are not caused by driving too fast, but by driving too fast at the wrong time. Rushing and stress reduce your concentration, making you more likely to misjudge situations. Moreover, at higher speeds, the consequences of a misjudgement are more severe. Always allow plenty of time for your journey; ideally, set off ten minutes earlier and keep your attention on the road. Driving calmly and predictably is the most effective way to prevent damage.
4. Keep a safe following distance
The two-second rule is a good starting point in dry weather and under normal conditions, but in rain, fog or on slippery roads, it is wise to keep a greater distance. On Zoab roads – the quiet asphalt commonly found in the Netherlands – there may be loose stones which, if you’re too close, can cause chips in your windscreen. Adjust your following distance to suit your speed, the road surface and the weather, and you’ll prevent both collisions and stone chips. Bear in mind that the braking distance at 100 km/h is more than twice as long as at 70 km/h.
5. Plan ahead for the weather and the surroundings
Weather conditions and the surrounding environment have a greater impact on damage than many motorists realise. During a storm, loose objects or broken branches can hit the car, so do not park under trees if strong winds are forecast. In winter, road salt and freezing conditions cause extra wear and tear to the paintwork and underbody, so rinse your car regularly. Adapt your driving style to slippery conditions and reduce your speed well before bends. By thinking ahead and taking the conditions into account when making decisions, you’ll keep your car damage-free for longer.
Still got damage? Japoto is here to help
If something does get damaged, you can save on the repair costs by using second-hand parts. At Japoto, you’ll find a wide range of over 70,000 parts for Japanese and Korean brands. Search by japoto.nl or contact us directly get in touch via info@japoto.nl.