Car damage: what are the main causes?

Accidents can happen in a small corner. Unfortunately, this is no different with car damage. The ways in which you can damage your car vary greatly. This blog will discuss the most common causes of car damage. We will also provide tips on how to prevent car damage.

The most common types of car damage

The most common cause of car damage is bumper damage. The bumper of your car takes the most hits. For example, think of hitting a pole when parking or hitting the car in front of you during a traffic jam. Scratches and dents are also a common form of car damage. Number three is window damage. Everyone knows the so-called stars in the car window, which – if not treated – can cause cracks in the window.

Car damage cause

What causes often lead to car damage? And how can you prevent this? The most common cause of car damage is a collision. This is usually with another motorized vehicle, but it can also happen that you hit road furniture such as a lamppost or even hit a pedestrian, animal or cyclist. Another cause of car damage is stone chips. On a bad road surface or during roadworks, there are sometimes loose stones. These can splash against your car and cause scratches. They can even lead to stars in the car window. Unfortunately, it is also more common for your car to become the victim of vandalism. Cars are often scratched or mirrors are destroyed. Car break-ins often also cause some car damage. Valuables or special car parts are stolen and sold abroad. The weather is also a cause of car damage. Not only heavy precipitation such as hail, but also storms can cause considerable damage to your car.

How can you prevent car damage?

Damage to your car is very annoying and repairing it is often not cheap. With the following tips you can reduce the chance of material and immaterial damage:

• You can prevent damage to your car windows by driving slower during roadworks. It also helps to keep your distance from the car in front of you. Not turning up the air conditioning in your car too much also reduces car window damage because the temperature difference does not become too great.
• Take enough breaks along the way so that you can stay focused on the road. Take a short break every two hours and then take a walk outside to get some fresh air.
• Before you hit the road, check your windscreen washer fluid, coolant, engine oil and brake dust. Perform a regular check and you will prevent damage and wear to multiple parts of your car.
• Check the tire pressure.
• Protect your car against theft and lock your car during short breaks. Also take valuables with you. This makes it less attractive for a car burglar.
• Be careful when parking.

Inattention

Inattention often leads to damage, because inattention in traffic causes accidents. With the introduction of the smartphone, it has become very easy to get distracted while driving. In the Netherlands, it is forbidden to call while driving. Apps, texting or looking at social media are also punishable because these things distract the driver from the traffic. Read here how you can drive even more safely.

Driving under the influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also increases the chance of accidents. According to the law, driving under the influence is therefore punishable. You lose control of your vehicle more quickly and that brings with it many risks for you, your car and others.

Bad luck on the way

It can always happen that you have a breakdown on the road. However, if you are well prepared when you hit the road, this does not have to be a problem. Therefore, read more here about roadside assistance in the Netherlands and abroad. A flat tire while driving can also occur at any time. How to You can easily replace a flat tire here.