Car damage: what are the main causes?

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, this is just as true when it comes to car damage. The ways in which your car can get damaged vary greatly. This blog will cover the most common causes of car damage. Furthermore, we will 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. Your car's bumper takes the most knocks. Think, for example, of hitting a bollard 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. Coming in third is windscreen damage. Everyone is familiar with so-called 'stars' in the car windscreen, which – if left untreated – can cause cracks in the glass.

Car damage cause

What often causes car damage nowadays? And how can you prevent it? The most common cause of car damage is a collision. Usually, this is with another motor vehicle, but it can also happen that you hit street furniture like a lamppost, or even knock over a pedestrian, animal, or cyclist. Another cause of car damage is stone chips. On a poor road surface or during roadworks, there are sometimes loose stones. These can splash against your car and cause scratches. They can even lead to star-shaped chips in your windscreen. Unfortunately, it also happens more often that your car becomes a victim of vandalism. Cars are frequently scratched, or mirrors are destroyed. Car break-ins often also result in some car damage. Valuable items or special car parts are stolen and sold abroad. The weather is also a cause of car damage. Not only heavy precipitation like hail, but also storms can inflict considerable damage on your vehicle.

Hoe voorkom je autoschade?

Damage to your car is very frustrating, and getting it repaired is often not cheap. With the following tips, you can reduce the risk of material and non-material damage:

• Damage to your car windows can be avoided by driving more slowly at roadworks. Furthermore, it helps to keep a distance from the car in front of you. Not having the air conditioning in your car on too high also reduces car window damage, as this prevents the temperature difference from becoming too great.
• Take sufficient breaks along the way so that you remain attentive to the road. Take a short break every two hours, then go for a walk in the fresh air to get some air.
• Before you set off on your journey, check your windscreen washer fluid, coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid. Performing regular checks will prevent damage and wear to multiple parts of your car.
• Check the tyre pressure.
• Protect your car against theft and lock it even during short breaks. Also, take valuable items with you. This makes your car less attractive to a car thief.
• Park with care.

Inattention

Inattentiveness often leads to damage, as inattentiveness in traffic causes accidents. With the introduction of the smartphone, it has become very easy to get distracted while driving. It is forbidden in the Netherlands to call while driving. Texting, messaging, or checking social media are also punishable offences because these activities divert the driver's attention from traffic. Here you can read how to drive even more safely.

Driving under the influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also increases the likelihood of accidents. Therefore, driving under the influence is punishable by law. You lose control of your vehicle more quickly, which carries many risks for you, your car, and others.

Trouble on the road

It can always happen that you break down on the road. However, if you set off well-prepared, this doesn't have to be a problem either. Therefore, read more here about breakdowns on the road in the Netherlands and abroad.. A flat tyre can also occur at any time while you are driving. How you here you can read how to easily change a flat tyre.