Auto body damage is an unfortunate reality for many car owners. From minor dings and scratches to major collisions, there are many causes of auto body damage that can affect the look and function of a vehicle.

As your local Idaho Falls auto collision center, we’ve seen all kinds of body damage.

In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of auto body damage and how to avoid them.

Bad Weather

Bad weather conditions such as hail, heavy rain, and snow can cause significant damage to a car’s body. Hail can dent and chip paint, while heavy rain can cause water damage to the interior of a car. Snow and ice can cause rust to form on a car’s body, as well as damage to the paint and body from scraping ice off surfaces.

To avoid damage from bad weather, it is important to park your car in a garage or covered area whenever possible. If you don’t have access to covered parking, investing in a car cover can help protect your vehicle from hail and other weather-related damage.

People Being Negligent and Careless

People being negligent and careless are another common cause of auto body damage. This can include everything from other drivers hitting your car to pedestrians scratching your paint with keys or other sharp objects.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent this type of damage. However, being aware of your surroundings and parking in well-lit areas can help reduce the likelihood of human-caused damage.

Fender Benders

Fender benders are one of the most common causes of auto body damage. In fact, it’s one of the most common types of car accidents, period.

A fender bender is a minor accident that typically involves two cars colliding at low speeds. This can result in dents, scratches, and other damage to the body of a car.

To avoid fender benders, it is important to practice safe driving habits such as leaving plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you, following traffic laws and signals, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Neglecting to Maintain Your Vehicle

Neglecting to maintain your vehicle can also lead to auto body damage. For example, failing to replace worn brake pads can cause your car to collide with other vehicles or objects. Neglecting to change your oil or failing to keep your car clean can also lead to rust and other forms of damage to your car’s body.

To avoid this type of damage, it is important to follow a regular maintenance schedule for your car. This includes getting regular oil changes, replacing worn parts as needed, and keeping your car clean and free of debris.

Some Uncommon Causes of Body Damage

While the causes of auto body damage listed above are some of the most common, there are a few less common causes of damage that are worth mentioning:

• Tree sap: Parking under a tree can lead to damage from tree sap. This can be difficult to remove and can cause significant paint damage if left untreated.
• Bird droppings: Bird droppings can be acidic and can damage your car’s paint if left on for an extended period of time.
• Extreme heat: Extreme heat can cause the paint on your car to fade and crack over time. It can also cause damage to the interior of your car.

Conclusion

Auto body damage can be frustrating and expensive to repair. However, by being aware of the common causes of damage and taking steps to prevent them, you can help keep your car looking and functioning like new. Remember to park in covered areas whenever possible, practice safe driving habits, follow a regular maintenance schedule for your car, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. By doing so, you can help keep your car in top condition for years to come.

Classic Auto Collision Center is the Idaho Falls auto body repair and paint shop you can rely on for high-quality body repair services. Our skilled technicians are trained to handle a wide range of auto body repair and paintwork needs, including collision repair, dent removal, scratch repair, and paint jobs.

In addition to repair and paintwork, we provide assistance with insurance claims, working directly with insurance companies to help our customers navigate the claims process and ensure that their repairs are covered.

Let’s get started—Contact us today!