Bumps, Bangs and Scrapes: Should We Treat Our Cars Better?
A bollard that came out of nowhere, a dropped kerb that wasn’t *quite* as dropped as you thought... We all remember the cause of that first scrape on our brand-new car, and the devastating feeling when you spot the gouge in its shiny paint work.
In a sense, bumps and scrapes are unavoidable. You're at the mercy of every other road user when you drive, and save swaddling your vehicle in bubble wrap (inadvisable), you can’t keep your car’s exterior perfect forever.
But how much does it really matter? Should we take better care of our cars? Let's explore.
How Does Car Damage Happen?
Perhaps surprisingly, most aesthetic damage happens when we’re driving at very slow speeds, such as maneuvering in car parks. Studies show that 8/10 motorists have suffered damage to their vehicle whilst parked in a car park. All it takes is a momentary lapse in judgement or for someone to be a little too keen on the accelerator for cars to bump in tight spaces.
Potholes are also a culprit when it comes to car damage, with a third of all recorded vehicle damage being caused by collision with them. Impact with a pothole can cause buckled wheels, cracks, lumps in the tyre and cracked alloys. It’s easy to wave away the impact of driving over a pothole, especially shallow ones, but when travelling at high speeds potholes can knock out the tracking and wheel balancing – which can be a costly problem.
Obviously, it’s best to avoid potholes where possible, but if you’re in a situation where you can’t steer clear, make sure to drive over potholes slowly, straight, and controlled.
As we’ve already mentioned, ‘kerbing’ your car can also lead to cosmetic damage to paint and alloys, or worse, wheel misalignment. You don’t need to be driving at high speeds to feel the impact of kerb contact, and you definitely don’t need to be going fast to cause damage. It goes without saying that the way to manage this is to drive at an appropriate speed and be aware of the size of your car. But if you should hit the kerb by accident, it’s worth assessing as quickly as possible in case you’ve caused some damage.
7 Reasons You Should Take Care of Your Car
Even if a bump, scratch or scrape seems minor at the time, it’s always worth having it checked over by a professional. From style to safety, here’s why it’s worth keeping on top of your car maintenance.
1. Maintains a new and clean feel
For a smoother ride, a well-maintained car feels more enjoyable to drive. Dirt and grime can cause long-term damage to surfaces, leading to premature aging of the interior and exterior, so it’s a good idea to stop wear and tear build-up.
2. Higher resale value
First impressions matter. When selling or trading in your vehicle, potential buyers judge based on how well the car has been cared for. A clean, well-maintained car can easily fetch a higher price.
If you have a record of regular maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, etc.), it gives buyers confidence that they’re getting a reliable vehicle.
Cars naturally depreciate over time, but taking care of yours slows the process, making it worth more in the long run.
3. Avoids costly repairs
Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive fixes. For example, changing the oil regularly protects the engine from wear and tear. Clean brakes, properly inflated tires, and well-lubricated parts also reduce wear on essential systems.
4. Increases longevity
Through maintenance you can extend the life of your car and prevent excessive wear, allowing your car to last for many more years.
Protecting the paint and finish of your car by waxing and washing can prevent rust and corrosion, keeping the exterior looking sharp.
5. Better safety
A well-maintained car ensures brakes, tires, and lights are in proper working order, reducing the risk of accidents. Also, clean windows and mirrors provide better visibility, especially in bad weather.
6. Improved fuel efficiency
Clean air filters, properly inflated tires, and regular oil changes help your car run more efficiently, saving money at the pump.
7. Sense of pride
Who doesn’t love a confidence boost? Driving a clean, well-cared-for car gives you a sense of satisfaction and pride.
Could your car do with a little TLC? Choose one of Vertu’s state-of-the-art workshops for anything from minor scratches to serious damage.