Top 4 reasons why leaning on car can damage car paint

You might have seen a lot of people leaning on their vehicle and lots of people think that it’s totally fine. Well, for some it is okay but for some car owners, it's one of the top no-nos in their list of automotive pet peeves. Leaning on the vehicle means shifting your center of gravity to the car and use it as a support.

If you’re a car owner, you know just how important it is to maintain the paint finish of your vehicle. You also know how hard it is to keep it to its shiny and flawless glory. You wouldn’t want your vehicle to be leaned on especially if you’re making an extra effort in maintaining it.

You might have seen a lot of people leaning on their vehicle and lots of people think that it’s totally fine

Leaning on the car might seem harmless but it can actually be harmful on the car’s exterior. And all those efforts in maintaining it will simply be put to waste because of a simple lean on the car. This article from Philkotse.com will explain why you shouldn’t on your vehicle.

1. Your cloth can be detrimental to the health of the car paint

Many people are unaware that our clothes can be harmful to the vehicle's paint finish. Our cloth has buttons, rivets, and zippers. These tiny bits attached to our shorts, blouse, and jeans even with only minimal force can cut into the shimmery paint and clear coat of the car.

It will leave unsightly scratches and marks that can leave you spending a load of pesos for repair. So if you're wearing a gem-studded dress or denim, it's better to stay away from the exterior paint and painted panels of your car.

Many people are unaware that our clothes can be harmful to the vehicle's paint finish

>>> Read more: Common things that can damage your car paint & How to keep it shiny at all times.

2. Your accessories can also damage the paint

If you lean on your car, chances are, you will also place your hands between you and the panel. Your accessories like watches, rings, and bracelets can cause potential to the car's paint. It can also cause scratches and marks to the car’s paint finish. Leaning on the car wearing gem-studded clothing and accessories, expect scratches on its glossy paint.

Your accessories like watches, rings, and bracelets can cause potential to the car's paint

3. Your clothing can have tiny dirt particles

Let’s say you are wearing soft and cottony clothing, is it okay to lean on your vehicle now? Sorry to break it to you but it is still a no. Even with your soft and cottony clothing; it can still have tiny dirt particles that may settle on the surface of the car.

These dirt particles can be abrasive on the car paint especially with the added factors of friction and external weight. The message here is simple, whether you are clothed or naked; you just have to avoid making unnecessary contact with the paint of your car. Period!

Even with your soft and cottony clothing; it can still have tiny dirt particles that may settle on the surface of the car

>>> Also read: Car paint protection film: Yay or Nay?

4. Your weight can cause a dimple or dent on the car

Most modern cars used a thinner sheet metal on the car panels, unlike vintage cars that use thick metal sheets. The main reason for using thinner metal sheets is to reduce the weight of the car to lessen drag and therefore improve the fuel consumption, which is both a big factor for marketability.

This means it doesn't need to much weight to cause a dimple or dent in your car.  So keep in mind that a simple lean on the car can cause damage to the exterior. And a damaged exterior is something any car owners don’t want.

It can ruin an attractive car and it can cost you money for repairs. You might also tell this information to your friends and families so that they will avoid leaning on your vehicle or their vehicle as well.

It doesn't need to much weight to cause a dimple or dent in your car

Also, note that almost all modern cars have much thinner paint surfaces compared to cars manufactured two decades ago. This is to adhere to the constantly increasing environmental standards imposed on vehicle manufacturers. This is certainly another reason why you should be extra careful with the car’s finish.

The reasons mentioned above are enough for you to avoid leaning on your car or leaning on other people’s car for that matter. In line with that, we also want to add a few tips on how to prevent dents on your vehicle aside from leaning on it. Here are some other things you should do to protect your car.

Easy tips on how to protect car paint 

Park away from other cars

If possible, avoid parking near other cars. Some drivers can be pretty careless that they don't mind leaving scratches or dents to other cars. Additionally, avoid crowded areas as well. You might be very careful about taking care of your vehicle but other people wouldn't mind causing dirt, scratches, and dents to other cars that are not theirs.

If you park in crowded places, there is a high chance of your vehicle getting leaned on by some strangers. And you know how leaning on can damage your car.

Avoid parking near other cars

>>> Grasp your attention: 5 easy car parking tips for Filipino drivers.

Be extra careful when opening car doors

We sometimes get excited to get out of the vehicle, but it’s important to know how to be aware of the surroundings. There can be a railing, gas pump, curb, a wall, or another car.

If you open your car door without checking if it might hit something, you can either end up with a scratched or dented exterior. So remember to slowly open your car door and also tell this to your passengers.

Educate your family especially the little ones

You should educate your family about how leaning on your car can damage your car’s paint and how much it might cost you. It is better that you explain it to them so that they will fully understand.

You should also remind the kids in the family or your kids to be careful when going in and out of the car. Tell them to not play with bikes, balls, and any other damaging toys around your vehicle.

Repairing car paint will cost you a fortune, so remember to remind your family member about it

Use car covers

The best way to protect your vehicle is to use your garage, but you can also use a car cover. Car covers will protect your car not only from scratches but also from the damaging heat of the sun and acid rain.

You can also use car covers even when your car is already in the garage to further protect it from scratches especially if your garage is also the storage room for your car tools and equipment. Just make sure you use an all-weather paint-friendly car cover.