Whether you’re a startup business or a family just trying to save money, working out of your garage can be a great way to get things done. However, if you’re not careful, you can end up doing some severe damage to your car.
Avoiding car damage in your garage
One of the many mistakes of most car owners is thinking that their garage is a safe place for their car. Unfortunately, there are many ways to damage your vehicle while parked in the garage.
Here are some tips on how you can avoid damaging your car in the garage:
- Keep the area well-lit. Poor lighting is one of the leading causes of garage-related accidents. Make sure your garage is equipped with plenty of light fixtures to see what you’re doing at all times.
- Use floor mats. If you’re working on your car in the garage, it’s a good idea to use floor mats to protect the floor from oil and other fluids. You can also use them to catch tools or parts that might fall while working.
- Be aware of your surroundings. When working in the garage, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means being aware of where your tools are, where your car is, and where other potential hazards might be lurking. By being aware of your surroundings, you can help prevent accidents before they happen.
- Know your limits. If you’re not comfortable working on your car, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Trying to do something beyond your skill level can lead to accidents and damage to your car and yourself.
What to do if your car gets damaged
It happens to the best of us. You’re driving into your garage, distracted for just a moment, and before you know it, you’ve scraped the side of your car against the wall. Or perhaps you misjudged the height of your vehicle and took out a light fixture. Whatever the case may be, accidental damage to your car in your garage is not only frustrating but can also be expensive to repair. Here are a few tips on what to do if it happens to you.
Assess the damage
The first thing you need to do is take a step back and assess the damage. If it’s just a small scratch or dent, chances are you can live with it until your next scheduled paint job or auto body repair. However, if the damage is severe, such as a broken window or tire, you’ll need to take care of it immediately. Also, be sure to check for any fluid leaks. If you see any, it’s best to call a tow truck and have your car towed to the nearest repair shop.
Find the source of the damage
Once you’ve assessed the damage, you’ll need to determine how it happened. If you’re not sure, take a look around your garage for evidence of what might have caused it. Did something fall off a shelf and hit your car? Was there an object in the way that you didn’t see? Knowing the source of the damage will help you decide how to best deal with it.
Make repairs promptly
Once you have an insurance check (or cash on hand if you’re paying out of pocket), make arrangements with a reputable auto body shop or mechanic to get the repairs done as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can become—which will only cost you more money in the long run.
Finding an auto shop specializing in your car’s make would also be ideal. For example, if you have a Honda, look for repair services for honda cars near you. This will ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly.
Talk to your insurance company
If the damage is severe enough that you need to file an insurance claim, call your insurance company right away and let them know what happened. They’ll likely ask for photographs of the damage as well as an estimate of repair costs before they issue a check for reimbursement. In some cases, they may even send an adjuster out to assess the damage themselves.
The bottom line
Accidents happen, but with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can avoid damaging your car in the garage. Your car is one of your most valuable assets, so it’s important to take care of it. By following these tips, you can help avoid damaging your car in the garage. And if damage does occur, you know how to handle it. Don’t let a little accident ruin your day—or your car. Drive safely!
