UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

I think I'm too paranoid! It's hell taking my car out of the garage - all clean and shiny, knowing that I've got to take it on the road. I go like in a state of tension when passing a car (be it over taking it or cars going in the other direction) - just think...stone chips! And don't get me started on trucks...they're the worst!

Parking lots are another story! Why is it that when you park your car like way out of the way....someone else will always come park next to you? I'm always on my nerves when in a shopping centre - wondering the whole time if someone hasn't just opened a door against my car (kids are the worst in this case!).

So...am I too paranoid??

I wouldn't worry about other people opening their doors against your car.

We all know the real cause of damage are the door ding gnomes that inhabit car parks and attack with their little chisel and hammer.


Now seriously, I'm a little paranoid when parking in malls and supermarkets too. My best tip would be to always park by the columns at underground or indoor car parks, that halves the chance of your car being hit by someone else's.

Another thing I found out is you should never retract your door mirrors: that will only encourage idiots to park even closer to you.

If you absolutely must park on the street, then find a street with 45º parking. Parallel parking will mean someone trying to squeeze their car in front/right behind your car and therefore hitting your bumpers.

And in Brazil most cars have that tow thing sticking out their backs (precisely for avoiding damage to their rear-ends, nobody tows anything on 1-litre-engined cars!). People will ram these things onto your car with no mercy.