Whether you plan on taking a road trip this summer or you’re sticking around the Twin Cities metro, you’ll encounter your share of road debris during the warmest months of the year. Not only are there more passenger vehicles on the roads, but it’s also road construction season, so tire blowouts, gravel, and garbage inevitably end up on our highways.
An unexpected encounter with a piece of road debris can end in a trip to the auto body repair shop, but that doesn’t have to be your story. Below, our Minnetonka Collision team shares a few helpful tips for protecting your vehicle from debris-related damage. If you do end up with a dent in your ride, give us a call for your auto body repair needs.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
Following other drivers too closely can put your vehicle at risk for damage if the car or truck in front of you encounters road debris and must slam on the brakes suddenly. Furthermore, when there are rocks or other types of debris on the road, fast-moving vehicle tires can easily kick it up and propel it at your ride.
Maintaining a safe following distance is one of the easiest ways to avoid the need for debris-related auto body repairs. Keeping your distance helps protect your vehicle from a rear-end collision, flying road debris, and erratic drivers. For the best protection, leave a minimum of three seconds of space between the front of your vehicle and the rear of the vehicle in front of you.
Avoid Distractions While Driving
Driving is not an activity you can afford to multitask while doing. Distracted driving is one of the leading culprits behind collisions throughout the Twin Cities and the United States. If you’re not keen on heading to the auto body repair shop this summer, give the road your full attention when you’re behind the wheel!
Stay Alert Behind the Wheel
One of the best ways to avoid needing auto body repairs is to pay close attention to everything that’s going on around you on the roadway. Stay alert and vigilant so you notice road debris well before you encounter it. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to avoid it by changing lanes or slowing down.
Avoid driving behind trailers that seem poorly secured and dump trucks carrying large loads. If your rearview mirror or side mirrors are damaged, get them fixed so you have full visibility while driving. And of course, keep your vehicle windows clean at all times so you can clearly see what’s going on around you.
Looking for a High-Quality Auto Body Repair Shop in the Twin Cities?
Whether you’re in the market for a minor dent fix or you need more serious auto body repairs, you can trust our team at Minnetonka Collision with your vehicle. With over three decades of experience in collision repair and auto repair, our technicians are some of the best in the industry, and we always guarantee a job well done. To get started, please call our Plymouth, MN office today at 763-230-7805 or request an estimate, and we’ll be in touch!