Cars face plenty of hazards when out on the roads, or even when parked. Unfortunately, your garage may also be a place that puts the car at risk for damage. How? Most of us use the garage to park the car (at least part of the year), but also for storage of all kinds of items. Limited space, dangerous materials and even just entering and exiting can lead to damage. To overcome this, we offer the following tips:
Learn How to Foolproof Parking
Pulling in and out of a garage is not always easy, and especially a crowded garage. The door may even be at risk for damage if there is not enough space. Yet, you can foolproof parking using a few low‑cost solutions. The first involves nothing more than a tennis ball and some strong string. Begin by opening the door and tie the thread to the area above the “end spot” for parking. Hang the ball from the thread and shut the door. Now, whenever you open the door, the ball is there to nudge the front or rear glass; showing you when to stop!
Any easier, but more costly, solution is to invest in rugged PVC parking mats. They feature a valley that your tire fits into when it is in the perfect spot for stopping and makes the process 100% foolproof.
If you are enthusiastic about technology, you can invest in a laser pointer. You set it up to flare on a point on your dashboard when the car is in the right spot. Once that area lights up, you just stop the car and enjoy totally foolproof parking success.
Consider Car Doors
Parking may not be an issue for you, but getting in and out of a car might be. Crowded garages add an element of risk by positioning items that the door can bang into and knock over. The walls of the garage can even cause unsightly door “dings”. To avoid them is also affordable and easy.
The first system uses cheap swimming noodles that you attach to the wall even with the doors. You just cannot hurt the door or wall if that noodle is there to pad the blow. The other side of the car can also be protected by noodles attached to posts as a sort of guardrail. This is also effective between two cars.
Don’t Forget Shelves and Hanging Items
And what about some tips for those with too many things in the garage? If you cannot cut down on the clutter, then be sure that everything is safely hanging from secure hooks. There are many ways to do this on your own or purchase locking hooks online.
Also be sure that any shelves on the walls are not overloaded. The garage door’s opening can rattle things and result in a heavy item falling on the car, or even a can of paint splattering the floor or the car… or you!
The Furry Hazards
As a warm and dry spot free of predators, your garage is also going to attract attention from rodents. If your door has flawed weatherstripping, it is easier than you might imagine for mice to enter. If the garage is insulated and heated, that one flaw can waste a lot of money.
To prevent mice and rodents entering (and cut down on heat loss) check that the u‑shaped weatherseal at the bottom of the door is intact and fits snugly against the threshold. Also check on the condition of the weatherstripping along the bottom exterior frame.
Of course, mice and rodents don’t mind non‑insulated garages because they are just as appealing and free of predators. The problem here is that mice can still inflict all kinds of damage to belongings and to a car. They’ll still chew wires and build nests. A simple defence at such times is found in moth balls. Rodents dislike the strong smell and this will keep them out of the garage, your belongings and the car.
Winter Road Issues
While this is not related directly to the car, it is a hazard that needs to be addressed. Salt spread on the roads during the winter months keep the roadways safe to drive, but it is not good for the car. In fact, it is a source of corrosion that can lead to rust and body rot. It can also harm the garage floor. So, it is a good idea to visit a car wash and use the high power spray on and under the car (except when temperatures are below 50°F / ‑150°C. If you have a heated car, it is a good idea to wash at any time and let the car remain warm inside afterward.
Some Considerations
Naturally, keeping the garage as empty as possible is one of the simplest solutions. Make a point of sorting items and giving away what you don’t use. Even bulky items can often be picked up free of charge by charities accepting them.
Don’t overlook the importance of the garage door, too. Get it a good tune‑up each year, or change it completely if it is old and outdated. You can do either when you contact us at 717-767-1419.
We are glad to provide an email quotation and can even visit your property to show you the thousands of styles and options. You can also visit our online Design Centre to “try on” some styles on photos of your home, or find inspiration in our image gallery.
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