Today, Parkside Motors turns 45! This has been an incredible journey, and today we take a look back at all of the milestones that lead us here.
Most damage to our vehicles is preventable. That being said, the orientation of our side mirrors makes them particularly vulnerable to damage through collision, brushes with trees and shrubs, or acts of vandalism. Here are a few tips that we hope will help you keep your vehicle looking beautiful.
Park Safely
Areas that are hidden from sight, are around tight bends, or are at narrow parts of the road are dangerous places to park. Simply being aware of where you park and avoiding places like dark corners of shopping areas or secluded and unlit areas is a great way to keep your vehicle out of the way of accidental or intentional harm.
Do Your Mirrors Fold?
Many modern vehicles are equipped with automatic or manual mirrors that fold inwards while parked to protect against damage. Many modern motorists are unaware that their vehicles are equipped with this feature! Double-check to see if your vehicle has folding mirrors, you might be missing out on a great safety feature.
Supervise Children
Kids are intensely curious by nature. This is a good trait, as they learn and grow through interaction with their surroundings. Mirrors are always alluring toys for children, as they provide such an obvious and playful stimulus. However, it is important to stress to your kids that car mirrors are not toys and should be treated gently. Side mirrors are delicate parts of our vehicles, and even innocent fumbling by small fingers could be enough to cause serious damage.
Be Attentive
We are most in danger of damaging our cars when we are in a hurry. If you are busy running errands or making an appointment at the last minute, it is important to slow yourself down a little bit to avoid damaging your vehicle. Opening the door quickly and bashing their mirror against a neighboring vehicle is among the most common ways people inflict damage to their cars, so take a minute to check your surroundings before getting out.
Clean Carefully
When cleaning your car, keep in mind that your mirrors are more delicate than the rest of your vehicle. Take care while cleaning them, and avoid using stiff brushes and harsh chemicals. Avoid touching the surface of the mirror with your bare hands, as the oils from your skin can cause lasting damage. The best practice is to use a clean and soft cloth to clean your mirrors, and fully rinse the soap away afterward.
Keep Your Mirrors in Mind
Even when we are as careful as possible, our mirrors can become damaged by factors out of our control. Make it part of your routine to check your vehicle’s mirrors for any cracks or dings so you can stay on top of repairs before it becomes a serious problem. Think your mirrors may need a repair? Stop by or give us a call, we would love to help.