According to the National Safety Council, there are more than 60,000 injuries each year in parking lots and garages. With football season gearing up, it’s time to take good care if you drive up to Arrowhead Stadium to see the Chiefs this year.
No matter where you take in a game, packed stadium lots and enthusiastic tailgaters create the less than awesome environment for dings, scratches, and scrapes that can turn game day celebration into a Monday morning headache.
1. The Tailgate Parking Lot Reality
There are some things you can do to avoid parking lot mishaps. But once you’ve parked and you’re headed in, there’s little you can do. The combination of high-density parking, oversized vehicles, and time-pressured drivers creates a perfect storm that increases the likelihood of low-speed collisions and surface damage. Some of the minor damage can often go undetected until you get back home!
2. Quick Damage Assessment Guide
Not every parking lot scratch requires professional attention, but if you know the difference, it can save you money and prevent bigger problems down the road. Here’s what to look for:
Needs Professional Attention:
- Deep scratches that catch your fingernail when you run it across them
- Any damage that exposes bare metal underneath the paint
- Dents that are larger than a quarter
- Paint transfers that won’t wipe away with a damp cloth
Possible DIY Solutions:
- Surface-level scratches and minor scuffs that can be buffed out
- Small paint transfers that respond to gentle cleaning
3. Smart Solutions for Game Day Damage
Minor damage doesn’t have to disrupt your schedule or budget. There are several repair approaches that can address these issues efficiently:
- Quick turnaround options that minimize the time your vehicle is out of service
- Convenient scheduling that works around your daily routine and location preferences
- Comprehensive assessments that identify and address multiple related issues in a single visit
If the worst situation happens, where you get dented instead of dinged, there is still hope. Some crease dents can be repaired with PDR (paintless dent removal).
Many customers are surprised to learn that their insurance may cover parking lot damage, especially if there’s a police report or if the other party accepts responsibility (though we know that may be a long shot!).
5. Prevention Tips for Future Game Days
While we are more than happy to fix parking lot damage, here are some strategies to minimize future mishaps:
- Park farther away from the stadium entrance
- Arrive early to claim corner or end spots with fewer adjacent vehicles
- If possible, choose lots with painted lines vs. unmarked gravel areas where spacing is inconsistent
- Consider carpooling to reduce your exposure to parking lot problems
A fun trip up to the game in KC or a tailgate should not end with an expensive body shop visit. However, if your vehicle sustains some minor damage, quick professional attention keeps small problems from becoming big ones.
If you need auto body and collision repair for your vehicle, please get in touch with us today.