A DRIVING expert has revealed an unusual 5p hack to protect your car and make parking so much easier using a common household item.
Price inflation has forced repair garages across the UK to hike their prices.
While some costs are inevitable, experts have been keen to pass on tips to drivers on how to avoid being fleeced.
Many accidents take place in supermarket carparks, where thousands of cars are packed together like sardines.
Most drivers know what its like to come back to their car to find you are boxed in.
Badly parked cars and huge SUV type vehicles often leave drivers struggling to open the door.
While some drivers use their hands to try and soften any contact between their door and next car, experts have urged them not to do so.
Drivers risk injury and jewellery can mark cars. So now Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, has offered some tips.
He said: “Your local garage may be forced to increase their prices, so maintaining your car’s health is more important than ever.
“While a car’s MOT fees will still cost up to £54.85, any repairs might
see a significant jump this year.
“From watching out for the “side door squeeze” when your parking space is too tight, to ensuring you’ve got enough oil in your engine, there are plenty of car care tips you can use to keep repairs, and costs, down.”
Sam suggested one item that can be picked up in for pennies could be the key in these scenarios.
He said: “Maintaining a safe parking distance from other cars and barriers isn’t always possible in public car parks.
“Whether your neighbouring car has parked poorly or your car is larger than the standard, squeezing into tight spots could be costly.
“Car care isn’t only about maintaining and cleaning your vehicle. Having simple tricks on hand to prevent damage, such as a car door dent, is a good idea to keep costs down and your car looking its best.
“Many of us might use our hands to wedge the car open without touching the other car, but if you’re not careful, you might hurt yourself or scratch a car with any jewellery. Instead, place something soft between the two.
“One hack we’ve seen people doing is using a nappy to cushion car doors – and with some costing as little as 5.9p per nappy, keeping one in your glovebox could be useful for tight emergencies.
“For the best coverage, specific car door bumper guards can help reduce damage and provide convenience and reliability –
perfect for those tight squeezes with your hands full.”
