Cars in Wiltshire: important maintenance tips and how to avoid damage to your vehicle

Life in Wiltshire is inextricably linked to cars. For many residents, a car is an essential element of everyday life, giving them the freedom to move around. However, to enjoy carefree journeys and keep your vehicle in top condition, it is important to follow key maintenance rules and know how to avoid damage to your vehicle.

Local roads: beauty and challenge

Wiltshire's road network is extremely diverse. There is everything from wide, scenic country lanes winding through rolling hills and fields to narrow, winding historic streets in the towns and cities. Some of them may be uneven and potholed, while others may be tight with limited room for manoeuvre. These conditions require drivers to be extra careful and cautious.

That is why car care is of paramount importance. Even a small damage, such as a scratch or a barely noticeable crack, can lead to significant problems in the future.

What is most often affected?

According to the RAC insurance company, 25% of UK drivers report bumper damage, whether major or minor.  This shows that this problem is quite common and affects many car owners.

The front bumper is one of the most vulnerable parts of a car, and it suffers the most often. Why: Constant manoeuvres in city traffic, tight parking spaces and uneven roads create a favourable background for scratches, chips and bumps. Small curbs that seem harmless can cause serious damage if you park carelessly.

Car maintenance

According to an expert from AUTODOC : ‘It’s important to get your car checked every year as it promotes early detection of serious faults, which helps prevent serious accidents and thus saves lives.’

Regular maintenance is the key to a long and trouble-free life for your vehicle. Timely replacement of oil, filters, brake pads and other consumables helps to keep all systems in good working order. Regularly checking the chassis, headlights, suspension, tyres, and body condition helps to avoid any trouble on the road.

Take the BMW 3 Series, for example. This model is popular among drivers in Wiltshire - elegant, dynamic, and really eye-catching. These cars look stylish and compact, but even they often experience front bumper damage when parked or in contact with a kerb. This once again emphasises the importance of care and regular maintenance, regardless of the make and model of your car.

Why it's important to get your bumper repaired on time

Repairing even minor damage not only keeps your car looking good, but also significantly reduces the cost of more extensive repairs that may be required if the damage becomes more severe. According to startrescue.co.uk: ‘Repairing scratches promptly demonstrates that we care about our car, which can be especially important if we use it for work or business, as well as for social occasions.’

Ignoring bumper damage can have serious consequences: 

• Even minor cracks or chips can affect the vehicle's aerodynamics, increasing air resistance and fuel consumption. 
• A damaged bumper surface is an ideal place for moisture and dirt to penetrate, which can lead to corrosion of hidden body components.
• Damage to the bumper can disrupt the functioning of various safety sensors (parking sensors, collision sensors), which are often located in the bumper. This can compromise your safety and the effectiveness of driver assistance systems.

How to avoid damage and what to do

Experienced drivers have some tips for new drivers on how to avoid damage to their car:

1. Use bumper protectors, which can significantly reduce the risk of damage from minor collisions or scratches.

2. Use rear-view cameras and parking sensors to help you estimate the distance to obstacles and avoid unwanted contact.

3. Park carefully, always leave enough space, take your time and use all available aids. Try to park away from congested areas and narrow driveways.

4. Pay attention to the road surface to avoid potholes and potholes that could cause damage to the bumper and other parts of the vehicle.

If damage has already occurred, do not delay. Contact a certified body shop. Many services in Wiltshire offer expert repairs and use quality materials.

When choosing a workshop, pay attention to the availability of relevant certificates and licences, a guarantee for the work, examples of their previous work and reviews from other customers, and the use of original or certified spare parts.

Taking care of your car's technical condition, attention to detail, and timely repairs are the best investments in comfort and safety on the road.

Additional information:

BMW 3 series front bumper specifications - AUTODOC

Why should you get scratches fixed?