AIBU?
To ask if you are a scratch-prone driver?
moutonfou · 10/06/2017 01:00
I've never run into another car or anything but parking is my weakness. My car is full of scratches where I've grazed various posts/barriers/pillars etc in car parks - and I've done another tonight. Gutted as I was being really careful - looked in mirrors and behind from all angles, moved out slowly, but crunched into a low bollard that was out of sight (and that I think was actually really poorly placed but oh well).
If anybody else suffers from this malady, how have you managed to overcome it? It makes me really scared to get a new car, especially on finance. I couldn't bear to scratch what I don't even own yet. But I'm starting to get embarrassed driving what I have!
VoteMe · 10/06/2017 01:12
My car is two years old and is completely scratch free. It has rear view cameras. It's revolutionised how I park. It's a doddle and I'll never have a car without them in future.
I used to think I was quite good as I used to live in London and had a job that required lots of driving around and parking..... my technique then was to park really slowly.
The make of car makes a huge difference too. I don't find it's size so much as visability.
BoomBoomsCousin · 10/06/2017 05:47
I didn''t use to be. 30 years without a single knock, advanced training etc.. But in the last 9 months I've had three minor scratches/dents. I don't really know why but it's bothering me a lot and totally killing my confidence. I'm beginning to wonder if I should be driving.
Topnotes · 10/06/2017 06:11
My DH is like this. Lots of minor scratches round bumpers. He's always been like this this. Men are supposed to have good spatial awareness - I guess he's the exception to the rule. Fortunately, he likes bog standard cars so doesn't get massively fussed.
Have you changed your car recently? I went from a small Peugeot to a Volvo S60 and it took me about 3 months to get used to the size of the new car for parking.
Laiste · 10/06/2017 06:27
You're hitting posts pillars and barriers but never anyone else's car?
Either you are hitting other cars and aren't admitting it here, or these are all low down things you're hitting and you need to start looking more carefully at the immediate surroundings of the space you're about to start maneuvering your car into.
AnUtterIdiot · 10/06/2017 07:11
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AnUtterIdiot · 10/06/2017 07:12
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ElleDubloo · 10/06/2017 07:18
Yeah, I am. Usually it's because I underestimate the "hardness" of what I'm scraping against, e.g. a bush. On two occasions in 10 years I've actually caused major damage to my car due to getting stuck in a tight parking situation (both times in my own garage!) So don't feel bad. And don't ever buy an expensive car. 
ThouShallNotPass · 10/06/2017 08:18
Honestly I think you need refresher lessons. If you are struggling to park because of hitting bollards. Posts, walls or bushes then it's very unlikely you're not hitting other people's cars too. If you can't drive properly then you can't drive. It's not something that is really measured in levels. "I can drive cos I only hit a few things sometimes.."
Refresher lessons, please. As someone who had a massive dent and scratches on her car because of a shitty Parker scraping it and driving off, I'm begging you, learn how to drive properly. I can't afford to get mine fixed so it will have to stay like that.
UrsulaPandress · 10/06/2017 08:23
After turning into my driveway several times a day for the past 13 years I managed to completely misjudge it a few weeks ago and scraped the side of my car. And I hit a small wall whilst reversing out of a very 'odd' parking space a few weeks ago.
Shit happens. Just be more careful. And check round your vehicle before getting back into it.
IntrusiveBastards · 10/06/2017 08:58
I think you need sensors. A couple of scratches is not so unusual but frequently indicates an issue.
My car has scratches from scratch prone people 
. One woman didn't even notice she scraped along my car as she reverse out of her parking spot. She gave herself half a car length in front but 'forgot' the cars behind her which got scuffed and scratched!
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