Just mentioning the words ‘leaning’ and ‘car’ in the same sentence sends bad vibes throughout my system. Among the top no-nos on my automotive pet-peeves list is when someone decides to shift his center of gravity and use my car’s fender for support.
You might say I’m ridiculous or maarte. I’d say that a car and a chair are two different things! And that’s just me being politely blunt.
Aside from learning the ins and outs of car care from my late father, I recall his repeated lectures on the importance of respecting another person’s ride. This included keeping my hands and the rest of my body off the vehicle’s sacred surface—unless I’m washing or waxing it, of course.
So, why shouldn’t you lean on your car or any vehicle? Let me explain.
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Most of us tend to be unaware that our clothes may be detrimental to our car paint’s health. Zippers, rivets, buttons—all these little bits attached to our jeans or shorts can (with minimal force) definitely cut into the shimmery clear coat and paint, leaving unsightly marks or scratches that will cost a pretty peso to repair. As far as I’m concerned, your gem-studded distressed designer denims belong on a runway and nowhere near painted panels.
In some cases, others would lean on a car’s side and place their hands between them and the panel. I can only imagine the potential damage your rings and watches can do.
Even if you’re wearing cottony-soft clothing, the tiny particles of dirt that have settled on the vehicle’s surface can be quite abrasive on your paint with the added factors of external weight and friction. Simply put, whether you’re fully-clothed or butt-naked, just avoid having unnecessary contact with a vehicle’s paint. Period.
Do note that almost all modern automobiles have much thinner paint surfaces than vehicles made two decades ago, to adhere to the constantly increasing environmental standards imposed on car manufacturers. Certainly, more reason for you to be extra careful with that factory finish.
Unless your prized ride falls under the vintage category, chances are the sheetmetal used on your panels isn’t as thick as those made 30-something years ago. The reason for this is to reduce a vehicle’s weight, lessen drag, and improve fuel consumption—both huge factors in marketability.
That said, it won’t take much to add a dent or dimple here or there. The next time you hang out in a parking lot with your buddies and get caught up in a stimulating conversation over a few cold ones, please don’t rest your elbow on the hood, or saddle your booty on the fender or doors. Dimples look cute on your crush, not on your car!
