How to avoid engine bonnet closure dent?

[zey]

I'm not too sure whether Autopians are facing this problem, but I found out that the front part of the engine bonnet near the grille is easily dented if someone just press the bonnet (hood) down to close it. My new car came along with two dents on it :angry. I always lift the bonnet at around 30cm height and let it go to close it, this will not create the dent. How about when you send your car for servicing, how do you ensure those mechanics know how to close it this way?

 

[Accumulator]

.. the front part of the engine bonnet near the grille is easily dented if someone just press the bonnet (hood) down to close it. .. how do you ensure those mechanics know how to close it this way?

You tell them. When I first go to a new shop, I make sure I explain *everything* they might need to know to keep me happy. I talk with the manager, the actual techs who'll be working on the car, the lot jockies, often even the owner. I'm really nice and polite about it, and I readily offer that I'm one strange guy to care so much. But I also let them know that they do *not* want to disappoint me.



I've demonstrated how to close bonnets/boots to guys who've worked on cars for thirty years. They might but I'm not there to make new friends; I'm trying to ensure that my vehicles don't get damaged (and for me, *one fingerprint* is "damage").



FWIW, once the guys know that I'm a nice guy and, more importantly I think, a good customer, I *always* get along with them just fine. In fact, I *have* made some good friends among people who initially thought I must be one insufferable SOB. They appreciate working on a clean engine/undercarriage, and they come to realize that it's all part of the same thing- I care about my vehicles and take good care of them.

 

[Bill D]

What kind of car is this? Yeah its going to be kinda awkward to explain how you really dont want fingerprints but I certainly hope if they make one by mistake or not they dont take it upon themselves to wipe it for you

 

[togwt]

~One man’s opinion / observations ~



I’ve taken different cars to very experienced auto mechanics and they usually comment on the vehicles finish (that they leave oily finger marks all over the bonnet, who knows, but I’d rather I cleaned it than they wipe it with their rag or sleeve)



Like Accumulator says if you explain how you expect your vehicle to be treated, once they realize you’re an OK sort of bloke they are fine with it.



~Hope this helps~



Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/ Jon

justadumbarchitect * so I question everything *

 

[Bill D]

Hope private mechanics who service the highest end vehicles are most readily open to understanding our fanaticism and really do treat our car like it is the only one in the world :up

 

[Accumulator]

..I certainly hope if they make one by mistake or not they dont take it upon themselves to wipe it for you

Heh heh, well, you've gotta be pretty, uhm, complete and explicit about this stuff ("and if something *does* happen..."). Oh, and consider providing your own fender covers, ones you don't mind having against your paint.

 

[Bill D]

Yeah I'm really eyeing that cotton Griots one, now would also consider having my name embroidered on it so someone doesn't decide to keep it

 

[zey]

Guys, thanks for the tips. Not too sure whether I'm running out of luck, today I've got the 4th tiny stone chip on my windscreen while travelling on highway. How to avoid this problem? Damn! :angry

 

[Bill D]

All I can suggest is to maybe try Diamondite Shield, it may help fill in/prevent chips but I really can't say for sure. Definitely try your best to avoid trucks on the highway especially if your windshield is as soft as Audi glass

 

[Accumulator]

Heh heh, I just figure stone chips (anywhere) are part of actually using a car. Somehow they just don't bother me- I once read a statement from the curator of a nice collection: "Real cars have stonechips". On cars that I'm not worried about keeping original, I consider windshield (or screen ) replacement to be a regular part of long-term ownership.



Bill D.- Bingo on the Griot's fender cover, but of course the magnetic feature doesn't work on aluminum cars...

 

[Bill D]

He he, the Caddy has a replaced windshield, no chips at all, it hasn't even seen a single sprinkle of rain since it was installed about 6.5 years ago But that';s the "good" best Sundays only driver.

 

[luke667]

someone doesn't believe in the powers of ''jinx'' hehe

 

[Bill D]

well, hopefully bug splatter here and there is sufficient Had plenty of bad luck with other vehicles over recent years though, worse than having a windshield replaced.