[shomshree]

This tip might come in handy for those who have to park their cars in small garages.

Every time one opens a car door in closed confines of a garage, one risks putting the slightest of dents on the door or perhaps scratching the garage wall. Using a cylindrical piece of foam, somewhat akin to pool noodles, the effect of inadvertent blows on car doors or to the garage walls can be neutralized.



Got the idea from pinterest.

[Desmosedici]

I think that is a brilliant idea. Might save a lot of owners from the headache of attending to minor nicks, dents or scratches. Thanks for sharing mate.

[Rehaan]

Good tip to protect your car from this:


Some more info on where to get these pool noodles:

Option 1 : You can buy these pool noodles from sports stores, or even Hamleys. Probably available in brighter colours at these stores (orange, blue, etc). I'm not sure of the pricing, but it'll be higher than option 2.

Option 2 : Find a store that deals with Polyethelyne cushion foam (more commonly referred to as hitlon). They should sell it much cheaper, though chances are it will only be available in black & white. I think these tubes are commonly used for insulating air-conditioning pipes. I bought about 25 Meters for a low amount - cant remember exactly, but roughly Rs. 200-300.

It comes in several diameters, as well as a thinner solid core version. Note that these are less than half the diameter of the orange tube shown above:


One tip if you're using a full tube (rather than cutting it into a semi-circle like shown in the first post) is to make a small cut in one end of the tube, insert the screw, and then screw through the other side into the wall. That will keep the screw head from being exposed and touching your car. Remember to use a washer with the screw!

Here's a place you can get the tubes at Mohammad Ali Road in Mumbai:


It's also worth noting that different cars will require the noodle to be placed at slightly different heights (depending on the shape of the doors). So it's safer to get a larger diameter noodle to account for this difference and have universal protection.

[pamiboy]

That's a very helpful post. I will surely try something like thing in my garage.
Cheers guys.

[DWC]

Thank you and bless you for an invaluable post. Ive already got a few nicks and scratches parking in my small garage. This will definitely come in handy.

[Neel]

Coir is also a good option. Some old school mattress stores where they alter mattresses ormake custom cotton/coir bedding/pillows should be your source. Old foam pillows also help!

Plastic Packing material (not thermocol) is also a good option. Check with the logistics team in your office, there should be plenty to pick up..

The good thing about Coir is that you can use a simple adhesive like fevicol to first get the shape/thickness you want and paste it to the portion of the wall close to the door or even the wall in front to ensure the bumper is safe.

Give it to your kids and they will be happy to give the aesthetic touch!

[KARR]

I have small transparent rubber moldings installed on my car at the edges to protect against such things...which I feel is a better option as it provides protection at parking lots outside of home as well...they dont look bad on the car as they are transparent and are quite cheap to buy

[Carpainter]

My uncle has a narrow garage where he parks his City and so he's wrapped the entire wall with foam. It not only protects his car from door opening scratches but also protects his car from bigger scratches when his daughter, a newbie driver, goes to park the car in there.

[autodoctor]

That is a good tip.
I have some thick floor mats (bought cheap) fastened to the wall where the door opens. So that i can park either of my car (different ride heights, and different contact point to the wall) inside the garage, with out door damage.

Cheap and cheerful!