What Do You Do When Someone Opens Their Car Door into Yours?

thanatos350 on 02/03/2021 - 13:25

Hi guys,

This post isn't really for advice, but more out of interest.

I was sitting in my car having a coffee, while a small SUV entered the parking spot next to me. The driver parked very poorly, and their front tire was quiet obviously in my space.

The driver was a short, rotund lady who appeared to try to prevent her door from touching my vehicle. As she stepped down from her seat, the limited space between her car and her open door was obviously insufficient for her body - so the door kind of popped open and hit my car.

This isn't the first time something like this has happened. I don't doubt that it has happened numerous times when I haven't been sitting in my car too.

I put a lot of effort into caring for my car, so this kind of stuff makes me rage. For this reason, I avoid confronting these people as to prevent myself from causing an affray.

I do wonder, however, if you guys handle these situations differently? Do you just swallow it? Do you jump out and abuse these people?

Automotive

Comments

        • Banj0 on 02/03/2021 - 14:34
          +13

          I was on a bike ride with mine over the weekend, and my 13yo son was trailing behind a little. Some dude on a road bike whizzed past and said to him, "Change your gears, you need to catch up!".

          I thought, "Well, fair enough"

          • Travis J on 02/03/2021 - 15:13
            -5

            @Banj0: So, were you offended by that? I think the stranger meant it as a joke.

            • darkdinkum on 04/03/2021 - 01:50

              @Travis J: Don't think Banj0 was offended since Banj0 seemed to agree with the stranger by acknowledging it was a fair comment.

      • Eeples on 02/03/2021 - 15:54
        +20

        Rubbish.

        It takes a community to raise kids.

        And it coming from the injured party will make it way more clearer to the kids that they did something wrong.

        You seem to have no idea what you are talking about.

      • ChickenTalon on 03/03/2021 - 09:01
        +3

        had i been the parent.. i would have apologised to you on behalf of my kids

        How long do you plan on apologising on behalf of your kids? Seems like an important skill to learn for themselves. My eldest is 3 and he does his own apologising.

      • Blue Cat on 03/03/2021 - 09:27
        +1

        Oh no, the Karenvirus is spreading into OzBargain too!

        Why don't they develop a vaccine for that???

  • Quantumcat on 02/03/2021 - 13:36
    +7

    I wish someone would invent little airbags that blow up at the edge of your door to protect it and anything it could hit when you open it. And while they're at it can they invent a way to lock an open car door in position (softly so you can still move it with a large push), so that when you're parked on the side of a hill and the door doesn't either keep trying to shut on you while you're trying to get out (especially if you need to put shoes on or grab bags from the passenger side or back, or you're trying to help kids out), or swing open really wide and hit something that you're next to.

    • SF3 on 02/03/2021 - 14:09
      +2

      Or car doors should just be made out of soft foam. :)

      • GG57 on 02/03/2021 - 14:18
        +4

        Or, get a Citroen C3 with side guards as standard

        • Scrooge McDuck on 03/03/2021 - 01:37

          How about doors with proximity sensors and actuators programmed to lock the hinge before a hit?

        • Pro-crastinator on 03/03/2021 - 08:52

          Skoda Kodiaq also has these from memory… they pop out and fold around the door edge as you open the door.

        • MrFrugalSpend on 05/03/2021 - 00:55
          +1

          …or the pre 2017 C4 Cactus? Link - Image
          Uck, I would rather the dents and scratches.
          I've been to Paris, I know the AirBumps etc are a necessary evil over there as they don't respect each other's cars at all, and bumper bars are exactly that… but here it's a no from me.
          It's kind of like people who leave tattered plastic packaging on electronic items forever so it doesn't scratch, or when my grandparents used to always have an ugly old sheet on the back car seat so keep it clean and stain free ….. WHY? The whole lifespan of the product it is covered by an ugly thing… what's the point of keeping it looking good, if it never looks good, because it is always covered up for as long as you have it!?

          I feel like Guy Sebastian could write that into a song…

          You wouldn't keep a new Ferrari covered up
          Wouldn't hide a Van Gogh in the basement
          Wouldn't keep your Saint Laurent's in the closet
          Oh you gotta put 'em on the pavement

      • timmy_tam on 03/03/2021 - 21:58
        +1

        or all doors are the lambo doors that swing up

    • Banj0 on 02/03/2021 - 14:50
      +4

      Better still, airbags that simply prevent the other driver/passenger from opening the door at all. Then they have to get out the other side!

      Or perhaps two airbags that each blow up into a mock SUV or something…one on either side of yours!

      • Quantumcat on 02/03/2021 - 15:23

        perhaps two airbags that each blow up into a mock SUV or something…one on either side of yours!

        You jest but how handy would that be when you're trying to get kids into car seats but someone decided to park 5cm away from the kid's door 🤔

        • Banj0 on 02/03/2021 - 18:02
          +1

          We should make this happen.

    • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 15:32
      +1

      … they invent a way to lock an open car door in position (softly so you can still move it with a large push)

      I thought most cars already had this at predefined positions when the door is open?

      • Godric on 02/03/2021 - 17:19

        I've certainly seen some cars feature this on Dougdemuros youtube channel

      • Quantumcat on 02/03/2021 - 18:31
        +1

        My kia cerato does seem to have natural stopping points but it is too easy to jostle it out of position if you bump the door while getting out, and doesn't seem to be strong enough to hold the door only half open when on a slope. Maybe better cars have stronger stopping positions

      • MrFrugalSpend on 05/03/2021 - 01:04

        not that properly holds on inclines etc … just creates a false sense of security then lets go!

    • Tleyx on 03/03/2021 - 00:09

      They should invent small cars that fit in spaces better

      • Scrooge McDuck on 03/03/2021 - 01:42

        And lop off the 2 unnecessary wheels.

      • smartazz104 on 03/03/2021 - 10:06

        Technology can't make up for the average driver.

      • MontyMacaw on 03/03/2021 - 12:24
        +1

        Some car parks are marked in such a way that even small cars with anorexic drivers can't open their doors without touching the car next to it. I either avoid those precincts or park over 2 parks.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 03/03/2021 - 15:33

          or park over 2 parks.

          A friend at work with a penchant for luxury cars mentioned doing that. But then I'd just be concerned about a parking fine and some nut keying the car.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/03/2021 - 22:56
        +1

        They already exist e.g. most cars in Japan. I have seen a few of them driven in Australian too.

    • Geoff-bargain on 03/03/2021 - 08:19
      +1

      A bit like fenders on a boat

    • Tnetennba on 03/03/2021 - 09:02
      +1

      The Skoda Kodiaq has this exact feature:

      https://youtu.be/Ebx0Ovs_NkI?t=194

      • Mr Haj on 04/03/2021 - 10:51

        this is amazing! a feature for the selfless person

  • thatonethere on 02/03/2021 - 13:40
    +7

    You can get rubber bits which you can attach to the edges of doors to protect other peoples doors. I had those for a bit while my kids were young as they used to fling over the doors when they got out of the car (slamming the doors into the side of the house).

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Car-Door-Edge-Protector-Guard-St…

    • Caped Baldy on 02/03/2021 - 13:42
      +14

      The people that really need to use these are the type that don't care about other people's property.

      • Quantumcat on 02/03/2021 - 14:02
        +5

        Which includes kids

        If you park in a very tight space and can barely get out they are good for peace of mind too. I think I will get some for just in case

    • Drakesy on 02/03/2021 - 13:48
      +10

      These are pretty common in Japan and Korea from memory, I believe everyone there is pretty caught up in respecting other's property, which is a good thing. From memory the leave them on the car when they get delivered and the owner can choose to remove them?

      • Caped Baldy on 02/03/2021 - 15:56

        Yeah that's my understanding. I remember thinking when I was in Japan a few years ago that almost every single vehicle was in immaculate condition.

    • BobLim on 03/03/2021 - 02:22
      -1

      Not to be a douche, but I'd still get annoyed if you slam your "rubber bumper-ified" door into my car.

      Protect your own edges from brick walls as much as you want though.

      • andresampras on 03/03/2021 - 06:35

        …slam your "rubber bumper-ified" door into my car.

        especially if it has been weaponised with bits of brick lol

  • netjock on 02/03/2021 - 13:46
    -8

    Didn't you pay $2k for ceramic paint coating? The stuff they use in NASA?

    Just accept it as a way of life. Unless it was intentional.

    I make it a rule to try to park next to cars more expensive than mine and park well. Can't help it when other people can't park. Maybe you should give them a KIA Sorrento postcard with a referral code, it has that new remote parking feature. Make enough money to get a new car.

    • itstuan on 03/03/2021 - 14:28

      All sounds great until your own car got hit & run.

      • netjock on 03/03/2021 - 14:38
        -1

        Someone Opens Their Car Door into Yours'

        That is just changing the topic.

  • Brick Tamland on 02/03/2021 - 13:50
    +4

    I think it depends on the circumstances. By parking in a carpark you really need to accept that there is a not insignificant risk that you might get dings and bumps from careless parkers. If it was super important I'd be parking in a less busy section or far away section of the parking area. However, if I did get doored I would probably get out and look and if its not super bad damage and the person was genuinely sorry I'd probably let it go. If it was a considerable wallop I'd probably be more insistent in getting the drivers details.

    • trapper on 04/03/2021 - 13:04
      +2

      By parking in a carpark you really need to accept that there is a not insignificant risk that you might get dings and bumps from careless parkers.

      Yes, but it doesn't make them any less liable when they ding your car.

      • Brick Tamland on 04/03/2021 - 13:57
        +1

        My comment was made in respect that the OP said that he/she goes into a rage when someone bumps their car that they put a lot of effort towards keeping it nice. I am saying that you gotta be realistic and accept the fact that people might accidentally bump your car and if you gonna rage maybe be a bit careful where you park it. I like keeping my car nice too but I accept the risk that it might get bumped and I know I am not gonna fly off the handle and rage if someone accidentally hits it.

        • andresampras on 05/03/2021 - 10:27
          +1

          you have learned to control the force, young obi wan ewan

  • pharkurnell on 02/03/2021 - 13:52
    +2

    Try and park on the top floor where nobody else parks…
    although for some reason on that top floor with 150 parking spaces, someone always parks next to you, not in any of the other spots away from your car.

    • Betamaxx1 on 04/03/2021 - 10:45

      Guaranteed.

  • Jugganautx on 02/03/2021 - 13:53
    +9

    What kind of day and age do we live in when we have to describe a fat person as rotund lol.

    • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 14:19
      +6

      I actually thought it was a typo and I thought it was meant to say "round". But I realised after that it's not a typo!

      • Scrooge McDuck on 03/03/2021 - 01:54

        Sounds like a corpulent-head moment.

    • bargdebarg on 03/03/2021 - 07:24
      +2

      The Rotund Controller just doesn't have the same ring to it…

  • pegaxs on 02/03/2021 - 14:00
    +3

    Why is the only option here 0 or 100%? Why “do nothing” or “cause affray/be abusive”? Surely there is middle ground (adulting)?

    Just get out and act like an adult. Be polite, let them know what they have done and exchange details.

  • SF3 on 02/03/2021 - 14:02
    +1

    I avoid confronting these people as to prevent myself from causing an affray.

    But

    this kind of stuff makes me rage…

    You got to try the Serenity Now method. ;)

    • Euphemistic on 02/03/2021 - 14:44
      +1

      Agree. You can’t have it both ways. If it is a problem for you be a grown up and discuss with the offender. Don’t rage and don’t skull off and complain on the internet.

      • thanatos350 on 02/03/2021 - 16:53

        I guess I could have been clearer, but I wasn't trying to request an a/b type answer. I was just curious as to how other people handled this kind of stuff. I saw another post on this site where someone suggested performing a citizens arrest on a dude who kicked his car - so I thought I'd get comparatively interesting responses.

        • ccrap on 03/03/2021 - 02:41
          +2

          Oh no, you don’t have an 86 dressed like a BRZ too do you?

          • SF3 on 03/03/2021 - 09:13
            +1

            @ccrap: You mean an identify crisis and want to know if it is legal to change the badge?!

  • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 14:18
    +4

    If I'm not there, then I can't really do much if they haven't left a note.

    But if I am there and they hit my door without causing any damage, then no need to do anything. If there's damage, then I may take their details (if I'm there) for costs.

    I think a big deciding factor is going to be how they are and their attitude afterwards. If I can see that they actually tried to get out carefully and it happened anyway or they're genuinely apologetic, I'd probably let it go. Because, well, sh!t happens and when you get lots of cars parked close, I think it's almost inevitable that these things will happen.

    If they're going to be an a***hole about it, then I will definitely want their details.

    • andresampras on 02/03/2021 - 14:22
      +4

      Agreed, their attitude would affect my response, if there was damage.

      Be nice to each other, people!

  • iNeed2Pee on 02/03/2021 - 14:19
    +5

    rotund

    Adjective

    1. (Of a person) large and plump. "Her brother was slim where she was rotund"
    • Zachary on 02/03/2021 - 15:00
      +1

      so fat?

      • onetwothreefour on 02/03/2021 - 15:28
        +3

        Fat's not the only word you can use, there's also:

        Plump, chubby, chunky, heavy, large, flabby etc

        • herecomestheoost on 02/03/2021 - 17:02

          and rotund!

        • ChocStrawberries on 02/03/2021 - 17:16
          +3

          We prefer "horizontally challenged". :P

        • Zachary on 02/03/2021 - 20:42
          +1

          ah, so its a word that you can use to describe something fat looking but not quite meaning the samething or with that much weight so u use a vague term that fits what ur trying to describe kinda is this but isnt as it has other elements to it that isnt enough for it be described with one word.

        • Geoff-bargain on 03/03/2021 - 08:22

          Chonky

    • spiff on 02/03/2021 - 16:14
      +2

      Would she fit in an average sized row boat?

      • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 16:25
        +4

        psst.. don't forget to ask for an MS Paint diagram too! 😊

    • SF3 on 02/03/2021 - 16:40

      yes, until this word is also worn out and caught on by the word police. :)

      Also the manner and tone, when it is said can make a significant difference.

  • GG57 on 02/03/2021 - 14:21
    +4

    It isn't clear from OP's post if there was any significant damage, or even any damage.

    Accidents happen. OP stated that the other driver was trying to prevent her door from touching OP's vehicle. Good intentions, accidents happen. Move on.

  • Meho2026 on 02/03/2021 - 14:38
    +2

    Do you not think the issue is more related to the width of a standard car space and the increasing size of modern vehicles?
    I have to open my car door (gently) all the time into other cars in a car park just to get in and out and it’s not because I’m a fatty who can’t park.

    • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 14:52
      -1

      Do you not think the issue is more related to the width of a standard car space and the increasing size of modern vehicles?

      I think it's partially that reason… the CBD parking stations usually have horrendously small spots. But some people really just can't park regardless of the size of the space or are not aware of their surroundings. Or simply don't care.

  • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 14:43

    Slightly off-topic, but I find that the car doors on european cars close with a more "solid" thud when compared to japanese cars. Does anyone know if the sheetmetal they use on european cars are actually thicker (which would in turn, make the panels less prone to dents caused by such door-opening incidents)?

    • nubzy on 02/03/2021 - 14:46
      +1

      European cars have much better NVH suppression generally and yes the doors are much more solid.

      • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 14:51

        The NVH suppression material is inside the door though. Is the external sheetmetal actually thicker?

    • voo123 on 02/03/2021 - 17:39
      +3

      The paintwork on European cars are noticeably thicker than Japanese. The door is probably made from higher quality and heavier materials too.

      • jason101 on 02/03/2021 - 22:10
        +3

        Agreed, every euro I have ever owned seems to have oven enamel type paint, meanwhile my dark grey Mazda scratches if I stare at it for too long and also has bright yellow undercoat.

    • Tleyx on 03/03/2021 - 00:10

      More prone to causing damage if heavier

      • andresampras on 03/03/2021 - 05:56

        yes and no. euro cars tend to have strong door position 'presets' where high resistance to movement is present. This is particularly useful when parked on a slope, and in windy conditions.

        so unless the door opener is being quite careless, I'd say it's less likely the higher door weight will cause damage.

        having said that, some euro cars can be hard to get out of, especially when you have stuff in your hands.

  • Masterpupil on 02/03/2021 - 14:48

    When I had a nice car I just put myself to the inconvenience of parking really far away particularly at shopping centres where kids are getting in and out of cars with no regard for anyone else.

    Believe me, I have kids and I constantly tell them to carefully open the car doors (you should see the walls in my garage) and they pay no thought to it.

    If someone, particularly an adult opens the door into your car causing damage then raise it with them directly. The difficulty is the cars are getting bigger and the parks are not, and sometimes it is impossible to get out of a car without making light contact with the door.

    • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 14:54
      +12

      sometimes it is impossible to get out of a car without making light contact with the door.

      Sometimes that's true, but if there was any risk of it touching the next car, I would wrap my fingers around the edge of my own door as I get out to prevent causing any damage to the car next to me.

      • Euphemistic on 02/03/2021 - 16:15
        +1

        Same here. Regularly place my hand between my door and an adjacent car, especially when holding door for kids.

        • Masterpupil on 02/03/2021 - 16:26
          +1

          Agreed. I do this sometimes when you cannot open the door safely. Also some car doors seem to have like a set point where they want to open to, which is really annoying.

    • Zachary on 02/03/2021 - 15:01

      [Parks two streets away because all car bays are taken up, requires a good 10 minute walk to reach destination]

  • muckingfuppet on 02/03/2021 - 15:33

    Happened to me. Chinese dude without a drivers licence. He first said it wasnt there, but it was a blatantly white mark on my blue car that landed exactly where the door opened. Took a photo of his passport.

    Went off and got a couple quotes for a dent removal and the guy wired me the money of the cheaper one. Cost about 300 bucks I think?

  • bio on 02/03/2021 - 15:37

    From a different angle; I once was confronted by a lady who claimed that I opened my door into theirs even though I hadn't. She wasn't in her car but walking towards it. I told her I hadn't but she insisted that I did and almost made a scene.

    When I pointed out that there was no scratch on her car she said "I didn't say you scratched it, but you certainly touched it".

    I mean, if you think that I merely touched it (I didn't!) why the fuss?

    • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 16:19
      +3

      I mean, if you think that I merely touched it (I didn't!) why the fuss?

      Lady causing a scene.. if you're a guy and you're in the wrong, you can't win. And if you're in the right, you also can't win!
      Some people…. best to just GTFO of there! LOL

      • Charity on 03/03/2021 - 00:48
        +1

        You can win. Just stop being a beta.

  • pe arl on 02/03/2021 - 16:27
    +2

    Once I was in the car when someone fully opened their door without the slightest hesitation. The thud was rather loud and obvious, and I was sitting stunned staring at the person expecting them to apologise or at least look surprised, but they didn't even bat an eyelid, walked off before I could get out… I wouldn't have caused a scene anyway especially if they'd said sorry, but for them to walk away pretending they didn't notice - not cool.

    What irritates me even more though is when people park on the side of the road and practically kick their doors open without looking. Yes it's hard to make contact with a passing car unless they're driving too close to the left but some people fully step out of the car after kicking the door open and scare the bejeezus out of other drivers. Really makes me wonder what they're thinking…

    • Eeples on 02/03/2021 - 16:33
      +1

      Some/most people have no idea what is going on around them. Certainly this is the case on the open road; not surprised it is while parked as well.

  • ozwog05 on 02/03/2021 - 17:03
    +3

    Bikies.

  • John Kimble on 02/03/2021 - 17:05
    +1

    *front tyre was quite

    • bobbified on 02/03/2021 - 17:46
      +1

      *and their front tire was quiet, obviously in my space.

      (Comma added)

      OP obviously meant that their front tyre wasn't saying anything and just happily sitting in his space! 😋

  • herecomestheoost on 02/03/2021 - 17:06
    +3

    MS Paint picture please. Make sure you include a detailed drawing of the rotund woman.

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