Can Ding-Bats Be Cured?

"SteveLehto" (stevelehto)
09/21/2014 at 09:55 • Filed to: None

I walked past my truck this morning and noticed - with the light hitting it just right - that my neighbor has been slowing beating my truck to death with door dings.

We have assigned parking and I have been using this same spot for something like 4 years now. The spot on my driver's side has been occupied by several different people. This particular family moved in fairly recently and, as you might guess, that's when this started happening to my truck.

The photos don't do it justice. It looks like this side of my truck was shotgunned with rocksalt. To make matters worse, the vehicle being used to slowly sledge mine to death is a four-door, meaning that there are two primary points of attack, not just one.

The neighborhood I live in is fairly quiet and we all tend to keep to ourselves. I'll admit I only know the names of three neighbors, and one of those is a dog. There is a good chance that these neighbors will be gone soon, too. There is something about the condo they live in - it seems to have a higher turnover rate than most condos.

The red paint? They have two cars. I kid you not. So it is not a "car" problem. It is a "people" problem. As in people who don't notice when they are consistently slamming their door into someone else's property.

The first problem I have is 1) what are the odds that someone will react well when you ask them to stop doing something like this? They clearly know they are doing it. Is anyone that stupid? But 2) These neighbors don't speak English. And, I'm not trying to be funny here, I don't know what language they do speak. I have said Hello to them and the response I get back is unlike anything I have ever heard before. I suspect it is only spoken in a small region of a country you and I have never heard of before. A country where they greet one another by slamming their cars together.

Either way, here is the offending vehicle. Notice the doors. They swing out and smash into my truck on a daily basis. Shhhh. Listen quietly. I bet you can hear it yourself if you listen closely enough.

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DISCUSSION (100)

Jedidiah > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 10:29

I'd get an appraiser and threaten them to pay for the damage costs.

I don't give a shit where they're from or how quiet they are; everyone understands money.

I wouldn't put up with that shit.

thebigbossyboss > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 10:59

Those fools. You should confront them., or you're just going to have to eat the cost.

deekster_caddy > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 11:01

No question. Get an appraisal. Leave a note in both languages (get some help or use google translate) on the windshield with a copy of the estimate. Future dinging will cease. It's not just rude, they are damaging your property.

(edit - I'm always very careful and when door space is tight I warn my kids before I let them open a door. So it's blatant ignorance that is costing you money.)

SteveLehto > thebigbossyboss
09/21/2014 at 11:15

They keep very odd hours and I almost NEVER see them. I am going to try saying something next time I do see them. I may have to act it out though.

SteveLehto > deekster_caddy
09/21/2014 at 11:16

The problem is I don't know the language. I am serious. It is not any of the usual suspects. If I see the man out near the truck I might be able to point and wag my finger and smile or something but there probably won't be a lot of words spoken.

deekster_caddy > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 11:34

Hmm. If they aren't asian, do it in english, spanish, portugese, french, german. Just one paragraph and run it through google translate. Let them figure out the rest. Include that you expect them to pay for the damages. If they are asian, just go for English, Chinese and Japanese, hopefully they can figure the rest out. Worst case they show it to somebody who speaks english to have it explained to them.

Wouldn't hurt to include the pictures you posted here.

jkm7680 > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 11:48

If it's an apartment/condo complex contact the management?

SteveLehto > jkm7680
09/21/2014 at 11:52

I think that's Plan B. I am going to talk to the guy next time I see him. The problem is I don't see him that often. I'll just make a point of watching for him. The problem is that I have never SEEN it happen. I mean, it's totally obvious and all but they might just say, "How do you know it was this guy?"

jkm7680 > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 11:54

It seems like it's pretty obviously him, just try to keep an eye out!

The problem about talking to people who don't speak English is that they'll just do it again the next change that they get. You could probably request a new parking space, or have the damage assessed?

Racescort666 > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 12:03

Kinja'd!!!

Here's my suggestion. They look tacky as hell but it'll save the paint and sheet metal.

To address your question about confrontation, I would be willing to bet they have no idea they are doing it. My grandparents used to do this kind of thing all the time. The drywall in their garage was all beat up from it and you'd think that if it were happening to your own property you'd notice but they were totally clueless until my mom called them out on it.

I've seen some suggestions about leaving a note. Personally not my first choice since, despite having no respect for other people's property, I have to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, don't forget about Russian, Polish, Arabic, and Farsi for a multilingual note. :)

TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 12:27

Kinja'd!!!

Buy a set of these ASAP. It might seem overboard, but my sliders have saved me from door dings at school. Also, on the off chance you find yourself in a sticky situation off-road, you'll be ready, haha.

You're a patient man, Steve.

SteveLehto > TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
09/21/2014 at 12:36

Ironic isn't it? I sue GM, Ford, Chrysler and other huge corporations all day long. But I have to be all "careful" here because they are neighbors etc.

I'll keep you updated. Thanks for the note.

E92M3 > Racescort666
09/21/2014 at 12:40

I'm betting that they don't realize it either. There's a percentage of the population that just fling their car doors open when they get out. My sisters kids used to be this way. One day I caught them and showed them what they did to the car next to their moms and they actually saw the damage. You could see the light bulb come on. Until it was pointed out it never crossed their minds. My theory is these are the same people who slam doors shut at home.

shop-teacher > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 12:40

Your neighbors have a condition called "Don't give a fuckivitis". My in-laws neighbors were also afflicted with this, and they owned the place, so it was only death that stopped the madness.

Confronting them probably won't help, but it probably won't hurt either. I'd just be super nice when I talked to them about it.

They may very well speak English. Foreign families often speak their own language amongst themselves, even if they speak perfectly good English with the outside world. I have a pair of Latvian twin girls in my class right now. We communicate just fine, but when they talk to each other, I got nothin'.

If a different parking spot is an option, I'd make that my plan B.

TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 12:40

Best of luck.

SteveLehto > shop-teacher
09/21/2014 at 12:45

That is my plan - to try and speak to the guy who I think is the head of the family. Ideally it would be in the parking lot so I could kind of point etc and get the point across that way. I get the impression the English is not an option for them on such an advanced concept. But I'll be really nice and smile - that's universal.

Thanks for the note.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 12:46

I.... may have just committed this crime yesterday. Neighbors car butts up against one of mine, I open the door, it slowly opens and touches his. So I'm like "Oh! Gotta be careful!" But then I get out of my car and the whole thing rises up and skreeee gives him a nice gouge. *sigh* debating whether to tell him... It's actually his brother's car who is in prison in Nevada for a loooong time, and it hasn't been driven in over 2years... But still...

SteveLehto > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
09/21/2014 at 12:52

That's a dilemma. But it is a one-off. Do it a dozen more times and see what happens.

How bad is it? What type of car?

shop-teacher > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 13:01

You're welcome. You may be surprised how well English works. Good luck either way.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 13:06

2000 blazer, definitely not as bad as yours but one close glance that no one could have done it BUT me :( and I in general feel guilty.

But neighbor issues are VERY precarious things... If you have prior squabbles or know you'll be around each other for years to come you have to be so so careful about your battles and admissions and space...

sonderklasse > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:05

No but I'm sure you can prevent them from happening again

Kinja'd!!!

mycorvettebroke > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:09

Gorilla tape a piece of 1" angle aluminum to your door along trim line. Next time they get really bad crease and learn lesson hard way.

Alex > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:12

My dad used to live next to a similarly-damaging door opener. After repeated failed attempts at curtailing the damage by asking politely, he finally solved the problem by caving in both of the offending doors with his boot heel on the eve of his departure from the apartment.

Or maybe moving away is what fixed it...

SteveLehto > sonderklasse
09/21/2014 at 16:13

Let's call that Plan . . . . "C"

SteveLehto > mycorvettebroke
09/21/2014 at 16:14

Now that is a good idea!

SteveLehto > Alex
09/21/2014 at 16:15

"Bad things" could happen to the vehicle but you are right - you want that to happen when there is not chance for escalation.

ThePro > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:15

My honest tip, and considering you have tinted windows, buy a dashcam (one that has a big battery and works with the car off) or a gopro, charge it well and leave it on the car. Leave it pointing towards the spot.

If you catch that on video, that's it, they'll have to pay it.

ThePro > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:16

My honest tip, and considering you have tinted windows, buy a dashcam (one that has a big battery and works with the car off) or a gopro, charge it well and leave it in the car, pointing towards the spot and recording.

If you catch that on video, that's it, they'll have to pay it.

none8239487234 > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:16

Unfortunately that's what you get for living in an apartment or condo. Not everyone respects your car as much as you do. It sucks but that's life. The best thing you can do is move somewhere you have private parking. If you provide public access to your car it WILL get damaged.

SteveLehto > ThePro
09/21/2014 at 16:17

I have a go pro. I don't have tinted windows though. I might be able to tuck it in - in such a way that it is near the headliner and pointing toward the ding-zone. I will think about this some more . . .

SteveLehto > none8239487234
09/21/2014 at 16:18

You are right. The sad part is that is that it only takes a little bit of common courtesy to avoid this.

Dake > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:19

My heart rate increased just reading this. Unacceptable. You are way calmer than I would be with this discovery. I'd file a complaint with the complex and the police and attach the insurance claim at a minimum.

BansheeNornForgotHisBurnerKey > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:20

maybe try and catch some words from them and we can help identify what their language is? and then make a polite note (in english and their native tongue) informing them of what's happening, and an estimate of what it's costing you now.

SteveLehto > Dake
09/21/2014 at 16:20

The difficult part is that they can always say it wasn't them. I haven't SEEN them do it and theirs is not the only silver car out there. I agree with you and we all know who it was. I'm working on it . . .

ThePro > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:22

Oh, it kinda looked from the pic like you had tints. The GoPro would be the best way, it's not as awkward as being "hi, I have no proof, but you guys are dinging my car", or as stupid as dinging their car. Just go, and if they say no, show them the video. They'll probably stop, and maybe, if you're lucky, they'll pay for it.

MFEJAL grey because who knows... > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:22

Get yourself a good lawyer. Badabum tsssss. Sorry, must do it.

Yes, try polish paste, and there's some https://www.duplicolor.com/products/scrat… or https://www.duplicolor.com/products/scrat… to help you with those scratches. And go to the administration office and ask if they know the language of the good neighbor. Using google translate to leave the note will not hurt and they will get the point.

MuricaRules > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:23

So if they don't speak English, do what Winston Churchill recommended: "Speak louder."

But seriously, get the landlord to move your assigned parking to a different location.... Preferably at at end spot so only one side is exposed to another car.

And yes, people REALLY are that stupid.

SteveLehto > BansheeNornForgotHisBurnerKey
09/21/2014 at 16:23

I'm hoping to see the guy who I think is the head of the household when he is near the vehicle. That way I can kind of try to convey what the problem is. Pointing etc. If I do that, I will try and get him to say something to see if I can figure out a language.

Dake > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:25

If nothing else I'd think fresh video evidence of it happening once combined with the assigned parking, would be enough to support the history of the damage. Also, is there a car on the other side of this spot? I wonder if they're getting dinged up too.

I know it's never as simple as we'd like though. Good luck getting it sorted out.

SteveLehto > MFEJAL grey because who knows...
09/21/2014 at 16:25

You have no idea who funny this is on THAT level. I have sued so many people in my career but I have issues like this. Some of it is diplomatic (I don't want to cause a blood-feud with total strangers who live 100 feet away and know where I live) and the other part is you have no idea how someone will react. Huge Corporation? Sue 'em and see 'em in court.

Thanks for the note.

Maxaxle > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:26

Attaching bits of foam to the edge of each offending car door transcends language.

SteveLehto > MuricaRules
09/21/2014 at 16:27

My wife's car is on the other side. Amazingly, neither her car or mine have any dings between them. I'm going to try talking/mining to the guy next time I see him in the lot. He's just not out there at predictable times (of course).

Iwaswonderofwonders > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:27

Hired goons....

Kinja'd!!!

SteveLehto > Dake
09/21/2014 at 16:28

The other car is theirs but I have not checked to see if they ding each other. I'll look next time I'm out there.

SteveLehto > Maxaxle
09/21/2014 at 16:29

That would be funny.

SteveLehto > Iwaswonderofwonders
09/21/2014 at 16:29

Or some Yakuza?

Reborn Pyrrhic > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:29

Wow, people here in Germany call the police for a tiny ding. They take care of their doors and don't smash into other's people's cars.

My wife did a tiny ding on a German's car, the guy wanted the Polzei to come do a polcie report! The cop showed up, but since it was small damage said he was leaving and it was upto us to figure it out (duh!). I had the guy contact my me after getting an estimate to repair. Total repair cost for one ding that didn't even break or chip paint? 150 Euro!

ExtraDas > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:29

Just write it in English. It's their responsibility to translate it. This will be the least offensive option. This is from someone to whom English is language number 4 (and the US, country number 5)

SteveLehto > Reborn Pyrrhic
09/21/2014 at 16:31

No wonder they call the police! I really wonder about people who are this unaware.

SteveLehto > ExtraDas
09/21/2014 at 16:32

I should type it and print it on some official looking paper (I know how to do that) and maybe scare the bejesus out of them.

mycorvettebroke > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:32

....and it's proven effective in the real world. Got few more ideas if that doesn't do it. All legal too!

Buick Mackane > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:33

You need to get a different vehicle. A 1996 Saturn Sl2 has plastic polymer body panels and does not get dents or dings. Look at all the old Saturns still on the road today, no parking lot dings on the doors.

SteveLehto > Buick Mackane
09/21/2014 at 16:34

Kind of like telling someone who is getting shot they need to buy a bullet proof vest. We'll call the Saturn "Plan D."

8000rpm > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:41

And be sure it's a '96 SL2 specifically, or you'll have the same problems all over again.

OMGITSSOEXTREME > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:41

English works across many languages- it doesn't sound like your shouting loud enough to be understood

alternativeuses > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:42

There's a negligent tort theory called res ipsa loquitor that basically says that if all the dings are in the same level and it aligns with their door, there is a rebuttable presumption that they're responsible (aka they have to prove it wasn't them). I had the same problem with an incosiderate ahole who lives in my building. I told him about it and he didn't stop so I moved spots. I could technically bring him to small claims court but looking/talking to him at him again isn't worth it. Gl!

alternativeuses > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:42

MysticStick > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:42

How about a super-sensitive alarm system? They whack your door and WOOP! WOOP! I think loud-ass alarms are understood in any language.

SteveLehto > 8000rpm
09/21/2014 at 16:43

I test-drove a Saturn back in the day. Thing rattled like a shopping car. I looked at the salesman and said, "Seriously?" Without even asking what I was talking about, he said "They're all like this."

Arashitora > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:44

the angle iron is a good idea... But might fall under escalation. The cheap dash cameras are a good idea, just zip tie it to your mirror and turn it on. After a few good examples are on record, take the video and their liscence plate # to your insurance agency. They will then contact their insurance agency and you better bet their insurance agency will speak their language. You can probably talk to their agent and tell them to get their clients to cut it out or you'll file a claim. I bet it stops quickly after that.

SteveLehto > OMGITSSOEXTREME
09/21/2014 at 16:44

Go outside right now. I will TEST SHOUT and see if you can understand me. On three. One . . . . Two . . . .

SteveLehto > alternativeuses
09/21/2014 at 16:46

The Thing Speaks for Itself . . . You'd still have to prove it but I agree with you. At this point, it is painfully obvious (especially since I am pretty sure his is the only silver 4 door vehicle in that parking lot). I'm going to try communicating with them and then we'll take it from there.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > Buick Mackane
09/21/2014 at 16:46

They can still get scuffs and scratches, and I had some one slam their door open so hard into my door that it cracked.

SteveLehto > MysticStick
09/21/2014 at 16:47

But then I'm the jack ass with the alarm pissing everyone off. Can we make it so that it just barks or honks two or three times REALLY LOUD?

SteveLehto > Arashitora
09/21/2014 at 16:48

I do have a gopro so this is one of the things I have been thinking about. Several people have mentioned it and I agree - video proof would take this thing to a whole new level of undeniability.

Bah > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:48

Perhaps get the loudest, most sensitive car alarm you can.

SteveLehto > Bah
09/21/2014 at 16:49

Only if I can do it where I don't piss off the OTHER neighbors.

Arashitora > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:50

I say get some spray insulation foam. Cover the side of offending vehicle. Problem solved. Actually, just cover the entire vehicle and think of all the good deeds you're doing protecting all the other innocent vehicles out there.

jalop1991 > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:51

Lighten up, Francis.

You have chosen to live in a situation where this is likely to happen. If your car is that important to you, you can choose to live where it doesn't happen.

Or, you could choose not to worry about it and instead to accept it.

You can't change everyone else. You can change only yourself.

You do realize that this will happen to you everywhere you park your car outside, right? At work, grocery story, etc. Nothing you can do about it.

His Stigness > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:51

I had someone hit my car while in DMV and CHP came out (I have a connection but don't want to say exactly what in public) and measured the impact with the vehicle parked next to me.

I would do something of the sort when their car is parked next to yours, just look for any clues on their car that points to them being the culprit, then I'd call your insurance company and see what they'd do.

I don't know how you haven't flipped your shit though, I'd have a heart attack after just one ding, but to destroy two doors on my car is just unspeakable.

Dsscats > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:51

I "interned" at a body shop for a while and we had one woman come in with a bright red CLK350 vert who had opened the door so hard into another car out of anger that it creased the edge of the door.

Kinja'd!!!

Like this, but much worse.

SteveLehto > jalop1991
09/21/2014 at 16:54

Don't call me Francis. No one calls me Francis.

I agree with you to an extent - these things happen - and you will note that I wrote this before doing anything. My point is that this particular person appears to be going above and beyond the norm of what is typical or acceptable in a regular parking lot situation.

Now, if I got all road-ragey on the guy, you can call me Francis.

Thanks for the note.

SteveLehto > Dsscats
09/21/2014 at 16:55

You mean she did it on purpose? Wow.

dieselguy001 > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:55

terrorism comes in all forms....

Buick Mackane > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:56

I have a 96 Saturn, no rattles, still runs like new and gets 36-39 mpg highway. The side body panels still look like new also.

SteveLehto > dieselguy001
09/21/2014 at 16:56

You're onto something. These people HATE AMERICA!

MFEJAL grey because who knows... > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:56

last thing in my life I want is having a lawyer as enemy.

You are welcome.

jalop1991 > none8239487234
09/21/2014 at 16:57

Exactly.

And as I've said elsewhere, you can't prevent this from happening. You are bound to park your car somewhere that you get dinged, even if you have a garage at home.

Tom > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 16:57

This article is literally passive aggressive ranting.

Buick Mackane > Doctor-G-and-the-wagen
09/21/2014 at 16:58

Yes, a Saturn involved in a hard enough collision will get a cracked body panel, but they are impervious to door dingers and runaway shopping carts at the grocery store. Minor scuffs and scrapes will come right out with some WD-40.

SteveLehto > Buick Mackane
09/21/2014 at 16:58

This was way early. 1991 or so. I suspect they were still working out some of the bugs.

SteveLehto > MFEJAL grey because who knows...
09/21/2014 at 16:59

Perhaps the problem here is that the guy doesn't know I'm an attorney!

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
09/21/2014 at 16:59

Second this, mine also saved me when someone backed into me out of a driveway once. The only annoying thing is they don't work with the back door of typical sedans because of the way the door shapes around the wheelwell.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 17:00

I'm always a little surprised to see people just thoughtlessly flinging their car doors all the way open, regardless of circumstances. Maybe it's just me but that seems like a waste of effort when you could just open the door enough to get in/out. I too have got a few dents and dings this way. Driving a plastic-fantastic Saturn only mitigates the issue: scratches and scrapes (and in one extreme case a crack!) still happen.

SteveLehto > Tom
09/21/2014 at 17:00

I always equate ranting with more CAPS and !!!!! and less of the Subject/Verb (etc) thing going on.

Still, it's better than if I got all literally active-aggressive isn't it?

SteveLehto > Doctor-G-and-the-wagen
09/21/2014 at 17:02

I am usually aware of my surroundings enough to know if I am hitting something or bumping into something. That's why I found this odd.

MFEJAL grey because who knows... > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 17:02

First thing you need to check when arriving at a new neighborhood. Where's the law, where's the dope, and where's the "never fuck with that guy".

Buick Mackane > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 17:03

You need to catch them in the act with a motion sensing dash camera running while your car is parked.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > Buick Mackane
09/21/2014 at 17:04

Yup and yup! Still gotta get that crack fixed sometime... Lets in a ton of wind and moisture.

Dsscats > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 17:04

Yep.

SteveLehto > Buick Mackane
09/21/2014 at 17:04

I have a go pro but not what you mentioned there. Video would be nice.

SteveLehto > Dsscats
09/21/2014 at 17:05

Which is good for the body shop guys. Makes more work for them that they can bill her for.

the7thearlofgrey > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 17:07

there's no cure for DING-BATS so stiphel

Buick Mackane > jalop1991
09/21/2014 at 17:07

Well there is one thing he can do about it. Get a Generation 1 or Gen 2 Saturn S series. The Polymer body panels do not ding or dent.

Kinja'd!!!

SteveLehto > the7thearlofgrey
09/21/2014 at 17:08

ARRRRCHIIIIIIIIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RedR58 > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 17:08

People who do this do not care. They don't care enough about their own car to avoid damaging the edge of its doors. They sure as hell don't care about the damage they do to your car.

Dsscats > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 17:09

Oh yeah. It was a relatively easy repair, but would double our potential customer base if everyone did it haha. I'd go fucking bonkers if someone did that to my 300ZX though

SteveLehto > RedR58
09/21/2014 at 17:10

Which was one of my two thoughts. I think I will still TRY saying something to the guy but being really nice - who knows?

SteveLehto > Dsscats
09/21/2014 at 17:11

But the repair wasn't CHEAP was it? I wonder if she thought it was worth all the trouble later, after she had wasted all that time getting it fixed etc.

fasflasdf > SteveLehto
09/21/2014 at 17:12

Easy! Just repeatedly slam your door into their car in multiple locations, until they have an equal amount of dings on their car.