Many people think that scratches to your alloys are an unavoidable consequence of day-to-day driving, but they are relatively easy to avoid and will cost you money. Though relatively cosmetic, they damage the resale value of your car because they signify that the car has been run up & knocked into kerbs – so the suspension could be worn, the tracking is likely to be out, and the tyres may well be either overly worn or damaged due to that. A dealer will take that into consideration when assessing your car, as will a leasing company.

That means that you’ll get offered much less for your car, or face a charge at the end of your agreement depending on how you’ve sourced your car. Repairs are expensive, so it’s best to try and avoid it in the first place – parking a little bit further away from the curb could save you a lot of money.