what can you use to hold a car door outside

[Zane]

The most reliable tool for holding a car door open outside is a magnetic door stopper, often called a "door check strap holder" or "car door stay." These small, powerful magnets attach directly to the door's metal frame and a corresponding point on the car's body, preventing the door from swinging shut in windy conditions or on sloped ground. They are specifically designed for this purpose, offering a secure and scratch-free solution.

While magnetic stoppers are ideal, several other common items can work in a pinch. A heavy object like a rubber doorstop, a small car floor mat, or even a sturdy rock can be placed to block the door's path. However, these improvised methods carry a higher risk of scratching your paint or denting the door if they shift. The key is to use a soft, non-abrasive material that is heavy enough to resist the door's closing mechanism but won't cause damage.

For a more permanent or heavy-duty solution, consider the door's built-in hardware. Most cars have a door check strap, which is the metal arm you see when the door is fully open. It's designed to hold the door at specific open positions. If your door isn't staying open, the check strap may be worn out and need replacement, which is a common repair.

The best choice depends on your specific situation. Here’s a quick comparison:

Tool/Method	Effectiveness	Risk of Damage	Ideal Use Case
Magnetic Door Stopper	High	Very Low	Routine use, windy days, detailed cleaning
Rubber Doorstop	Medium	Low (if clean and soft)	Quick loading/unloading in a garage
Car Floor Mat	Low-Medium	Medium (if grit is present)	Emergency use only
Heavy Object (e.g., Rock)	High	High	Not recommended due to high scratch risk
Worn Door Check Strap	Unreliable	High (can cause door to slam)	Requires immediate mechanical repair

Ultimately, investing in a purpose-built magnetic holder is the safest and most professional approach to protect your vehicle's exterior while ensuring the door stays securely open.

[RileyLee]

I just use my shoe. Not the fanciest trick, but if I'm just grabbing something from the back seat real quick, I'll wedge the edge of my sneaker under the door. It's soft rubber, so it won't scratch anything. Obviously, you wouldn't do this on a super windy day or if you need both hands free for a few minutes, but for a ten-second job, it's always right there with you.

[IrisMarie]

As someone who details cars, I never let the door touch anything. I keep a small, clean microfiber towel in my pocket. When I need the door held open, I'll fold it and gently place it over the door's edge where it might contact the fender or another object. It provides just enough friction to keep it from swinging shut while protecting the paint. It's a simple habit that prevents costly chips and scratches.

[DelJustin]

I keep a few heavy-duty rubber door stops in my garage. When I'm washing the car or loading it for a trip, I just slide one under the door. They're cheap, won't blow away, and the soft rubber means I don't have to worry about damaging the paint. It's a low-tech solution that works perfectly every time and beats trying to balance the door on my hip.

[Adam]

The best solution I've found is a magnetic parts holder from the hardware store. It's a strong neodymium magnet with a handle. I stick it to the inside of the door frame, and the door stays put. It’s stronger than the cheap magnets sold as "car door holders" and it's useful for holding screws or tools when I'm doing other small repairs. It's a versatile tool that solves the door problem effectively.