Your car’s paint job is one of its most important features. Not only does it affect your car’s resale value, but it also plays a big role in protecting the metal beneath it from rust and other forms of corrosion. Unfortunately, paint damage is a very real issue that all car owners have to deal with at some point or another. The good news is that, in most cases, paint damage is avoidable. Here are the top 5 causes of car paint damage—and how you can avoid them.
1. Bird Droppings: Bird droppings are acidic and can etch into your car’s paint. It is important to remove them quickly. To avoid this, park your car under a tree or cover it with a tarp whenever possible. If bird droppings do land on your car, remove them as soon as possible using a soft cloth and warm water.
2. Sun Exposure: The sun’s UV rays can fade your car’s paint over time. To protect your paint job, park in the shade whenever possible and wax your car regularly. You can also apply our new Quick Ceramic Coat to further protect your paintwork.
3. Tree Sap: Tree sap can cause both fading and staining. Don’t allow it to bake on to the paint, but remove it before it sets hard. As with bird droppings, the best way to avoid this is to park your car under a tree or cover it with a tarp when you know the sap will be falling.
If sap does get on your car, remove it as soon as possible using a soft cloth and warm water. You may need to use a light polishing compound to remove stubborn stains.
4. Road Salt: Road salt is used to melt ice and prevent snow buildup on roads during the winter months. Unfortunately, it can also wreak havoc on your car’s paint job if you live in an area that gets snowfall.
To avoid this, wash your car frequently during the winter months and apply rust-prevention products to all exposed metal surfaces. You should also get your car detailed professionally at least once a year to remove any salt buildup that has accumulated on the underside of your vehicle.
5. Infrequent Washing: Washing your car regularly is one of the best ways to protect its paint job from damage. dirt, debris, and pollutants can dull your paint over time, so aim to wash your vehicle at least once every 3 – 4 weeks. If you live in an area with lots of trees, dust or construction, you may need to wash it more often. Once a fortnight should be sufficient. Use only high-quality pH-neutral car shampoo. Dry your car thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots.
By following The Top 5 Causes of Car Paint Damage—and How to Avoid Them, you can keep your car paint looking new for years to come. if you do find yourself with paint damage, be sure to act fast and get it repaired or use touch-up paint as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
