Unfortunately, maintaining a perfect coat of paint on your vehicle can turn tricky over time for most car owners. From rust to scratches to sun damage, the possibility of your paint coating being damaged only increases the longer you own your car.
As a result, knowing what to do to keep your car’s paint coating in pristine condition is critical for both its aesthetics and the overall resale value of the vehicle. So, in this article, we’ll look at five practical tips to help protect the paint on your car for years to come.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
The sun’s UV rays can erode paint over time. One of the best ways to care for your car is to park it in the shade or in a closed environment, which will protect it from UV radiation and other environmental hazards.
You can buy a car cover if you can’t avoid parking in the sun. Aside from protecting against UV rays and maintaining your preferred protective coating, a car cover is also an effective deterrent against bird droppings, tree sap, and accidental damage caused by passers-by.
The car cover you select should be water-resistant (to protect against moisture and acid rain) and breathable (to prevent moisture build-up underneath). The cover should also be appropriately sized, as the fabric from an overly large car protector may damage your vehicle’s finish on windy days.
Regularly Wash And Dry Your Car
A build-up of dirt, debris, and grime can lead to minor damage to your car’s paint job that can gradually worsen over time. If you plan on keeping your car paint in good condition, it’s essential to give it a thorough wash every week.
That said, there’s more to washing your car than casually hosing it down with water. Here are some general tips on washing (and drying) your vehicle the right way:
- Avoid washing your car in the sun; the heat may cause the water to evaporate quite quickly from the surface, damaging the coating.
- Wipe your car with a clean, soft cloth using an automotive cleaner.
- Avoid using regular soap or detergent as they contain chemicals that can damage the paint job.
- Invest in a clay bar to remove hard-stuck dirt and grime for a smoother finish.
- Thoroughly rinse the exterior to remove any remaining water and cleaning agent residue.
After washing your car, thoroughly dry it with a microfibre towel or weave drying towel. This reduces the possibility of water stains from natural drying and protects the paint on your car.
Invest In A Protective Coating (Waxing, Paint Sealant, Synthetic Coating)
You have several options if you plan on adding a layer of protection to your car:
Waxing
The most affordable option, waxing your car, adds a thin layer of paint protection by sealing in the topcoat. While waxing will not protect your car from severe paint or chip damage, it will help protect it from UV rays, bird droppings, and bug splatters. Other advantages of applying wax include a minor increase in fuel efficiency due to less drag.
Paint Sealant
Using paint sealant on your car has similar effects to waxing, but is stronger and longer-lasting. Compared to wax, it’s a more durable protective coating that can protect your car from harsher environmental factors such as UV rays, acid rain, and road debris.
Synthetic Coating
Expensive but high-quality, a synthetic coating (or ceramic coating) offers a factory-new shine whilst protecting your car from UV rays, chemical stains, scratches, and water damage. A synthetic coating is exceptionally durable, lasting between two and five years.
Be Vigilant About Parking
While you might not be aware of it, taking care of where you park your car can significantly reduce your chances of getting your car paint damaged or worse.
If parking in the open, be mindful of the cars around you to reduce the possibility of vandalism or accidents that may necessitate repairs such as paintless dent removal. It would be best to avoid parking beneath old trees to avoid damage from falling branches and other environmental hazards.
Treat Any Damages Immediately
Even the most diligent car owners may encounter paint damage at some point during the life of their vehicle, and there is only so much waxing and polishing can do to treat a scratch.
Suppose you discover that your car’s paint job has been damaged in a way that cannot be easily repaired with a do-it-yourself fix. In that case, you should take it to a professional car repair service that provides advanced paint-matching techniques to get your car paint back to looking flawless.
At Brighton Panel Works, we take pride in providing our clients with quality maintenance and repair services, including smash repairs in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated independent auto repair business that takes pride in offering high-quality work from start to finish. Get in touch with us today!