A clean, flawless-looking paint job can take years off your car’s actual age—even keep it looking as new as the day you bought it. Of course, everyday use is not much of an ally when it comes to keeping your paint job looking spotless.
These are the top causes of damage to your car’s paint job:
- Sun and radiation
- Rain
- Airborne pollutants
- Bird droppings
- Tree saps
- Scratches
So be ready to invest time, effort, and money.
Here are 7 tips to take great care of your paint job:
1. Stick to a regular car wash schedule.
Regular washing is perhaps the best way to protect your car’s paint job. Washing removes dust and other airborne pollutants, as well as dirt and grime from being out every day on the road. For the best result, opt for a high-quality automotive soap, applied using a foam sponge in straight lines rather than circular motions. Be sure to rinse with clean water.
2. Properly dry your car.
The next step after a wash is proper drying—and it’s a step that shouldn’t be skipped. It’s vital for the proper care of your paint job. If you let your car air dry, the minerals from the water are left behind after the water has evaporated and damage the paint. Dry your car with a microfiber towel. Bathroom towels, paper towels, and rags can leave behind tiny scratches that over time cause paint to erode.
3. Prevent damage caused by rain water.
Rain water evaporates and leaves a layer of pollutants that damage your car’s paint. Wash your car immediately after it has been out in the rain in order to minimize the harmful effects of rain water–borne pollutants.
4. Keep your car out of the sun.
Sunlight can leave your paint job looking old. That’s because it prematurely oxidizes and causes the paint on your car to fade.
5. Wipe away bird droppings and tree saps at once.
Tree saps and bird droppings, as well as other kinds of animal excrement, contain corrosive elements that will break down your car’s paint over time. Use a rag or mitt with mild soap and water to gently scrub away droppings or saps. If that’s not possible, quick detail sprays and waterless washes are your fast and safe ways to remove fresh bird droppings.
6. Wax it.
Wax adds a protective seal on top of the paint to keep away dirt, dust, pollution, water, and other harmful substances. Wax also comes in handy for covering up small scratches and minor blemishes.
Waxing your car every few months should keep your car’s paint job protected and looking clean, shiny, and new.
BUT: Read on to no. 7 if your paint job involves matte paint.
7. Care for matte paints the way you’re supposed to.
Washing by hand or with a pressure washer and using specialized cleaning and care products is the way to go when it comes to matte paints.
Polishing is also not an option. This is because polishes contain abrasives that will remove a matte paint’s distinctive rough surface.
Keep carwash brushes away from your matte paint job as well, as they have a smoothing effect on matte paint over time, while wax sealants can also do their damage.
The joy and pride you feel in knowing your car looks great out in the road, despite how old it may be, is an essential part of your car ownership experience. It’s a great bonus on top of knowing your car is in great shape and performing at its best.
So stick to your cleanup and maintenance schedules, and if you need great deals when it comes to coverage once your warranty runs out, check out what we have to offer in terms of vehicle service contracts, powertrain coverage, ancillary products, and others.