Our vehicles are a significant investment, and preserving their appearance is important for both practical and cosmetic reasons. But with the hustle and bustle of life, it can often be easy to forget that our cars can take a lot of abuse. Learn about four of the most common causes of automobile paint damage and what you can do to help prevent them.
1. Sun Damage
Both oxidation and fading are forms of sun damage. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause chemical reactions in the paint particles, which oxidizes the paint. If exposed to these conditions, paint can lose its luster and become dull and discolored.
UV rays can also break down the paint of your car. In time, the ultraviolet rays can degrade the paint particles and change how light reacts to the surface. The color on your vehicle may fade and lose its shine if you do this.
Park under the shade, use an automobile cover, and wash the car frequently to keep the paint in good condition. The harmful effects of UV rays on your car’s paint can be reduced by regularly washing and waxing the car. Also, you can preserve your car’s gleaming appearance with regular polishing.
2. Acid Rain
The paint’s protection against UV radiation can be compromised by rain. Acid rain may swiftly degrade paint, leaving behind a rough finish. When the metal components of your car have exposure to the elements, rust can form, so keep your car covered with anti-rust treatments.
Clean stains and filth on the paint surface with a clay bar. You can eliminate the acid rain by using a watermark elimination agent, a dual-action polisher, or a finishing product.
3. Trees and Animals
Without proper removal and treatment, tree sap, bird droppings, and insects can ruin your car’s paintwork. Because of its glue-like adherence, tree sap is difficult to remove and can cause permanent damage. Bird waste also causes the same issue as tree sap. Its acidic nature can leave a lasting stain or discoloration if you let it dry in the sun.
The corrosive substance inside of insect bodies also eats away at automotive paint and hardens overtime. The best approach to avoid damage and spots is to wipe or wash them off as soon as you discover them, using a cleaning agent or warm water and baking soda.
Regular waxing and washing can help preserve your car from wear and tear. If you must park under a tree, invest in an all-weather car canopy to protect your vehicle from sap, bird droppings, and bugs.
4. Physical Contact
The paint on an automobile may have damage from vandalism, carelessness on the owner’s part, harsh weather, and other external factors.
Most physical damage to automotive paint is scratches, which happen when something brushes up against the paint or when two cars collide. Adding a second layer of protection, such as automobile paint film or glass coating, is the greatest approach to help avoid paint scratches.
Poor cleaning materials or brushes that are too stiff, as well as overuse of automatic car washes, are common causes of swirl damage. To avoid this, use high-quality cleaning supplies and lint-free cloths, or invest in a handheld car washing service.
Stones and other road debris can cause paint chip damage when they strike the car’s paint as it travels over them.
Extensive paint damage can require a new coat or body wrap to refresh your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal. Contact us today at Best Collision for automobile paint and body wrap services. We look forward to meeting with you and discussing your specific needs.