Lots of things can happen on your daily commute that can affect your car’s body paint—from corrosive bird droppings, splattered bugs, down to the usual dirt and debris. Keeping your car spotless and shiny might require some effort, but it’s a worthwhile practice that will benefit you in the long run, especially for those who plan to sell their vehicles in the future.
With that in mind, check out these effective ways to ensure your car’s paint will stand the test of time.
1. Park Your Car in a Shaded Area
The sun’s harmful rays can take a toll on your auto body paint job and can result in fading over time. There’s nothing much you can do about this when driving during the daytime but if you will be parking outdoors for a long time, be sure to take it to a shaded spot. It’s also best if you purchase a car cover that has offers ultraviolet protection.
2. Wash Regularly
Most people wash their vehicles at weekly intervals. If you want to keep the shine of your car, regular care is crucial. Cars that are looked after correctly will be more effective at resisting external influences. This also means you won’t have to require frequent – and expensive! – paint touch-ups. Make sure to wash by hand and use mild cleaning substances with low pH value.
3. Dry Off with the Right Tools
An important step in car paint maintenance is drying your car off after washing. Doing so prevents water spots from forming. Try using cotton cloths or sheepskin chamois as they are gentler on the surface. Using ordinary polyester towels or microfiber cloths may lead to minor paint scratches.
4. Follow Up Wash with a Wax
Wax seals the topmost layer of the car paint and shields it from external factors. A rule of thumb is that as long as rainwater slides off the car paint, there’s no need for a fresh layer of wax.
Weather also plays a significant role in this—waxed cars kept in a garage will stay protected for a much longer time than those out in the open. To be sure, have your car waxed at least two times a year, once in the spring and again prior to the winter season.
5. Consider Applying Synthetic Coating
These days, auto body shops are offering synthetic coating for extra car protection. For example, ceramic or polymer coating can be applied to maintain the car paint’s quality for at least six months. While it can’t mimic the shine from a high-quality wax coating, it is a very efficient way to prevent things from sticking to your car exterior.
Importance of Auto Body Paint Maintenance
In some ways, a car’s paint job can be likened to human skin—it should be treated properly to maintain its pleasant appearance. However, in order to take care of it, you need to know the different factors that have an impact on the paint’s condition.
Investing time and effort into maintaining your car’s paint can benefit you a lot in the long run. And if you’re planning to repaint an old vehicle to maintain its exterior, always do your research on the best new car paints in the market. It also helps to get advice from a certified auto body painting professional.