There’s nothing like driving around in a shiny new car with a flawless paint finish. Unfortunately, this isn’t going to last as long as you may like because your auto body paint can fade over time due to direct sun exposure, salt, grime, and bird droppings.
As you know, a car’s appearance is one of the main factors that affect its resale value and overall look, and that’s directly related to the condition its paint finish is in.Whether you plan to keep your vehicle for a long time or trade it in, maintaining the auto body paint makes a huge difference.
Knowing that, below are tips for car owners who want to prevent their car paint from fading.
1. Stick to a washing schedule.
When it comes to your car’s paint, prevention is key, and your vehicle needs a deep clean to protect the top coat from any existing and future damage. Regular washing helps prevent grime, bird droppings, and dirt from sticking to the paint job and damaging it. This same schedule helps you protect your car from the sun and other environmental factors.
2. Hand dry the vehicle after washing.
Are you one of those people who’d leave their car to air-dry after a wash? If so, it’s time to stop that practice. Water spots can leave behind minerals that can make the paint fade. Instead of allowing your vehicle naturally dry, use a microfiber cloth or clean cotton rags to absorb any excess water.
3. Wax your car.
If you want an extra level of car paint protection, a good wax job can go a long way. Waxing plays a major role in keeping your auto body paint and finish in excellent condition. Have your car waxed at least once every six months, and you’ll add a protective layer to keep your car from harmful debris, natural elements, dust, road salt, and scratches – among other things.
4. Don’t use products with abrasives.
Always use products that are free of abrasive materials if you want to preserve the glossy shine of your auto body paint. Also, make sure to clean your brushes, sponges, and cloths before wiping down your car. There can be stones and dirt buried in wiping materials which may cause scratching, chipping and other damage to the paint finish of your car.
5. Always look for covered parking.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays will damage your auto body paint by speeding up the process of oxidation. One way to prevent paint fading is by keeping the car out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Try to park in a covered garage, in the shade, or a car park. If you can’t find an enclosed or covered space to park your car, use a car cover to protect the auto body paint.
If your auto body paint is too far gone, though, you’ll want to consider taking your car to a body shop for a paint pick-me-up. Repainting help to fully restore its glossy finish and ensures that the car’s body will be protected from further corrosion. This is a bigger investment up front, but it’ll pay off once it’s time to trade in or sell the car.
But there you have it: five easy tips to help your car’s paint from fading too fast. If you follow these steps, you won’t have to pay too much too soon to repaint your vehicle.