Are you concerned about protecting your car’s paint job? While you might think nothing of driving through snow or parking in the sun, these simple activities can take a toll. And with a new car paint job costing well over $1,000, you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid damaging the finish. Stay put to read all about car paint damage types!
Stickers Can Harm Car Paint
Do you want to share your sticker collection with the world? You might want to stick with water bottles as your substrate of choice. Applying stickers or decals to your car can wreak havoc on the paint.
Over time, stickers will start to break apart, especially in adverse weather conditions. This means they’ll be harder to remove, and they may lift some paint when you peel them off your car. And if they’ve been on your car for a while, you’ll see a noticeable tonal change on the area that your sticker covered.
Avoid Salt’s Corrosive Effects
If you drive in a snowy area, you’ve probably encountered salt on the roads. While salt is helpful for traction, it can damage car paint over time.
The corrosive compounds within salt can lead to rust in your paint job and undercarriage. Make a point of washing your car regularly during the winter months. And follow up with a wax and polish twice each year.
Steer Clear of Non-Breathable Car Covers
Putting a cover on your car seems like a logical way to protect it from dirt and hail. But what kind of material is the cover made of?
Nonbreathable materials, including plastic and neoprene, can do more harm than good. These materials won’t let moisture escape, which means moisture can attack your car paint. When the moisture combines with dust or dirt, it will leave behind splotches.
Watch for Car Paint Heat Damage
Soaking up the sun can be good for the soul—but bad for your car. UV rays will cause a robust paint job to fade. And they can even reach the upholstery within your car, too.
If you live in the Sun Belt, plan on parking your car in a garage or covered parking area. Or find a breathable cover to keep your paint job looking good!
Clean Bird Droppings Right Away
Acidic bird droppings are one of the worst things to hit your car. Much like salt, they can have a corrosive effect that will cause car paint damage.
Consider arming your car with a sealant or paint protection film (PPF) wrap. The PPF wrap cost can be well worth the investment. Your car’s paint and body will be safer when faced with bird droppings or any other debris on the road.
Be Aware of Car Paint Damage Types
Knowing about the car paint damage types can help you avoid a blemished finish. Use a breathable car cover to protect your vehicle from the sun and snow. And make sure you clean up any debris right away before it can fade the paint or cause rust.
Discover more tips to keep your car running smoothly. Check back for new and helpful articles!