Modern automobile paints are designed to be quite durable, but nature will still take a toll on your paint job. Fading and cracking are the result of exposure to the elements that cannot be avoided unless you keep your vehicle in a garage year-round. But exposure to the elements is only one way that your paint is damaged. Many other situations can degrade the paint on your automobile.
Bird Droppings and Eggs
The natural chemicals in bird droppings and eggs erode paint and may even penetrate all the way through to the actual car body. You should wash off any bird droppings and eggs from your vehicle as soon as you notice it.
Rocks and Stones
You may expect to have rocks and stones hit your vehicle when you are on a dirt road or following behind a construction truck, but this type of damage can happen anywhere. We have spoken with customers who were alone on paved roads when their vehicles were struck by rocks. The small chips may not be cosmetically significant, but they do allow corrosive substances to reach the body of your vehicle.
Shaving Cream and Shoe Polish
Writing messages on vehicles for newlyweds, recent college graduates, and new loves is a great way to share your celebration with the world. Unfortunately, the shaving cream and shoe polish that are most often used for writing on vehicles can damage the paint. If you use these items on your vehicle, make sure that the messages are only written on the windows and not on the paint. Also, if you use shaving cream, do not use an excessive amount that may run onto the paint. These items should not be used on rainy or snowy days because the shaving cream and shoe polish can run down onto the paint. Both shoe polish and shaving cream are very difficult to remove from the paint on your vehicle, and the damage may be permanent.
Sharp and Metal Objects
Sharp objects, keys, and even metal fasteners on your clothes can scratch your automobile paint. If you have any metal accents on your clothes, be careful not to lean or sit on your vehicle. When using tools, cover the paint with a towel or shop cloth. One of the most common areas that gets scratched by keys is around the lock. When you want to unlock your door or trunk at night, use a flashlight to help you find where to insert the key.
Construction Areas
The heavy equipment used in construction areas can throw rocks and other debris toward your car. Another concern is wet cement somehow finding its way onto your paint job. If the concrete hardens, you will have to scrape it off, and some of the paint may be removed in the process. We recommend that you avoid parking near construction areas.
Changes in Temperature
Like other materials, the paint on your automobile expands and contracts in response to changes in ambient and outdoor temperatures. Tiny cracks develop in the paint that are not only a cosmetic concern but also allow chemicals, moisture, salt and other substances to penetrate the protective coating on your vehicle. While you may not be able to control the changes in temperature, you can regularly wash your vehicle to remove any substances from the tiny cracks in the paint. This helps prevent rust and other types of deterioration in the paint.
Brake Fluid and Gasoline
Brake fluid, gasoline and other types of fluids that are necessary for keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape can actually damage the paint. If you are refilling the fluids, place a cloth over the painted part of the body where you are working. Also, when you fill up for gas, carefully clean the paint under and around the gas cap. It is very common for a few drops of gasoline to fall onto these areas when you fill your tank.
Low Quality and Abrasive Cleaners
Many car owners wash their vehicles at home with common dish detergent or soap that leaves behind a film. Many lower quality car soaps contain abrasive ingredients that will make very small surface scratches in your paint. You should always use a high-quality car soap that does not contain any type of abrasives.
Low Quality and Dirty Cleaning Clothes
Microfiber cloths are very popular amongst car owners, but you should only choose high-quality cloths. Also, only use clean cloths because any dust or debris in the cloth may scratch your paint.
Moisture
Water that accumulates on your vehicle, whether from washing or rain, can damage the paint if it is allowed to sit for a period of time, especially in high humidity areas. The water may also leave behind spots that are very difficult to remove.
By following these simple steps, you can extend the lifetime of your vehicle’s paint job. For more information on vehicle maintenance or custom paint, call Dallas European Auto today to schedule your appointment.
