The color and condition of a car paint can affect its aesthetic appeal and resale value. Therefore, car owners should invest in protective coatings to keep their cars in good shape. Those who don’t protect their auto paint often incur high repair costs due to scratches, fading paint, rust, and scrape. Here is a comprehensive guide to help car owners protect auto paint and save money.
Some car owners rarely consider car paint maintenance practices since the results sometimes go unnoticed. So why should car owners invest in paint protection services? Car paintwork is usually exposed to harmful elements, including bird dropping, tree sap, snow, dirty water, and road salt. These elements could cause fading, scratches, or corrosion, resulting in expensive repairs. Therefore, you must understand the importance of protecting your auto paint and seek the most effective preventive solution. Proven paint protection practices improve the appearance, preserve the car’s value, and cut repair costs.
Keep the Car Clean
Regular car cleaning is the easiest way to protect auto paint from external elements. Dirt, dust, and grime can scratch the auto paint and wear it out over time. This is usually a gradual process that takes time to notice. Unfortunately, the dirt still erodes the paint even when rainwater slowly washes down the car’s surface. Therefore, car owners should take their vehicles to a reliable car-wash or use soft rags, towels, and shampoo to clean and wipe them regularly. It is crucial to wash a car when exposed to debris, but only when necessary since cleaning it too often could also affect the paintwork.
Park in the Shade
Direct UV rays can make car paint fade or develop tiny cracks over time, especially if the car owner lives in a hot region. Therefore, parking in the shade is a simple routine that can protect the paintwork. Although car owners cannot always park their cars in the shade, they can reduce the damage by taking advantage of the shade whenever possible. Parking in the shade is a good idea, even if the car has a wrap or a protective film, since it slows down wear and tear. However, safety is a critical concern when choosing a parking space. So car owners should avoid parking under large trees or unstable structures that could fall and damage the car.
Auto Waxing
Some car owners consider waxing fancy and unnecessary. However, auto waxing is one of the effective methods of protecting auto paint. It involves applying a layer of oils, wax, and solvents that protect the paint from dirt, UV rays, and scratches. Waxing can also enhance the appearance by making the surface smooth and shiny. But remember to check the car manual or consult professionals to recommend the right wax coat. Some waxes protect the car from moisture, heat, and abrasive debris to keep a car safe and attractive.
So what is the most effective auto wax type? Car waxes come in two types: solids and liquids. Car owners can apply the solid wax using a pad or sponge because it is thick, like putty. Liquid wax is usually thinner and may be sprayed on the car quickly. Although the solid wax takes time and effort to apply, it offers a better finish than the liquid form. Regardless of the wax type, car owners can protect and improve the car paint through waxing.
External Coating
Some cars have a clear coat on top of the colored paint layer. The thin coat usually protects the paint from UV rays but might not offer full protection from other elements. People with old cars should consider adding a protective coating for extra protection. The popular coating option includes car wraps, paint protection film, and ceramic coating.
Car wraps are popular because of their beauty, versatility, and durability. For example, car wraps can alter the color and texture of the car. They can also be used for branding business cars to display corporate colors, company products, and contact information to potential clients. Besides, wraps can protect cars from rain, heat, UV rays, and abrasive debris.
Ceramic coating is another popular auto paint protection solution. The ceramic coat is usually clear and covers the entire vehicle, including the glass, for maximum protection. Unlike top coat, ceramic coating is reliable and durable since it contains quartz and other tough materials, creating a solid layer that can serve for about two years.
The paint protection film is also an excellent option for car owners looking to protect their car paint. The film has self-healing properties and is usually thicker than ceramic coating. Therefore, if a rock hits the car, it is unlikely to cause permanent damage. The protective film is ideal for those driving on rough, dirty roads.
Use a Car Cover
A car cover can protect the car from debris, bird droppings, UV rays, snow, acid rain, and dust. These covers are ideal for short-term and long-term car storage. Some car owners use covers daily, but installing and removing the cover regularly might take time and effort. Remember to choose a breathable and fitting cover to prevent water damage and rust. Very loose covers might damage the paintwork over time due to the impact of the wind.
Rustproofing
Moisture and high humidity could make cars rust, so professionals recommend rustproofing. This involves applying a protective compound that reduces the contact between the paintwork and corrosive elements. Rustproofing is more important in areas near the sea since high humidity and salt concentration in the air increase rusting.
Cars are usually expensive and need care to improve durability. Therefore, car owners should embrace paint prevention and maintenance practices to protect the appearance and reduce repair costs. Some proven ways to reduce damage to the paintwork include keeping the car clean, rustproofing, waxing, using car covers, applying a protective layer, and parking in the shade. Car owners should be consistent for long-term results regardless of their preferred paint protection option. This is because proper paint maintenance efforts preserve a car’s value and improve its overall appearance.
