Did you know that the average passenger car in the U.S. has an average lifespan of around 12 years? As a car spends all this time on the road, it can become susceptible to paint deterioration. Below, you can discover some effective ways to protect your vehicle’s paint so you can keep it shining and bright.
Use a Car Wax
Purchase a solid wax that comes from plants. Apply the wax according to the instructions, and work on small areas at a time. While you can use car polish, it is different from wax. Polish alone doesn’t protect your paint, so you may want to use it in combination with wax.
Keep Your Vehicle Covered When Possible
When possible, keep your vehicle covered. At your place of residence, you can keep your vehicle in your garage or under your assigned carport. If you have a two-car garage but currently only have enough room for one vehicle because of excessive stuff, you can clear these items out of your garage to create a safe resting spot for another vehicle. By keeping your car in a garage or under a carport, you can protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can deteriorate car paint.
If you don’t have access to a covered space at home, consider investing in a car cover. A car cover is a heavy-duty sheet that manufacturers typically make with polypropylene. You can drape it over your car to keep it out of the sun’s rays. If tree sap, twigs, or other substances fall on your vehicle, they’ll fall onto the car cover instead. You can take the car cover off when you’re ready to drive and clean the sheet before using it again.
Also, think about where you park when you’re not at home. For example, when you commute to work and have the option of parking in a parking garage or an exposed lot, you may choose the parking garage. This covered area can protect your vehicle’s paint from UV rays. If you need to park outside in the sun, avoid parking under a tree. While some people may park under a tree for the shade, falling acorns, twigs, leaves, and other debris can chip your vehicle’s paint.
Keep Certain Liquids, Chemicals, and Other Debris off of Your Vehicle
While it may seem obvious what should and shouldn’t come in contact with your vehicle, you may overlook some common everyday substances that can ruin your vehicle’s paint. For example, coffee and soda have relatively low pHs, meaning that they’re acidic and can be corrosive to paint. To keep your vehicle’s paint safe, avoid placing any drinks on top of your car so that you don’t have any accidental spills. Other substances that may cause your paint to chip or deteriorate include:
- Silly string
- Ashes
- Gasoline
- Brake fluid
- Sand
- Insecticides
- Tar
- Salt
As a general rule of thumb, try to keep anything you don’t need on or near your car in a safe spot away from your vehicle. If one of these substances comes into contact with your vehicle’s paint, wash it off immediately. Allowing it to sit may increase the chances of sustaining more visible damage. Use an appropriate cleaning solution, such as warm water and high-quality car soap. Apply the cleaning solution with a soft cloth to prevent scratches.
Apply Paint Protection Film (PPF)
PPF is a clear film that you’ll often hear referred to as a “wrap.” You can apply it yourself or take it to an auto shop for professional application. When you or someone else applies it, it remains virtually invisible. This application is most common for newer vehicles or vehicles that have recently received a fresh paint job.
Once you apply the PPF, it provides excellent impact protection. Your vehicle’s paint may be more likely to remain in good condition if it comes in contact with falling debris like leaves and twigs. This film also protects the paint from UV light and water marks. While it’s not foolproof, it acts as an excellent safeguard for your car’s paint.
Wash Your Vehicle Regularly By Hand
You can protect your vehicle’s paint regularly by washing it by hand. Attempt to wash your vehicle at least once a week. While once a week is ideal, we know that busy people just won’t be able to find the time to wash their cars that often. Instead, you can aim for once every two weeks. Avoid taking your vehicle to an automatic car wash — the brushes that these automatic car washes use often wash dozens or hundreds of vehicles every day, so it’s difficult for the companies to maintain them properly.
As a result, these brushes have rough edges and can cause micro scratches on the surface of your vehicle. When you take your vehicle to an automatic car wash regularly, these micro scratches can turn into deeper and unsightly abrasions. When you wash your vehicle regularly, you can remove dirt, insects, bird feces, and other debris that accumulates during the week. When you allow these substances to remain on your vehicle, they can lead to the development of scratches or the staining or erosion of your paint.
Invest in high-quality car soap and designate a car sponge for washing your vehicle. Dry your car thoroughly after each wash. By doing so, you can prevent the buildup of mineral spots that may corrode your vehicle’s paint. Use a microfiber towel for the drying process, as this material is safe for use on vehicle paint.
Apply a Paint Sealant
You can think of paint sealant as a type of synthetic liquid car wax that lasts longer than traditional wax products. You can apply it to your vehicle to provide a thin defensive layer for your paint job. One application usually lasts for about six months, and you can use it in combination with other waxes and polishes.
While protecting your vehicle’s paint is important, it’s not the only thing you can do to preserve its value. Be sure to schedule service with our dealership at Longo Lexus. Our certified and experienced technicians will perform regular maintenance on your vehicle to ensure its functioning properly. When you sign up for maintenance and follow the above tips for paint preservation, you can benefit from owning a vehicle that’s both beautiful and operating at its prime. Contact us today to speak with a sales associate, and we can help you set up an appointment.
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