For most drivers, their vehicle isn’t just one of the single biggest purchases they will ever make, it’s also an extension of themselves. So, it makes sense that we all would want to keep our cars looking as good as possible for as long as possible. Part of this means taking care of the paint job. Aside from parking our cars in the garage and wrapping them in bubble wrap, what can we do to make sure our cars are best protected?
Simple steps to ensure the longevity of a car’s paint job include dealing with scratches quickly, getting your car washed regularly, taking precautions when parking, applying a protective coating, and promptly removing any snow cover.
Of course, there are additional options to consider when protecting your car’s paint job than the brief synopsis above can contain. If you are interested in additional insight into how you can protect your auto’s paint job from potential risks, be sure to read on below.
1. Get Your Car Washed
Don’t see the benefit in paying to have your car washed? Well, besides being able to avoid some wise guy scrawling “wash me” on your car windows, there are plenty of other reasons why you should get your car washed regularly. Driving through all sorts of weather, your car is constantly exposed to the elements. This can lead to dirt and grime building up on your car’s surface that can rob it of fuel efficiency – costing owners money at the pump.
Most importantly, regularly washing your car will restore its exterior luster and help protect its paint job from future grime. Just be sure that your car is dried thoroughly, as water residue can attract dirt and lead to issues down the road such as rusting.
Additionally, the longer you leave build up on your car, the harder it becomes to get it off. Sometimes getting rid of the caked-on build up will result in paint damage.
2. Deal With Minor Damage Promptly
When it comes to your car’s exterior, it doesn’t take long for small problems to become big problems. Once an opening has been made in the protective barrier of your car’s paint job it is much easier for dirt, salt, water, and other contaminants to enter and gain a hold. There are simple DIY solutions that drivers can try before opting for the expense of a trip to the body shop.
While it may seem like no big deal to ignore the shopping cart dent you received outside the grocery store, the truth is, tiny imperfections in a car’s paint job can quickly spiral out of control if not dealt with promptly. This is why it pays to take care of any issues such as scratches, dents, or rusting as soon as possible.
3. Apply a Protective Coating
Many motorheads will claim that the best way to protect your car’s exterior is to slavishly apply wax and other lubricants to its surface after every carwash. For those that don’t want to bother with the costly and time-consuming process of waxing their vehicle, there are other options available. One popular alternative is to apply a long-lasting protective coating over the paint job itself.
This protective coating can be thought of as like a screen protector you might have for a smartphone, only designed instead for your car’s paint. This coating will act as the first layer of defense when protecting your car’s exterior from ills such as salt, scratches, U/V damage. Of course, it pays to find a proven professional to understand your needs and apply your protective coat correctly. And because drivers looking for paint protection film in Charlotte, NC will have many different needs than drivers in other locations – it often pays to go with a local provider.
4. Take Care When Parking
If off-street parking is available, take advantage of it. If off-street parking is your only option, consider a car cover. Parking outside can take a toll on a car. Not only do ultraviolet rays from the sun cause terrible U/V damage and notable paint fading, other elements can conspire to compromise its integrity as well. In short, if you don’t have a garage, take extra precautions when parking outdoors. It may take some extra time and effort, but it will pay off in the long run.
5. Don’t Leave Your Car Under Snow
The final piece of advice will apply most to those that live or visit colder climates where it often snows; never leave a car under snow for an extended time period. This is because any snow that sits will cyclically melt and refreeze to a car’s exterior – wreaking havoc on your car’s exterior with every wrenching thaw and freeze. Besides possibly doing damage to trim or window wipers, snow flying off a car in motion can be a danger to other drivers as well as yourself.
While the advice may seem simple, if the above practical steps are followed, any owner can expect to extend the lifespan of their car’s paint nearly indefinitely.