Nothing looks better than a fresh paint job on your favorite vehicle. The paint on the vehicle not only makes it look amazing but serves an important protective function, staving off rust damage to the vehicle’s metal body. So, what can we do to protect your car’s paint? We have a few suggestions.
Keep It Clean and Dry
How often do you clean your car? Many people wait until they see clear signs of dirt, insects and other unmentionables all over before taking it to a car wash. As an auto body shop, we recommend cleaning and drying your vehicle around once per week. You can take it to a drive through car wash or even wash it yourself.
Once you’ve washed your car, make sure you dry it thoroughly to further prevent damage from rust. Drying the car also improves the paint’s appearance, removing water spots, which happen when the water droplets left behind dry in place. Soft bath towels that you no longer need in the house work great for this, and leave your car’s paint free from moisture and looking great.
Be Mindful of Where You Park
How and where you park your car can matter when it comes to extending the lifespan of your vehicle’s paintwork. When using your car around town, we recommend parking at the back end of the parking lot, away from the other drivers where you don’t have to squeeze into tight spaces or risk scratches to the paint from other drivers. If you park under a tree, make sure it’s not dripping sap, and there are no birds around that will poop on your car.
In addition, covered parking can further protect your vehicle from the elements. Constant exposure to the sun will speed up fading, and hail or debris from severe wind can be very hard on your paint job. If you don’t have a garage at home, consider buying a vehicle cover, or building a shade for your car.
Apply a Protective Film
Adding a layer of protective film for your car’s paint will help keep the paint looking fresh. The protective film can prevent damage to the paint from chemicals and scratches. Many of the new films are glossy and natural looking, nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Waxing your vehicle is always a good idea to protect paint from moisture and keep your car looking new. Additionally, you can apply a synthetic coating or paint sealant to give it an extra shine and protection from heat and other elements. Many of these products are affordable, and last up to 6 months when applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Call us today to find out more about our recommended brands for protective film and sealants or to get a quote from Anderson Auto Body and Paint .
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