Auto body paint issues can be frustrating because it’s often difficult to find the root cause of the problem. Learning about the most common car paint problems and how to prevent them can help you maintain your vehicle’s finish and keep it looking spotless.
When a car’s paint or clear coat starts to peel, it can result in an unpleasant appearance. It can also lead to more serious problems like rust development. If you want to avoid breaking the bank with a paint touch-up, below are some tips to help protect the exterior of your car.
1. Never wash your car with dishwashing liquid or other abrasives.
There may be degreasing properties in your dishwashing liquid but it is actually bad for your car’s paint. You need to use a product specifically designed for washing cars. This keeps your paint and clear coat from easily peeling and fading.
2. Don’t opt for an automatic car wash.
As tempting as it sounds, an automatic car wash should be avoided at all costs. Those nylon brushes actually rotate at dangerously high speeds and swipe your car with abrasive force. As a result, large sections of clear coat might be lifted, leaving the auto body paint exposed to all sorts of elements. This quick cleaning method will also leave your car with visible dents and scratches.
3. Wax your vehicle regularly.
Waxing regularly is an effective way to prevent auto body paint peeling. Through waxing, you create a layer that stops airborne contaminants from being trapped in the clear coat. It will also keep the paint protected during harsh weather conditions.
If you’re using wax, make sure it contains UV protection to minimize the impact of the sun on your auto body paint. Waxing your car before the winter months also help safeguard the clear coat from elements including snow and road salt.
4. Park your car under cover.
Overexposure to the sun can lead to auto body paint peeling and flaking. High amounts of exposure to the sun, especially for a long period of time, can be tough on your vehicle’s paint.
Instead of leaving your car by the side of the road, use your carport or garage whenever possible. If you have no choice but to park in the open, try to position your car in shaded areas. Just stay away from trees because sap and other debris can damage your vehicle’s exterior.
Auto body paint is protected by a clear layer of coat, which should mean that it takes a significant level of wear and tear before it peels off. If car peeling occurs, your car will prematurely age–making it lose both value and appeal. Typically, such peeling is caused by prolonged sun exposure, a poor paint job, as well as various dings and types of damage.
To keep the paint from peeling, always make sure your car is protected from different weather elements. Any finish that’s damaged should also be repaired immediately by professionals. Fortunately, fixing those problems won’t be too difficult if you have auto repair insurance and collision coverage.