One of the first things that a person notices when they see a car, apart from the form factor, is its paint. But you want to attract attention for the right reasons. If the car paint has been properly polished and still retains a gleaming coat, that’s a good thing. But if the coat has been dulled by years of use and abuse, then it’s probably time for a new paint job.
If you already love your car’s factory finish, then you need to take steps to protect the paint. That is why lots of people invest in protection like ceramic coating for cars. With regular maintenance, you can keep your vehicle looking like new for a long time.
Whether you drive a vintage car or a newer model, the paint needs to be protected from damage caused by everyday wear and tear. Here are a few things you can do to maintain your car’s shine:
1. Cover the car
The simplest thing you can do to protect the paint layer is to cover it when your car is parked, especially if you park on the street or out in the open. Bird droppings and tree sap can slowly corrode the car’s finish, so a simple cover adds a protective layer. A cover also protects against damage caused by dust and touching.
2. Dry after washing
Many car owners just leave their car to air dry after washing, but leaving your vehicle to dry on its own can damage the paint. Water spots are not only unsightly, but they also promote premature corrosion.
Always wipe the car down after washing it. Don’t just use any old piece of cloth, however. Cotton can leave behind micro-abrasions that will slowly chip away at the surface. The proper way to dry a car’s exterior is to wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel.
3. Use a clay bar
While you need to wash the car regularly, car shampoo and water can only do so much. If you want a deeper clean, use a clay bar. Cleaning with a clay bar helps you remove dirt and stains that are embedded deep in the coating. It also enables you to get rid of invisible particles like dust, which can damage the paint layer.
4. Wax the surface
So you’ve used a clay bar on your car, and it looks spotless. If you want it to stay clean, you need to wax the surface afterward. A proper wax coating can last for up to 10 months and will protect the surface from dust, bird droppings, plant sab, water, and visible scratches.
If you’re not good at keeping track of your car’s maintenance schedule, just wax your car twice a year. A wax surface can also help improve your fuel efficiency due to lower drag.
Prevention is always preferable to an expensive emergency repair job, and these pointers will help you protect your car’s paint in the years to come. The smallest mistake can cause thousands of dollars in damage, which is why you need to make it a regular habit to keep your car covered and clean.
