A well-kept paint job not only adds style and resale value to your car, it also protects the underlying sheet metal from corrosive elements. It is nearly impossible to entirely avoid the most common causes of car paint damage but the steps to reduce the amount of damage done are easy as long as they are taken quickly.
Spilled Gasoline
Gasoline spilt onto the paint around your gas tank can leave permanent stains. Avoid topping off your tank and be careful while pumping gas. In the event you do inadvertently spill gasoline onto your car’s paint, use a cleansing detailing spray and clean microfiber cloth to clean up the gasoline before it has a chance to dry and stain.
Bird Droppings
You cannot control when and where bird droppings fall. Bird droppings are unattractive, unpleasant and contain acid that will corrode paint on a car. While you can try to avoid parking under trees or power lines, an occasional bird dropping landing on your car is pretty much inevitable. Clean bird droppings you find on your car as soon as possible. Do not wipe and rub at the offensive stain, instead use a cleansing spray to loosen the droppings and use a lifting motion to not grind any grit into the paint.
Bugs and Insects
Like bird droppings, bugs and insects that are killed by your moving car are acidic. If left on the surface on your car’s paint, the innards of dead bugs will act as a corrosive agent. Bugs are everywhere and you most likely come across a handful every day while driving. On a regular basis, check your car for bug smears and clean them carefully with detailing spray and a microfiber cloth.
Water Spots
Water may seem like nothing to worry about, but water spots cause damage to your car’s paint and finish due to natural minerals found in all water. Automatic sprinklers and rain are the most common causes of water damage. You should avoid parking near sprinklers whenever possible and seek cover if rain is likely to fall. If you do find water spots on your car, take your vehicle to a professional detailer for thorough cleaning.
Damaging agents left on your car will damage the paint and expose the inner sheet metal. Take care to clean your car regularly and watch out for harmful elements.
*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
