Your car’s sparkling finish made it through the salt, sand and harsh temperatures of winter. But your car’s paint faces year-round hazards. According to Autoblog, a car with faded paint and a dingy look sells for 10-20 percent less than an otherwise identical vehicle that just looks nicer.
Start with a good coat of wax, then be on the lookout for these common problems:
Parking Under A Tree
Trees may provide shade, but they also produce sap and can drop twigs or branches on your car on a windy day. Your best defense is to make sure the paint is waxed. If you find tree sap on your paint, get some bug and tar remover from your auto parts store to dissolve it. Then, rinse and wax the area again to remove any residue.
Bird Droppings
Without going into the science of bird droppings and their reactions with paint, you can just trust us that it can wreak havoc. When a bird mistakes your vehicle for a giant portable toilet, the best thing you can do is remove it quickly. A wet cloth will usually do the trick, but be careful to wipe with a lifting motion so that you don’t grind it into the paint.
Gasoline Drips
You know the gas station rules: No smoking at the pump and don’t touch anything in the restroom (although that’s more of an unwritten rule.) But spilled gasoline isn’t just a safety hazard, it can cause long-term harm to your paint.
To prevent stains and rust, avoid topping off your tank, and clean up any accidental drips immediately.
Writing In The Dirt
Using your finger as a writing utensil to draw “Wash Me Plz” in dirt isn’t as harmless as you think. Dirt can act as sandpaper when dragged across your vehicle’s paint, leaving the writer’s message behind permanently.
To avoid this, get your car washed frequently to eliminate abrasive dirt from your car’s surface. Light scratches can sometimes be removed with polish or scratch remover after the car is clean.
High Speed Bug Collisions
Bugs hitting your windshield on the highway are gross, but relatively harmless. The real problem is the bug that makes your paint its final resting place. They are extremely acidic, and not easy to remove. Have your car washed regularly. For the most stubborn guts, use bug and tar remover as soon as possible.
Washing Your Car With A Dirty Sponge
We’ve suggested washing your car frequently, but be sure to do so carefully. Using dirty sponges or towels can do more harm than good.
Some older automatic car washes still use abrasive brushes rather than a soft cloth, which can scratch the paint. Another safe bet is a “touchless” car wash that uses high pressure water jets to clean your car.
You love your car, and you want to protect more than just its paint job. Get car insurance at a competitive rate in just a few minutes.
billy t hester says,
thanks for Comment
Chiyoko Hoagland says,
Thank you for about Protect Your Paint Job Info!
My car is 10 years old and some top coating of paint starting to peeling off. I’ll try to wash often as possible !
Carla Gutierrez says,
Really appreciate all the extra tips. You been a teaching tool. These tips I past on to family and friends…. Keep up the good work…
Steven Chambers says,
Thanks for all the awesome tips, very much appreciated. Continue to update as they come in. Sincerely Steven Chambers.
Miguel Carino says,
WHAT IT IS THAT I NEED TO PROTECT. ANY SUGGESTION OF WHAT IS A GOOD WAX TO PROTECT THE PAINT ON MY CAR?
Patrick Beaumont says,
Leaving my car under a tree in the summer is great for keeping it cool. But then I have to contend with birds poo, leaves, twigs and last tree sap. So it’s either a cool vehicle or a dirty one. But again leaving it in the sun the heat can really ruin a car’s paint and interior. and in addition pushing the vehicle’s a/c to cool it off while you drive. I usually pop the windows and sent the air from the bottom up to force the hot air out.
Patrick Beaumont says,
Just had GEICO jump start my car. My fault. I should have ran the car longer after doing a through cleaning. Washed my 2011 Honda twice, dried it and then a paste wax and after that a scratch removal paste. The individual that came to jump start was said how good the car looked and inquired the about vehicle’s year. I told him the year and what I had just done. He said the old way. I said yes pure elbow work. Cleaned interior; seats, windows and dashboard.
Car looks great.
Pat Weir says,
I like the information given. As a matter of fact, you saved me some money. I have a large coconut palm tree that is by the driveway and it has played havoc with our vehicles. A few hours from now it will be taken down (sorry to see it go, but I cant afford the damage to the vehicles). I was thinking of getting it spray painted so your advice definitely saved me some dollars, that I don’t have!
Thanks.
Carolyn Fletcher says,
Thanks for the tips on protecting my paint on my car
Teacher Gerald says,
Is it better to leave your car out in the rain or to park it under a shelter. I notice more dirt on my car when I park under a shelter rather than leaving it in the rain.
Florence Flores says,
I really appreciated some the comments on washing and taking care of your vehicle !!
I have always taken good care of mine but was unaware of some of the good tips.
Kudos you !!
jose gutierrez says,
Would my car insurance cover my car paint? Thanks for the tips
Tom Landi/Midtown Car Wash says,
So excited to read your article on vehicle paint maintenance.
I been in the carwash business for 35 years. If there is any thing I can do to promote
or repair any insured vehicle in the Central New Jersey area please dot hesitate to
contact me. In fact I have a way to spread the word through Motorsports.
I would love to meet with your team.
josie says,
Thanks for the advice.
josie says,
Thanks for your advice! I’m a customer of GEICO.