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.
Linda Young says,
I enjoyed the part about the paint on the car–My car has much paint damage. It may not be worth correcting it.
Teresa says,
We’re can I get these wax for my car
Julie Newman says,
Read your tips on caring for car paint and finish and about tires. My question is: when a car is being repaired, it is usually taken to an area where you cannot see what is being done. Is it wise to ask if you can watch or is that ridiculous? I have seen special reports in the past that indicate many repairs are not necessary. What is the best way to deal with repairs? Thank you if you answer.
Sincerely,
Julie Newman
Terry Hoffman says,
Great ideas. Cleaning you car should give you better gas mileage too.
Serena Mills says,
Great advice. I thank you very much .
Fran says,
My car has rust the running boards are very rustid should I have it repainted and get new. Running boards it still runs good so far I call her the tank Fran Please advise.
LaRue & Leon says,
Thank you for this!
Samson georges says,
Excellent advices to us car owners. I love them.
Mcneal says,
Thanks for the excellent tips to preserve my baby ( Nissan Versa) every tip helps save money in the long run!?
Bonnie Howell says,
Very useful info.
Sylvia says,
Great tips! Thanks GEICO ??
Feliciano says,
What an article! Informative, funny, with great detail advice. Thanks much
Sandy Sanborn says,
Is their a insurance for this?
Norman W. Krastel says,
When your car looks like it needs a new wax job or in fact anytime – use a bottle of peroxide and a applicator wrag, and apply the peroxide in sections, let it almostdry and wipe it off to a brilliaant gloss. Only to discover that your car still has wax on it. Your car will neverlook better. It is inexpensive, and will not harm your paint at all. My friend and I have been doing it foryears.
Humberto Altuve says,
All coments and tips are interesting.
Thanks.