Tips for Maintaining Your Car’s Paint Job
Many people strive to keep their cars in good shape. Not only does driving a nice vehicle feel good, but it creates a positive impression on the driver when people see a good-looking car. Unfortunately, one of the most common forms of external harm that can occur to your car is damage to the paint. Thankfully, we have a few tips for maintaining your car’s paint job that can help it look nice for years to come.
Limit Solar Exposure
The easiest way to damage your vehicle’s paint is to leave it in the sun. The sun’s rays cause shifts in the paint’s chromophores, and that negatively impacts the pigments, causing them to fade. This process is more noticeable in bright colors on a single side of the color spectrum, especially reds and yellows. If you want to make the paint last longer, try to park your car in the shade or leave it in a garage as much as possible. Many people also wonder if a good paint job can increase the resale value of their vehicle. It certainly can. On the flip side, dull and faded colors can hurt its value.
Wash Regularly
One essential tip for maintaining your car’s paint job is to give it a regular wash. Every time you drive your car, you expose it to airborne dirt and other particles kicked up by other vehicles on the road or driving through things yourself. You can keep your paint looking pristine by giving it a thorough wash at least once a week with proper auto-cleaning supplies.
An additional tip is to not let your vehicle air dry, as leftover water can leave spots and other unsightly markings. Instead, dry your car with a soft terry cloth or microfiber towel.
Apply Protective Wax
Applying wax to your car after cleaning is a great way to keep the paint in good condition. Most car wax acts as a clear but protective barrier between the vehicle’s surface and the paint. This thin layer helps keep off dirt and reduce exposure to solar rays. Essentially, adding a protective wax layer while still following and adhering to other protective steps helps amplify their effectiveness.