Key Takeaways:
The surface of your car’s paintwork can easily be damaged by environmental contaminants, neglectful driving habits, and improper maintenance. Here are the things we're highlighting in this post:
- Bird droppings
- Tree sap and pollen
- Fingerprints
- Stone chips
- Bugs
- Car fluid stains
- Water spots
- Exposure UV radiation
No doubt the color of your car plays a major role in the overall look of your vehicle and its value. It would be disappointing to watch your car’s paintwork gradually degrade due to improper care and maintenance. So it's important to keep it looking its best. Unfortunately, many things can damage the paintwork and ruin its appearance.
Here are 9 things to look out for:
1. Bird Droppings
Birds don't have designated restroom areas and they often leave their mess wherever they fly and that includes on your car. If you park your car under a tree or next to any other type of outdoor area close to nests, then chances are you’ll keep running into this problem. Bird droppings have highly acidic contents that can eat away at the protective layers on your car's paint. The solution is to use a bird-dropping remover and rinse the area with cold water as soon as you notice the droppings.
2. Tree Sap and Pollen
Another problem with parking your car under a tree is the sap and pollen that can collect on the paintwork. Tree sap is sticky and difficult to remove, while pollen particles can be abrasive and hard to remove, which can damage the paint if rubbed too aggressively. The best solution for both of these problems is to use an automotive clay bar or a microfiber cloth dampened with mild detergent. You may need to repeat the process more than once to get rid of all the residue.
3. Fingerprints
Fingerprints are often unavoidable on the car's paint, especially if you have children. But the fact that they're unavoidable doesn't mean that they won't damage the paint. The grease and oil from your skin can interact with the paint's surface, leading to oxidation and other forms of wear. To remove fingerprints, use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol.
4. Stone Chips
If you drive your car regularly, chances are it's going to develop some stone chips over time, especially on the sides. This is especially true if you use rough roads. Stone chips look like small round dents in the paint, and are caused by rock or gravel coming into contact with the car at high speeds. To fix the appearance of these chips and protect the paint from further damage, apply a touch-up paint pen or aerosol spray.
5. Bugs
Buds die due to impact on the car's grille or windshield, leaving behind a sticky residue that can damage paint if not removed quickly. To remove it safely, get an insect remover spray and apply it to the affected area. Then use a soft cloth to wipe away any debris. Regular washes are also key to keeping bug buildup from damaging your paint. The more often you clean your car, the less bug residue that will stick to it.
6. Failing to Wash
Your car needs regular washing to keep the paint in good condition. Regularly removing dirt, dust, and other debris from your car's surface prevents it from sticking to the paint and scratching its finish. Make sure to use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth when washing your car. Let the washes be regular as you can without using abrasive materials and too much pressure.
7. Water Spots
Water spots are caused by hard water and can be difficult to remove. If you don't wipe your car dry after a wash, the water will evaporate and leave behind an unsightly residue. To remove these water spots, use a soft cloth or sponge with a pH-neutral car soap or shampoo and gently rub them away. Be careful every time you wash your car and take the time to dry it off properly to prevent water spots.
8. Fuel Stains
Whenever you fuel up your car, fuel will inevitably spill onto the paintwork and leave unsightly stains. You may also leave fuel stains when you refill the engine oil, brake fluid, and other fluids that make your car more efficient. If you leave these stains too long, they'll be hard to clean off. Simply use a clean cloth with a bit of dishwashing liquid or automotive detergent to get rid of the stain. If that doesn't work, opt for an automotive spray cleaner specifically designed for removing fuel stains.
9. Exposure to Sunlight
UV radiation coming from the sun can cause fading and discoloration on the car's paint. This is especially true if your car has been exposed to sunlight for a long period since the UV rays break down the pigments in the paint. To prevent this, you can use car wax or polish that contains UV protection agents. Additionally, you should try to park your car in a shady area or cover it with a cloth when not in use.
Work With Gosch Collision to Restore the Beauty of Your Car
If you want your car to turn heads on the road, you should take good care of its paintwork. But if it's already been exposed to any of the elements mentioned above, your best bet is to turn to a professional car repair shop. At Gosch Collision, we're experts in restoring car paint and making them look like new again. With our specialized equipment and industry-leading techniques, our team can help bring back the original luster of your car. We also offer a wide range of services such as auto body repair, paintless dent removal, bumper repair, and more. So don't wait any longer and steer clear of ruined car paint; just give us a call today to schedule an appointment!