How important is a good paint job you may ask? Well, not only does it provide you with a lovely aesthetic but can also greatly impact the resale value of your vehicle. As a vehicle owner, you should be aware of the elements that can damage your car's paint job. Knowing what harmful elements can affect the paint job can help you be proactive and avoid the steep cost of a full repaint. Here is a list of 4 of the most common elements that cause damage to your vehicle's paint.
THE SUN
Yes, we love the sun but did you know that prolonged exposure to sunlight can permanently damage your car’s paint job? Yes, just like UV rays, invisible yet powerful, can cause issues for our skin, it can also cause permanent damage to your vehicle. How does this happen? The UV rays oxidize the paint which results in the breaking down of the paint molecules.
Over time, the sunshine tends to alter the molecules which changes the interaction of the light with the surface of the vehicle which results in your car’s paint becoming less reflective causing it to have a more dull appearance. To prevent this, we suggest frequent car washes and keeping the vehicle in the shade as much as possible to help it keep its vibrant and shiny color.
BUGS
This can be one of our least favorites. Bugs may not seem like a big deal other than it not looking very appealing and smeared all over the front of your vehicle but surprisingly they can cause some serious damage to your car's paint. Just like the lovely bird droppings, the bug's guts also have a highly acidic slime that etches down your vehicle’s paint if the guts stay on there too long. This leads to the paint deteriorating and causing a dull and less appealing look overall.
The bug's body fluid can harden like cement with the sun but letting it soak in some cleaning solution, will make it an easy cleanup. It is something that is going to happen, we all get those bugs on our vehicles but to further help the paint, waxing your car three to four times a year can help.
SALT
If you live by the ocean or in a state that gets a lot of snow, you understand the struggle with this. We love that ocean water but not the effects it has on our cars' paint job. The salt will eat away the paint's shine and luster and will make it appear more dull and no one wants that!
Along with the sun, the salt can go into the pores of the car’s exterior which can cause even more damage underneath. Remember frequent car washes and waxes will help with that. During the winter time with salted roads, car washes will be more frequent but trust us, you will be happy with how many years your vehicle can shine!
BIRD DROPPINGS
Whether it lands on you or your vehicle, bird droppings are never a good time. Acting fast and removing any bird droppings from your paint will help retain the integrity of the paint job. Bird droppings have high pH levels that can be similar to acid rain! Since they have a high pH level, it can cause the paint to be eaten away the moment it lands on the paint.
To avoid any damage, remove it as soon as possible to avoid it burning through the clear coat. The best way to remove the droppings is to use a hot water and baking soda mix. So we have to worry about the sun, bugs, salt, and now bird poop? Phew, poor cars, huh?
Auto paint jobs are so expensive and to think that even just bird poop can ruin the shine of your vehicle is crazy. While these things are inevitable, getting in the habit of doing regular car washes, and waxes, and even just remembering to park in the shade, will go a long way and keep your vehicle looking like new, longer. Bumpers that Deliver is always here for you if you want to give or need to give your car some TLC.
