Extreme heat, intense sunshine, and salty mist can wreak havoc on your car's paint job and finish, causing you to make more trips than you'd like to your auto body shop. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect your car from the elements, like storing it in a garage.
But what can you do if you don't have a garage? In addition to getting your car inspected for body issues regularly, follow these tips to maintain your car's exterior.
1. Get a Car Cover
Car covers protect your car's finish from all sorts of things, including UV rays, rain, sap, dirt, insects, animals, kids, and wind. What's more, they often have a soft underside, which will protect your paint from scratches.
When it comes to covers, you have several options. You can purchase a custom-fit cover for your specific make and model, a universal cover that covers all sorts of cars, or a specialized cover that provides ultimate protection.
2. Wash Your Car Regularly
Salt, sand, dirt, and pollen can collect on your car, causing dullness and scratches. In the case of salt specifically, it can be very corrosive and eat away at your paint and the body of your car if you don't remove it. For this reason, you should wash your car often if you don't have a garage to store it in.
3. Seal Paint With Wax
A good wax job seals and protects your car's finish against pollutants, UV rays, and rain. You should wax your car regularly with a quality product. If you don't have the time, speak to your body shop or detailer about applying a ceramic coating. These last
one to five
years and reduce the need for wax.
4. Avoid Parking Under Dangers
Falling fruit, seeds, palms, branches, and animals can dent and ding your car, making repairs necessary. You can avoid these dangers by paying attention to where you park when you don't have a garage or carport to pull into.
Find a parking space that is clear from falling debris and in an area with low foot traffic and street traffic. Don't park where kids like to play either. And don't forget to put on your car cover for added protection.
5. Fix Body Damage Fast
If your car does sustain damage, get it fixed fast. If you don't get body damage fixed in a timely manner, you could end up with rust issues, paint damage, underlying structural damage, and a car with a decreasing value.
Auto body repairs also often cost more when you put them off because the damage can get worse with time. If you notice any damage, drive by your local auto body shop for an estimate ASAP.
6. Avoid Saltwater Spray
Saltwater is highly corrosive, especially if your sealant or paint is breached by nicks, dents, and scratches. Avoid parking near bodies of saltwater where the mist or tide can reach your car. If saltwater comes inland due to a storm or flood, wash your car as soon as possible, paying very close attention to the undercarriage. The key is to remove the saltwater as quickly as possible.
Once your car's finish gets damaged, rust and corrosion can set in. If left alone, these issues can undermine the beauty and structural integrity of your car, leading to costly auto body repair bills. If you want to keep your car out of the shop, follow the above tips and inspect it regularly.
If your car is damaged, or it needs some general maintenance work, bring it to
Automotive Super Sports
without delay. We'll help you find solutions to protect your car from the elements.
