Vehicle owners have different motivations for getting a new paint job. They may need to have the auto body painted after accident repairs. Or perhaps they've indulged in a custom paint job that they want to keep looking snazzy. In any case, maintaining a new paint job can keep your car looking fresh. Read on for tips to help you maintain your car's paint job.
Hand Wash Your Car
Your car's paint job is most vulnerable within the first 90 days. In that time period, you want to avoid commercial car washes. When you take your car to one of those washes, the attendants use stiff brushes and sponges to clean the car's surface. Those tools can scratch your new paint. Even the automatic car wash might be too rough for your auto's new surface.
You'll want to hand wash the vehicle yourself. You should start with a solution of mild car soap and cool water. Don't turn to dish soap or laundry detergent as both are too strong for your new paint. Use a soft cloth to wash the car. Freshen the water regularly so you don't rub dirt back onto the surface. Use a paint-safe drying towel to gently wipe away the moisture.
Park in the Shade
Most auto paint jobs consist of a primer, paint, and clear-coat finish. The clear-coat finish is supposed to diminish sun damage. UV rays disrupt the color molecule bonds, which is why colors fade in the sun. While clear-coat finishes help interrupt the penetration of the UV rays, they're not impermeable.
Your best bet for protecting any auto paint job is to park in the shade to minimize UV exposure - this protection is especially important for new paint jobs. Ideally, you should park under a manufactured structure so you also minimize your car's exposure to tree sap and bird droppings.
Since parking under a structure isn't always feasible, consider investing in a car cover. Look for one that advertises it's UV-resistant. The cover should fit conveniently in the back of your vehicle. You can use it to cover the entirety of your car whenever you park under the direct sun. Just be sure neither the cover nor the car is wet because you may end up with mold or mildew.
Remove Tree Sap and Bird Droppings
Parking under trees is preferable in many instances to parking under the direct sun. However, you do run the risk of the tree dropping sap onto your car's surface. You can protect the car with the above-mentioned car cover. However, if you do end up with tree sap on the surface, you'll want to remove it before it leaves an unsightly stain on your new paint job.
Bird droppings are another culprit for destroying your auto body paint. The droppings contain substances that are highly acidic, which can dull the clear-coat finish and even damage the paint itself.
Removal of both bird droppings and tree sap is easier when they're fresh. You can use soapy water or club soda and a soft cloth - never scrape or use a stiff brush. You can also invest in a waterless wash or quick detail spray. You'll liberally apply one of these to the spot, let it sit, then use a soft cloth to wipe it away. This step is ideal if the sap or dropping has dried.
Drive and Park Wisely
You have to drive your car. However, do your best to avoid driving that will damage your car. Beyond driving safely, try to avoid gravel roads or construction zones. The top coat needs several weeks to completely cure, and it's vulnerable in the meantime. You want to minimize exposure to any flying gravel or other debris.
Likewise, be just as cautious when you park. While topcoats will protect your car's paint from some small dings, try not to park too closely to other cars or to shopping cart corrals. Whenever possible, park in diagonal spots with a lot of clearance.
Protect your investment in a new auto paint job with the above advice. If you need the new paint itself, contact
Automotive Super Sports.
