5 Ways To Protect Your Vehicle’s Paint

Forbes Lifestyle Cars & Bikes 5 Ways To Protect Your Vehicle’s Paint Michael Harley Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Michael Harley is an author and a noted automotive industry expert. Following Aug 26, 2023, 06:40pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin A car cover will very effectively protect your vehicle’s finish from sun’s damage.

©Schnell Auto, Inc. Brand-new cars and trucks boast shiny paint with a deep gloss free from blemishes and fading. All automakers put a final coat of transparent paint (called “clear coat”) over the color layer, designed to maintain the finish and preserve the appearance — but that doesn’t mean the paint is entirely maintenance-free.

Here are five simple steps owners can take to ensure their vehicle maintains the “like new” appearance for many years. Park in the Shade It probably won’t surprise you that the sun damages your paint. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage, fade and oxidate the color, and the infrared heat exacerbates the damage from other contaminants.

Without protective measures, the sun typically ruins a vehicle’s finish in about five seasons. To prevent this from happening, always try to park your vehicle in the shade — a garage, parking structure, or even under a large tree. Keeping your vehicle out of the sun is the best way to ensure the longevity of its finish.

Use a Car Cover Invest in a car cover if you can’t find shade for your vehicle or cannot park it indoors. For less than $200, universal-fit car covers will keep your vehicle’s paint out of the harmful sun when parked. Look for a car cover that is water-resistant yet breathable (it allows moisture to escape).

Lighter colors better reflect the sun’s heat, while metallic covers are the best in the hottest climates. Wash Your Car The atmosphere contains tiny containments — pollution, dust, chemicals, etc. — that settle on the paint and damage the surface.

Bird dropping and bug remnants are equally as damaging. Washing your vehicle frequently, even at a drive-through car wash, is crucial to keep the paint surface clean and free from environmental deposits. Use a hose to spray the large contaminants off the paint, then follow with a soapy sponge bath and a fresh rinse.

Always use “car wash” soap as it won’t strip wax off the paint (dish soap does more harm than good). Dry with soft cotton towels or invest in some microfiber cloths for a streak-free drying process. Wax the Paint Regularly Paint finishes may be protected with a layer of wax, which diffuses the ultraviolet rays from the sun and provides a barrier against atmospheric contaminants.

Wax also provides a glossy and slippery feel — washing and drying the vehicle is easier with waxed paint. Wax the entire vehicle at least every six months and use detailing spray to touch up areas between waxes. When buying a wax (most are $10-15 a bottle), look for one that may be applied in sunlight, as it is much easier to use.

MORE FOR YOU Apple Leaks iPhone 15 Pro Details In New iOS 17 Release New Apple Exclusive Reveals iPhone 15 Price Shock Google Introduces Much Needed Enhanced Google Photos Features Use Paint Protection Film (PPF) Paint Protection Film (or PPF) is a thin thermoplastic urethane film applied over the vehicle’s paint — think of it like another transparent layer of protection, but it won’t chip like a clear coat. PPF protects the paint against stone chips, bug residue, minor abrasions, and UV rays. Plus, the best PPF films have self-healing properties, so minor blemishes “heal” themselves over time.

The finish of PPF nearly perfectly matches the paint’s surface, too, so they are virtually invisible without close inspection. The only downside is cost, as professionally installed PPF can cost thousands of dollars when the entire vehicle is done. Follow me on LinkedIn .

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