As a dealership that cares about our customers and their vehicles, we want to make sure you are educated on the proper care of your car. Unfortunately, many drivers are unknowingly damaging their vehicle’s paintwork simply from everyday activities. This could be you.

Continue reading this post to learn 10 ways you might be ruining your car’s paint job without even knowing it:

1. Fingerprints and Smudges:

Fingers are oily, so when you touch your car’s paintwork it leaves a noticeable mark. This mark can be engraved into the paint, ruining its shine for a long time. To avoid this, try to keep your hands clean and away from your car’s exterior. If you’ve already put finger marks on your car, you should give your paintwork a thorough wash. If this doesn’t address the issue, quality polish service will be your next option.

2. Stone Chips:

When stones and other objects hit your car, they can chip the paint. The extent of damage depends on the size and angle of impact. Small shallow chips won’t cause too much harm, but deeper chips can easily cause rust and corrosion. This requires specialist attention like a respray or touch-up job. You want to avoid bad roads and drive as safely as possible to reduce the risk of your car being affected by stone chips. Often, stone chips are inevitable, so what you want to do is to address any scratches the moment you notice them.

3. Bird Droppings:

Bird droppings can leave permanent marks on your car’s paintwork. If left too long, the acid in them corrodes the paint which then causes a lot of damage. The best way to protect your vehicle is to rinse the droppings off as soon as possible. Make sure to use a soft cloth, so that you don’t scratch the paintwork further. You may also want to consider applying a protective coating if your car is regularly exposed to birds.

4. Dead Bugs:

Dead bugs can leave stains on your car’s paintwork if not washed off quickly. If left too long, the acidic residue from the remains of the insects will corrode and damage your vehicle. Make sure to clean off any dead bugs as soon as you can with an appropriate cleaning product designed for car paintwork.

5. RainWater

Another common offender of paintwork damage is water spots – commonly from rain. It is important to remember that water contains minerals that can leave behind stains and blemishes if left to sit on the surface. As such, it is important to wash your car regularly, especially after a heavy downpour, to remove any contaminants that may be present in the water. You may also want to invest in a wax or sealant product to help protect your paintwork from water damage.

6. Tree Sap

Tree sap can not only discolor your car’s paint, but it can also corrode and etch into its surface due to its high sugar content. To remove tree sap safely, use a non-abrasive cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. You may need to use some elbow grease, but it should come off without leaving any unsightly marks or blemishes.

7. Failing to Wash Regularly

Leaving your car uncleaned for a long period can cause dirt, debris, and bird droppings to accumulate on its surface. This won’t just make it look unsightly, but it can also damage the paintwork if left untreated. It’s best to wash your car at least once every two weeks to keep it looking its best and to prevent any damage from occurring. Of course, this depends on how dirty the car is. Make sure you use a pH-neutral car shampoo to ensure that the paintwork isn’t stripped or scratched by harsh chemicals.

8. Using Subpar Cleaning Materials

When it comes to cleaning your car, you should never skimp on the materials and products used. Cheap sponges, cheap mitts, and other materials may seem like a good idea when you’re trying to save a few dollars, but they can cause major damage to the paint. You should always use clean microfiber towels or soft lambswool mitts to protect your car’s paintwork from scratches and other damage.

9. Fuel Stains

Fuel stains can be especially damaging to car paint, as fuel is full of chemicals that can strip away layers of paint. To avoid this issue, always make sure you take the time to clean any spills immediately after they occur. Use a soft cloth and some warm soapy water to gently clean up the mess, then rinse it with plain water.

10. Parking in Direct Sunshine

Exposure to direct sunshine can cause your car’s paint to fade and become discolored. To prevent this, you should always park in a shady area or use a car cover when your vehicle is not in use. This will help protect it from the sun’s harsh rays and keep its color looking vibrant for years to come.

Looking to Service Your Car? Contact The Pros at Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC

It’s important to take care of your car from the inside out to help it serve you for many years to come. If you want to give it an extra boost or need help finding a reliable service provider, contact the pros at Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC. We have years of experience servicing cars and can provide you with quality car repair services. Reach out to our team today for an estimate or to learn more about how we can help keep your vehicle looking its best!

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