Did you know washing your vehicle often can maintain its value? Protect your car’s paint job to keep it looking new and retain its lifespan. If you want to learn the importance of vehicle protection, keep reading.
In this guide, you’ll learn about common ways to protect your vehicle’s paint job. Regular washing and parking in shady spots will protect the vehicle’s paint.
Ready to learn more? Check out our tips below.
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Get Rid of Accumulated Grime and Debris
Most car owners don’t understand the importance of washing their vehicles.
Washing your vehicle will reduce UV rays’ damaging effects. A car wash will also eliminate accumulated grime, dust, and dirt. All these outdoor elements can affect your vehicle’s paint job.
Some people don’t even wash their cars in the right way. You should park your vehicle in a shaded spot before you begin. Avoid parking in an area that’s below direct and hot sunlight.
You’ll wipe away grime, dust, and dirt with a clean cloth. You could also eliminate this layer by spraying your car with water.
Wash your car with a gentle cleaner, and use a cotton cloth to go over it. Don’t use regular soap or a detergent because it might be too harsh and ruin the finish.
Are there bird droppings or sticky mud on your car? You should wash these spots away gently. Try an automotive cleanser to get rid of any dried-up bird droppings.
You could also use an automotive clay bar to clean mud stains.
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Wash the Entire Exterior of Your Vehicle
After you remove the debris, you’ll move on to washing the entire vehicle.
Get rid of the automotive cleaner or other chemical residues. Next, you’re going to need to wash the vehicle’s exterior. You can use a clean rag or microfiber towel to remove extra moisture.
Water or chemical residues will need to be dried off to avoid any water stains.
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Use Car Wax
Car wax can lower the drag force applied to your car and improve its efficiency. Yet, wax also protects your vehicle from bird droppings, bug splatters, or damage from UV rays.
You can buy a liquid car wax or a solid paste. Keep in mind that car wax will have synthetic chemicals and natural wax.
Specific wax formulations will give your vehicle an excellent finish. Others will clean, polish, and protect it all at once. Car owners love the wax job because it will also protect against the sun’s damage.
The protection isn’t going to last super long. Debris and dirt particles will get trapped in the wax. Look at reapplying car wax at least every six weeks.
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What About a Paint Sealant?
Paint sealants will work like car wax. They are straightforward and tend to work with car polish and wax. The effects will tend to last longer, and you only need to reapply the sealant every six months.
There are some downsides to painting sealants. You will need to complete more prep work. Paint sealants will highlight some paint scratches, imperfections, and swirl marks.
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Use a Ceramic Coating
Have you heard of a ceramic coating? It’s a liquid polymer coat applied to a vehicle’s exterior. It will provide a stunning shine and keep the paint from fading. Paint will often fade from continual exposure to UV rays.
A synthetic coating will cost more than the other protections. If you choose to get the coating installed professionally, expect to spend more. You could always go with the DIY option as an alternative.
Prepare to complete extensive work and research so you buy the right product.
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You Should Park Your Vehicle in the Right Spot
Always park your car in the shaded area to protect your vehicle’s new paint job. It’s an easy and cheap way to protect your vehicle against acid rain, bird droppings, and the sun.
Look at parking in your garage at home. If you don’t have one, you could always consider setting up a temporary shelter and protecting your vehicle’s paint job.
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Pick up a Car Cover
You might want to invest in a high-quality car cover. A quality car cover will protect your vehicle from moisture and remain breathable. Water won’t end up building up beneath the cover.
Find a vehicle cover that fits your vehicle snugly. You don’t want to pick a vehicle cover that’s too large for your car.
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Consider a Paint Protection Film Job
Another option to protect your vehicle is to invest in a paint protection film (PPF). You can have a professional complete this job for you and protect the lifespan of your vehicle.
If you ever want to sell your car and get a new one, consider this maintenance step. It will protect your vehicle’s exterior and help you get a decent sale price.
Start researching potential PPF technicians in your area. You want to find the right person for the job. Learn more about how to choose PPF services.
You Can Protect Your Car’s Paint Job
We hope this guide on protecting your car’s paint job was helpful. Look at parking in a shady area, invest in a car cover, and wax your vehicle often.
Before you begin a car wash, you should wipe away the debris or droppings. Make sure to use an automotive cleaner.
Need more helpful auto tips? Check out our blog today for more information.
