How to Keep Your Car’s Paint Healthy

Your car’s paint isn’t just there to look shiny — it serves as a protective barrier against the elements, warding off rust and corrosion. A pristine paint job also factors into your ROI. Vehicles with eye-catching finishes actually hold their value better over time. 

Don’t let UV rays, road debris, dirt, and harsh weather conditions take a toll on your paint job. Small changes to the way you garage and care for your car can keep it looking sleek for many years to come. Here is what automotive enthusiasts need to know about maintaining the health of their paint. 

1. Invest in Paint Protection

Professional paint protection solutions are the foundation of a long-lasting paint job. 

Paint protection film, or PPF, is an ultrathin polymer that is applied over your paint to form an invisible protective shield against dings, chips, and scrapes. The film absorbs the impact of loose gravel, low-hanging branches, and badly placed car keys and reforms to a perfectly smooth surface when parked in the sun or washed with warm water. 

Similarly, ceramic coating acts as a kind of non-stick barrier against the elements,  making it easy to rinse away dirt and grime with less scrubbing. Ceramic coating can be layered over PPF to add additional shine and protection against corrosion and UV damage. 

Professional paint protection offers drivers a great deal of peace of mind and makes caring for your paint job much simpler in the long run. 

2. Park Smart

Where you park and garage your car can have a significant impact on your paint over time. 

While a climate-controlled garage is always ideal, covered parking spots also minimize your car’s exposure to bird droppings, tree sap, and falling debris. Perhaps most importantly, shade prevents UV damage to both your interior and exterior. 

Headed into town? Choose a parking spot away from other vehicles if possible. You’ll get your steps in, and minimize the risk of door dings and scratches. 

3. Wash Your Car the Right Way

Poor washing techniques are an all-too-common cause of paint damage. Drivers who don’t separate their wash and rinse water run the risk of scrubbing the dirt and grime they just removed from one area of their vehicle into another, leading to microscratches and swirl marks. Always use the two-bucket system, and change your rinse water frequently to keep it free of abrasive particles. 

If you have installed PPF or ceramic coating, consult the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the products you use are compatible with your paint protection. 

4. Address Paint Damage Immediately

If you notice a chip or scratch, it’s important to act quickly before the underlying metal is exposed to moisture. 

Touch-up paint can act as a bandaid to keep rust from forming while you make an appointment with your detailer. Depending on the extent of the damage, professional paint correction services may be necessary to remove unsightly marks and prevent deterioration. 

5. Avoid the Automatic Carwash

Touchless carwashes are fast and easy to use, but many involve harsh brushes and mysterious cleaning chemicals.

Unfortunately, unlucky drivers who discover that the automatic carwash has damaged their vehicle are often left with very little recourse. These carwashes typically waive liability for scrapes and scratches, and the use of unapproved cleaning products can even void the warranty on your paint protection or window tint film. 

Drivers who are short on time are much better off making an appointment to have their car hand-washed by a detailer. The extra TLC will make a noticeable difference in the way your paint shines.