How To Extend The Life Of Your Car's Paint Job

How To Extend The Life Of Your Car's Paint Job

No matter where you're at in the country, there are environmental circumstances that can shorten the life of your car's paint job dramatically. Heat and sun in some areas, road ash and salt in others. Salt air by the ocean and high amounts of dust and pollen can even fade and eat away at paint. Thanks to our partners at Service King San Bernardino in San Bernardino, CA, though, there are a few simple things that can be done to extend its life.

The first tip is simple. Wash your car frequently and carefully. When dirt gets caked on and sits baking in the sun, it's harder to remove. Worse yet, after a while the removal could take some of the clear coat or paint with it. It's easier to set up a routine in washing your vehicle and stick with it.

Another easy one is to use microfiber cloths when washing your car. You wouldn't believe how abrasive normal shop rags and towels can be. Over time, they'll rub the paint off through attrition. Also, never use dish washing liquid to wash your car. No matter what you were taught, it's not chemically formulated to interact with modern paint and clear coat compounds. Frequently using dish washing liquid instead of a specially formulated car washing liquid can take up to half off of your paint's expected life.

Parking your car in the shade and covering it when it'll be sitting for any length of time are great ways to preserve the paint. It may not always be convenient, but it's worth it when it's time to get your car re-painted.

The last tip may be the most difficult to adhere to. Use a good quality wax and wax your car after every wash. The wax will create an extra layer of protection that will act as a buffer against the elements including dust, U.V. rays, and harsh chemicals.

While the tips provided may seem simple, some are more time consuming than others. At times it may be difficult to set up a routine and stick with it, but in the end not only will you preserve the life of your paint job, protecting the metal underneath, it will look great far longer than it would otherwise!

Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: carpathy.com