Most people will go to great lengths to maintain the shine and appearance of their car’s paint. Here are some insider tips to keep the paint on your car in great shape for as long as possible.
Keep it Clean
Over the years, your car navigates dusty roads, rain and the hot sun. Depending on how dirty it gets, regular car washes are the easiest way to prevent prolonged damage to your car’s paint job from Mother Nature.
While it’s not a bad idea to run your car through the car wash, keep in mind that the brushes or cloths used may be dirty. Dirty brushes can potentially cause tiny scratches in the clear coat or paint.
The ideal car wash is done by hand to get the most thorough wash and give stubborn spots extra attention. Washing your car by hand not only gives it a deep clean, it also gives the paint a gentle buffing for a beautiful shine.
Wax and Polish
If water is no longer beading on the paint, it’s time for wax.
A good rule of thumb is to wax your car in spring and fall, which should keep the paint in top condition for the year.
A coat of wax not only brings back a full sheen (unless a matte paint), it seals and protects the car’s paint and clear coat. Contact a professional when treating matte paint since waxing and polishing can damage the paint’s finish.
If you notice scratches in the paint, use a good polish to buff them out as much as possible. You can also use polish to freshen up the paint’s appearance.
Damage Control
No matter how careful you are, there will be times when your paint is hit with splattered insects, bird droppings or tree sap.
As soon as you notice the damage, wash it off right away to avoid harm to the paint.
See a Professional
Whether your issue is freshening up matte paint, a wayward shopping cart that scratches the clear coat, deep scratches or it’s just time to repaint the car, consult with a professional auto body shop for analysis of the issue and a repair estimate.
Professionals can assess and repair damage and most importantly, perfectly match your car’s paint.
Since painting a car takes expertise and the right equipment, trust your investment to the professionals at Downtown Autobody. We’ve been serving customers in Sonoma Valley for 17 years, working hard to earn our 5-star reputation. Visit on-line or call our shop in Rohnert Park for a free estimate.
