Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your car significantly, and most car owners know that. However, the aspect that is frequently ignored is the paint of the car, which needs equal attention. Bird droppings, direct sun, honeydew, etc. can cause serious damage to the paint (and sometimes even glass). This is not just about the appearance though, as this can reduce the resale value of your vehicle. But there are ways around these problems.
Here Are Some Tips to Help Keep Your (Old) Car New
- Using car covers is the simplest step you can take to protect your car, especially if you park your car in an open space. Even if the car is parked indoors (garage), it’ll help against dust and dirt that might settle on the car.
- Regularly waxing your car will help shield its paint from damage. A coat of wax every 4-6 months can protect your car from extreme weather conditions, direct sun (UV), dust, and other contaminants by acting as a barrier against all these external elements.
- Paint pens and spray cans can be used to deal with scratches if the damage is minor, saving you a huge amount of money.
- Hand Washing your car is a far better option than an automatic wash which can cause damage to the car paint. A gentle hand wash can cost a little bit extra, but is more efficient and effective as well as kinder to the paint.
- Do not forget to dry! Letting the car dry naturally is when the paint might get damaged the most. Microfiber towels are the best choice.
- Consider using vinyl wraps. Whether your car still has OEM paint or a new paint job, clear vinyl wraps can prove to be a good decision. Some people even prefer using vinyl films (that are available in many colors) over paint jobs because of the cost factor. Visit vinyl wraps Brisbane for more details.
- Polish your car twice a year. It’ll extend the paint’s life considerably and condition the paintwork so that it doesn’t dry, crack and peel. Additionally, it removes the oxidized paint.
- Remove bird droppings and tree sap as soon as possible. Bird droppings are very acidic and honeydew can burn under sunlight and damage your paint. Take prompt action as the droppings and sap are easiest to clean when fresh.
Damaged paint will drastically reduce the car’s attractiveness. However, the given steps will considerably increase the lifetime of the paint (and your car) and you’ll need less maintenance over time. Car covers and regular washing is the least you can do, however additional protection won’t hurt. A well-maintained car will also be sold for a good price in the future.
