Keeping your car’s paint looking its best is important not just for the aesthetics, but also because the paint job is the vehicle’s first line of defense against rust and corrosion. While everyone knows that scratches, dents, and other physical damage can cause problems with the paint job, there are a variety of other threats as well. Learn about some of the unexpected things that can ruin your car’s paint job and how you can avoid them here.
Bird Droppings and Bugs
It is impossible to completely avoid bird droppings and bugs from getting onto the paint of your car. Fortunately, these things will not cause damage right away. If left to sit on the paint for weeks (or longer), however, the decomposition process that results can be acidic, which can cause damage to the paint. Washing off bird droppings and bugs on a regular basis will help to prevent any damage from occurring.
Brake Fluid
Keeping your brake fluid topped off is critical for the safety of your vehicle. If you accidently drip a little bit on the exterior of your vehicle, however, it can cause damage to the paint. Many types of brake fluid can eat away at the paint, leaving it less durable. If you accidentally get brake fluid on your paint, you will want to wash it off with soapy water or else just go through a car wash.
Coffee (or Soda)
Coffee, soda, and other acidic drinks can cause damage to your paint job if they are not cleaned up properly. If you spill your drink on your car, make sure to do more than just wipe it up. If you are one of the millions of people who set their coffee on top of the car before getting in, make sure to check for small drips and spills that can cause damage over time. It is best to keep these acidic liquids off of your vehicle’s paint job entirely if possible.
Dirty Cloths or Towels
Washing your car regularly is a great way to keep the paint job looking its best. If you are one of the millions of people who wash their car themselves, however, you need to make sure you are using the right type of cloth and towel. A dirty or rough cloth can start to scratch away the topcoat of paint, which can leave the rest of it vulnerable to problems down the road. Make sure you are using only clean, soft cloths whenever washing your car.
Restore Your Paint Job at W&L Collision CenterIf your vehicle has any type of damage to its paint job, you will want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Problems with paint can leave the body of your vehicle susceptible to rust and corrosion. Visit W&L Collision Center or give us a call at (570) 473-3432 to learn how our car paint shop can help keep your vehicle looking like new.
