Protecting Your Car's Paint Job from NY Roads

A car is a major investment and as such you want to do all you can to take care of it, not only so it runs as long as possible but also so it will hold its resale value. While proper maintenance is a huge factor, how well you take care of its appearance matters as well. Whether your car still has its original factory paint or you've had it repainted in the past, if you don't properly maintain its finish, there could be trouble down the road. Here are several ways to clean your car and keep the paint looking brand new.

1. Avoid the Elements

A car spends the majority of its time exposed to the elements, one of the most damaging being the UV rays from the sun. The combination of the heat along with the sun's UV rays will actually break down you car's clear coat and underlying paint over time, leading to a faded, hazy appearance. Constant exposure to acidic rain, ice and snow can also take their toll. While you cannot avoid those elements while behind the wheel, there are some things you can do to protect it while parked.

If you have a garage or carport, take advantage of it. If not, try to find a shady spot. garage or a shady spot to park, take advantage of it. Parking in a garage or in a shady spot not only keeps your car's interior cool, it also helps protect your paint. Car covers can also go a long way towards helping protect your car's paint.

2. Wash Regularly

A car accumulates a lot of dust, dirt, and road grim from daily driving. So it's important to shampoo and wash your car regularly and properly. However how you wash you can and what you use to do so can also make a difference. Always use an automotive sponge and soap that uses detergents rated for your car. Common household soaps such as dishwashing liquid can actually do more harm than good by breaking down the clear coat and leaving watermarks. Additionally, make sure you use a soft sham or a microfiber cloth to dry your car so you don't scratch and scuff the paint.

It's also important to avoid using hard water when washing or rinsing your car since the chemicals (from calcium to rust) found in hard water will harden and calcify on your car's surface. This calcification comes in the form of water stains that are difficult to remove if they go untreated.

3. Wax and Polish Monthly

After washing it's a good idea to follow with a wax and polish. Monthly polishing and waxing will help seal your paint from the elements and it does wonders for beading water off the surface of your car. Just be sure to polish before you wax because the polish will not adhere to a newly waxed surface.

4. Rinse Often

While washing, waxing and polishing go a long way to help protect your car's finish, you need to rinse your car often. Everything that collects on your car's surface on a daily basis - dust, pollen, mud, snow, sap, bugs, and exhaust fumes - are harmful to your paint if they are left for long periods of time.

Simply by following the above steps, you can keep your car's paint looking new for years to come! If you are instead at the point where you are considering purchasing a new or used car, feel free to browse our inventory or give us a call!