So you finally got the car of your dreams. It’s one thing to finally have it in your hands and another thing to maintain its luster and performance. If you want your car to look good for a long time, caring for its paint and shine is key. Here are some tips and tricks for maintaining your car’s paint and shine.
Arm yourself with information
If you’re not the type to read up on what elements are damaging to your car’s exteriors, now is the time to do so. Here are some examples of what can be your car paint’s Achilles’ heel:
- Bird droppings. Birds may be cute, but they come with droppings that can be extremely damaging to your car when left for a long period. This is because any kind of excrement can be sticky and therefore corrosive to the car paint. The longer it stays there, the bigger the damage it can cause to your vehicle’s exterior.
- Honeydew. Don’t be fooled by this sweet name—it’s the excrement of aphids, which are small insects that feed off plants and trees. This honeydew is a sticky substance that’s reminiscent of melted sugar, and it often finds its way onto cars that park under trees. When left in direct sunlight, it can burn its way through the paint of your car. When this happens, the damage is irreversible, and you would have to seek professional help from auto detailing shops.
- Insects. Certain bugs also can rot your car paint. If bugs somehow find their way into your car paint, and they somehow die, their body parts can be damaging because insects are naturally acidic and can cause paint corrosion.
- Owner neglect. Just like everything in life, what we neglect will inevitably deteriorate over time. Your car’s appearance is no exception.
Wash it regularly
The best way to protect your car paint is by having your car washed regularly. Have it washed at least every two weeks, and if you’re on a budget, do it yourself once a month and bring it to professionals once a month as well. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re washing your car yourself:
- Don’t use dish soap. Dish detergents were designed to wash dishes and cutlery—not cars. They can wear down the wax of your car and cause damage to it.
- Use a microfiber towel. It will help keep your car lint and dust-free.
- Wipe down the car every day. If cleaning at least twice a month is not possible, gently wiping down the car with a microfiber towel every time you get home can be a suitable alternative. A regular dust-up is good to ensure that there are no substances and dust left on your car overnight.
Learn the science of paint sealants
When used once or twice a year, a paint sealant will help safeguard the paint by creating a protective barrier over it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mixing a sealant:
- Mix 1/2 cup of the sealant with 1 tablespoon bonding age. Add or subtract based on the size of your car, but maintain the 4:1 ratio.
- Gently rub the mixture using a circular motion. Don’t apply it all at once; do it one section of the car at a time. When you see the texture changing, continue rubbing gently using a microfiber tower, also in a circular motion.
Wax to maintain the luster
A day after using a paint sealant, wax your car to maintain the shine. You can wax every week or month, especially if you use liquid or spray variants.
Use a synthetic coating
The synthetic coating is the process of applying polymer or ceramic coating to safeguard your car paint for at least six months. It helps protect your paint against natural elements, like twigs, road grime, bugs, tree saps, honeydew, and all the other damaging things that can find their way to your car. You can also consult with an auto detailing expert to know more about this.
Invest in the right equipment
If you find that maintaining your car gives you joy and that it’s a wonderful hobby during quarantine, consider investing in equipment that can help you do this long-term instead of going to professionals every time. A vehicle paint booth equipment can be your personal “studio” since it will help you control the environment upon which you maintain your car’s exterior. And who knows? This hobby might become a moneymaking venture later on.
Maintaining your car’s appearance is not hard, especially if you want it to last for a long time. Give your car the tender loving care it deserves so that it can be in commission for years to come.
