A car is a hefty investment, so many drivers look for ways to extend the vehicle’s life and keep it looking like new. The exterior paint job is one of the first things that people notice about your car, so avoid these situations at all costs.
1. Wash Your Car Often
The first way that you are damaging your car’s paint job without even realizing it is not washing it often enough. When mud, dirt, and other debris are kicked up from tires, they will scratch your car’s paint and create a dull finish. Wash your car often, especially during the winter months if you live in a snowy area. After a wash, apply wax regularly to protect the paint and keep it shiny.
2. Park in Bad Locations
When you park your vehicle beneath a tree and head into the office, your paint is at risk throughout the hours that you leave it there. Bird droppings and sap cause damage to auto paint. If you must park under a tree, drive through the car wash on your way home. A parking space in direct sunlight is also hard on the paint, since exposure to sun speeds up the oxidation process. The best place to park is in a covered space or garage.
3. Haphazard Maintenance
When you refuel your car or top off the brake fluid, be careful to avoid contact to the exterior of your car with these liquids. They are highly corrosive materials and can cause the paint to peel almost immediately.
Taking better care of your car can help prolong its life and maintain its value.
Image via Flickr by Charlie
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