Cars are expensive, and that is why we try to keep them looking good and presentable for as long as they can. After all, no one wants to be seen driving in an old and busted car. A car with damaged paint loses its value faster compared to vehicles in good condition. This is why it is vital to keep the body protected.
There are many ways to keep the car paint shiny and flawless. Some people buy customized decals, get a new paint job, or even invest in a nano-coat. Investing in ceramic coating for cars in Salt Lake City can go a long way in keeping the vehicle shiny and protected for years. Of course, there are common-sense measures you can implement to keep your car looking like it just rolled off the lot.
1. Keep your car covered
One of the simplest things you can do to protect your car paint is to cover it whenever possible. Always bring a car cover with you everywhere you go. You do not need to put it on for short trips to the supermarket, but if you are leaving the car outdoors for more than three hours, I suggest covering the vehicle.
Some organic substances, such as bird droppings and plant sap, can damage the paint layer, especially if left on the surface for an extended period. Some trees also produce sap that has corrosive properties, so always be cautious when parking your vehicle under trees.
2. Buy a protective layer
Another way to protect your car body’s main paint layer is to cover it with a new disposable layer. A layer of paint protection film protects your vehicle from heat, UV damage, dust, and natural debris like bird droppings and plant sap. Not all areas can be covered, however, and the protection lasts only up to five years, depending on the frequency of car use.
3. Wash it often
Washing the car is incredibly important to your vehicle’s wellbeing. The buildup of dirt, grime, and debris not only harms your car’s paint layers, but it can also get inside the vehicle’s internal components and affect safety and drivability.
How often should you wash your vehicle, though? It all depends on several factors, such as frequency of use, where you use it, and the type of vehicle. For regular urban driving, you can get away with a car wash once a week or every two weeks. But for off-road use, you need to wash the car right before parking it for the night.
Apart from the frequency of washing, you also need to consider how you wash your car. You might think that regular detergent is fine, but some detergents have corrosive substances such as acid and bleach that can damage the paint layer. Only use specialized car shampoos and towels for washing and drying your car.
These three things will help you maintain your car’s paint layer and minimize the effects of natural wear and tear. Car maintenance is a lot like self-care: It is always best to arrest the cause of the damage at the source, and before it gets out of hand. Follow these steps, and your car should look new for a long time.
