Teran Marsell | Published on January 22nd, 2014
A good looking car isn’t just about resale value or attention, your paint is actually the only line of defense between the sheet metal it’s made of and the elements that can damage it. And while we all know that parking lots, road debris, and a jealous ex can do a lot of damage, we rarely think about what else may be causing damage.
1. Bugs
SPLAT! We’ve all seen a few insects come to this dismal end on our windshield. But the next time you’re driving through a plague of biblical proportions, remember that cleaning your windshield won’t be enough. Bug innards are particularly acidic and can etch your paint if you don’t clean them off quickly.
2. Sprinklers
Boat owners will definitely know what I’m talking about when I say water spots, but car owners may not be so aware. You wouldn’t think water could do that much damage, right? That is part of the solution you clean your car with after all. However, there are minerals in water that can bond with your paint and make the spots difficult to remove.
3. Trees
Before Elmer’s our ancestors used tree sap as glue — and for good reason. Tree sap won’t immediately harm your paint, but can etch into the paint and leave discoloration or stains if you don’t take care of it. It also attracts dirt and debris like a magnet, which will also be an eyesore. And forget about parking under a tree that produces any kind of fruit or berry! Those can be particularly acidic and if they’re allowed to sit and dry on your paint, you may notice some wicked spotting.
4. Birds
Well, the less lovely aspects of bird anyway. Bird droppings aren’t just gross, they’re actually acidic. And since they eat seeds and gravel, their poo can even scratch your paint. So if one (or more) of our feathered friends voids on your car, you’re going to want to get that off pronto, otherwise it too can etch into your paint.
5. Gas
If you get heavy handed while topping your tank and spill gasoline on your car, it can leave a stain that’s nearly impossible to get off your car’s finish. Even little drips when you pull out can be a hassle. So be extra careful when filling up and removing the pump.
6. “Wash Me!”
Don’t ever let your car get so dirty that someone can write on it. While they mean well, they’re actually making things worse. Dirt is actually made up of tons of tiny granules that can scratch your finish, which means that message will still be seen long after it’s washed.
7. Coffee
Whether you get in the car with your morning coffee on the roof or go through the drive-thru on the way to work, your morning coffee contains sodas and acids that can etch your clearcoat if it’s spilled. The longer it sits, the worse the damage will be. And if you use creamers or sugar, it’s also going to be sticky and attract dirt.
8. Wildfires
The ash from wildfires can drift for miles. And if it gets wet, it will form an alkali that can strip your car’s finish. So you may not want to turn on those wipers or hose it down quite yet.
9. Dirty Washing Tools
Never. Drop. Anything. Or at least try not to. If you use old rags or ones that have fallen on the ground, or any other equipment that has dirt on it, you may as well be using a Brillo pad. As we’ve mentioned, dirt is actually made up of super fine granules that can abrade the surface of your car.
So What On Earth Can You Do?
While some of these things are avoidable, some of them you may not even notice until it’s too late. What can you do to make sure your car is always protected?
Well, you can always keep a good coat of wax on that baby, but this requires a lot of time and TLC.
Another option is PPF or a vinyl wrap.
Paint protection film can be applied to the most at-risk areas of your car to protect your paint from these and other damaging elements without hiding its original beauty. It’s best to apply PPF soon after you purchase the vehicle.
A full body wrap will protect your entire vehicle’s paint job and allow you to alter the color, add a cool design or turn it into a business advertisement.
For Concerned Vehicle Owners in the Vegas Area
If you’d like to learn more about PPF or vinyl wraps, or are interested in pricing, contact us today! We’re in Henderson right off the 215. Get a quote online or give us a call at (702) 566-8326.
