A great-looking car exterior isn’t just eye candy. It implies a well-maintained body that contributes to vehicle longevity and value.
Keeping your car’s external coating pristine doesn’t have to be difficult; often, a little effort goes a long way. Here are our best tips:
1. Regular Washing is Key
Washing your car is one of the easiest ways to keep it looking great and prevent damage to its exterior. If left unchecked, dirt, grime, and road salt can build up and cause scratches or rust.
Aim to wash your car every two weeks with a mild car soap and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Make sure to rinse off all the soap. If you don’t feel like getting your hands soapy, you can always drop by a car wash and let someone else handle it.
2. Choose Quality Cleaning Products
Avoid using household cleaners and rough brushes when cleaning your car. These can be too harsh and damage the paint. Invest in microfiber cloths and soft sponges, and use quality products specially designed for cars. These will be far more effective in removing dirt and grime.
3. Wax for Shine and Shielding
Waxing your car gives it a protective shield, guarding the paint against UV rays, dirt, and pollutants. It’ll give your car shine and can even help hide minor scratches. Aim to wax your car every three months. Apply quality car wax in small sections, then buff off with a clean microfiber cloth.
4. Clear Contaminants Immediately
Contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, or bug splatter are acidic and can permanently damage your car’s paint if left untreated. So make a point to remove them as soon as possible. Use a gentle car cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to clean the affected areas. You can keep a small cleaning kit in your car to address contaminants quickly when they occur.
5. Safeguard with a Car Cover
A car cover is a simple, effective method to protect your car’s exterior. When parked outside, it will shield your vehicle from dust, bird droppings, and harsh weather conditions. You can also use a car cover to keep your car dust-free if parked in a garage.
Invest in a good quality, breathable cover that fits your car snugly. This will prevent moisture buildup and allow heat to escape.
6. Park in the Shade
The shade is your friend. UV rays can fade your paint and cause it to crack over time. So, parking in shaded spots keeps your car cool and away from those damaging rays. If you can’t find shade, use a sunshade to at least shield the interior of your vehicle.
7. Avoid Parking Under Trees
While parking under trees can provide shade, keep in mind that it also exposes your car to potential risks. Tree sap, bird droppings, and falling branches can damage your car’s exterior. For shade, try to find a spot that isn’t directly under trees to reduce the need for frequent cleaning and potential repairs.
8. Apply Paint Sealant for Durability
Paint sealants or ceramic coatings add long-lasting protection to your car’s paintwork, shielding it from UV rays, road grime, and pollutants. Unlike wax, they create a durable barrier, with paint sealants lasting up to a year and ceramic coatings even longer.
Which one you choose ultimately boils down to cost and effort, as ceramic coatings are more expensive and complicated to apply correctly than paint sealants.
9. Use a Clear Bra
A clear bra is a fancy name for paint protection film (PPF). This transparent (as the name suggests) film can be applied to just about any part of your car exterior, like the hood, bumper, and side mirrors. It’s virtually invisible on your car, acting as a shield against scratches, chips, and road debris, and lasts up to 5 years or more. For best results, get a professional to do it.
10. Maintain a Safe Driving Distance
On the road, leave ample space between your car and the one in front to avoid debris kicked up by their tires. Staying a safe distance from other vehicles helps prevent dings, scratches, and dents caused by other drivers. This practice helps safeguard your paintwork and contributes to overall driving safety.
11. Make a Habit of Inspecting
Regularly inspecting your car’s exterior is the best way to catch and address issues early. Check for chips, scratches, and rust spots every few weeks. If you spot any damage, take quick action to prevent it from worsening. Use touch-up paint for minor chips and scratches, apply rust converter on rust spots, and seek professional help if necessary.