Your Car is Important, Protect It.

Your car is arguably one of your primary investments. Beyond its price tag the value or importance of your vehicle is immeasurable. It is your transportation from point A to point B on a daily basis. Maybe it’s a source of your income if you travel for your job, whether it’s locally or regionally. It could be your shelter on a rainy day. But if we are talking about shelter, it’s not just from rain. Heavy winds, snow, blinding heat, blistering cold, and countless other conditions often force us to take cover inside our vehicle while waiting out the unsavory conditions lingering just inches away.

When your vehicle is this important, it’s important to take care of it. Your car's paint job is one of the most important things that protects it from the elements and keeps it looking its best. But car paint is also susceptible to damage from a variety of sources, both environmental and physical.

Most common causes of car paint damage:

• Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun can cause car paint to fade and oxidize over time. This can lead to a dull, chalky appearance, and it can also make the paint more susceptible to other types of damage.
• Acid rain: Acid rain is a mixture of rainwater and pollutants that can etch into car paint, causing dullness and discoloration. Acid rain is especially common in urban areas, and it can be particularly damaging to cars that are parked outdoors.
• Bird droppings: Bird droppings contain uric acid, which is highly acidic and can eat away at car paint. If bird droppings are not removed promptly, they can cause permanent damage.
• Tree sap: Tree sap is another sticky substance that can damage car paint. Tree sap can harden and become difficult to remove, and it can also damage the paint if it is not removed promptly.
• Salt: Salt is a common ingredient in deicing materials used on roads in winter. Salt can cause corrosion and rust, which can damage the paint and underlying metal of your car.
• Scratches: Scratches can be caused by a variety of things, such as rocks, branches, or other vehicles. Even small scratches can make your car look dingy and unkempt.
• Dents: Dents can be caused by collisions or other impacts. Dents can not only damage the paint, but they can also weaken the structure of your car.
• Abrasive materials: Using abrasive materials, scouring pads, on your car's paint can cause damage. It is important to use only soft, non-abrasive materials when washing and waxing your car.
• Chemical damage: Brake fluid, gasoline, and other chemicals can damage car paint if they are spilled on it. It is important to be careful when handling these chemicals, and to clean up any spills immediately.

How to protect your car's paint

There are a number of things you can do to protect your car's paint from damage:

• Wash your car regularly: Washing your car regularly will remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants that can damage the paint. Be sure to use a mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth.
• Wax or seal your car's paint regularly: Waxing or sealing your car's paint will create a protective barrier that helps to repel dirt, water, and other contaminants. It is recommended to wax or seal your car's paint every few months, or more often if you live in a harsh environment.
• Park your car in a garage or carport whenever possible: Parking your car in a garage or carport will help to protect it from the sun, acid rain, and other environmental hazards.
• Remove bird droppings, tree sap, and other contaminants promptly: If bird droppings, tree sap, or other contaminants get on your car, remove them as soon as possible to prevent damage.
• Be careful when handling brake fluid and gasoline: If brake fluid or gasoline spills on your car, clean it up immediately to prevent damage.
• Avoid using abrasive materials on your car's paint: Use only soft, non-abrasive materials when washing and waxing your car.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your car's paint looking its best for many years to come.

Replace Damaged Bumpers, Fenders, and Hoods

When parts of your car or truck are damaged beyond simple repairs, there are affordable fixes that can make it look like new again. Companies like Paint A Part provide replacement bumpers, fenders, hoods, and more that are painted to match the factory colors and clear coat. For prepainted replacement auto body parts check out Paint A Part or contact us at 713-588-0248 if you need help finding the right