subject: Keep Your Car's Paint Looking New [print this page] Nothing ages a car like dull, dingy paintNothing ages a car like dull, dingy paint. Cars that shine, even the older ones, appear to be cleaner, newer, and more valuable. Although, when asked, people will say that they would like to maintain their car's glint in the sunlight, most people do not really know what it takes to keep paint looking great. Maintaining the paint job on your car may seem like it would take a lot of effort, but really it just takes a little bit of care.
First, when washing your car, make sure that you rinse your sponge or towel often. Dirt, when rubbed around the car's surface, can cause tiny scratches that both dull the paint and remove the top clear coat. This means that even washing your car can cause paint damage, so it is important that you pay attention to how much dirt is on the sponge. Also, don't dip the sponge into dirty water while washing your car, as this will cancel out your attempt to get the grime off of your cleaning utensils. Just remember to keep clean water and a clean sponge and your car wash will be effective without damaging your car's sheen.
The natural elements of the environment, such as sunlight, wind, and leaves, can cause real harm to your car's paint job. Sunlight dulls bright colors and bleaches dark ones. Wind can carry debris that can ruin your car's paint; even small pieces of dirt and pebbles can prove hazardous to the health of your car's paint job. Leaves that fall from trees can have sap on them, which will stick to your car and ruin the top clear coat. In order to avoid the elements, try and keep your car parked in a protected area. A garage is ideal, but a carport or canopy would work, too.
Your car will inevitably get scratches, despite your best attempts to keep it's paint pristine. When this happens, the best course of action is to buy a scratch remover and invest in a waxing kit. Scratch removers cannot disguise deep gauges in your car's paint job, but they can hide (and sometimes even repair) small or light indentions. The kind of scratch repair you get is up to you and the needs of your car's paint job, but many brands will either be clear or a close match to your car's color. After repairing any scratches, a good wax job will protect the surface of the car and keep its paint gleaming. Choosing your car wax is also up to you and the needs of your car's paint, but keep in mind that there are many varieties. If you do not like the thought of doing it by hand, there are also kits that have a handheld power tool made to get the job done.
Maintaining the shine of your car's paint is one of the best ways to keep your car looking and feeling new; however, you can't let yourself obsess about it. Scratches will happen, but if you know how to prevent them and repair them you will be well on your way to keeping your car looking great!
