Tips for Avoiding Sun Damage to Your Vehicle
Just like the sun has an effect on our skin by causing sunburn, it can also have an effect on our car’s paint. The rays of the sun can often cause the paint to become discolored or dull through the process of oxidation. While this damage may seem inevitable – unless, of course, your car is indoors at all times or most times – there are some ways to help prolong the longevity of your vehicle’s paint job and keep it looking newer much longer. Here are some tips to help protect a car’s paint from the damaging effects of the sun.
Keep Your Vehicle Clean
One of the easiest ways to help prevent the damage caused by the sun on a vehicle’s paint job is to keep the outside of the car clean. Washing your vehicle and cleaning off the pollution, dirt, and grime can help keep the paint job intact. In order to properly wash your car, use a soft cotton mitt, plenty of water, and your desired cleaning agent. Additionally, make sure to wash the car in direct sunlight to be able to easily see any areas you may have missed, and for those stubborn bug guts or dirt deposits, do not scratch the car.
After the vehicle has been cleaned, always make sure to dry it properly. Many people wash their cars or take them through a car wash and immediately drive off, thinking the wind and acceleration will effectively dry the surface. Instead, opt to use a chamois or cotton cloth to dry the vehicle’s surface – removing the water and leftover soap can help prevent left-behind mineral deposits that are damaging to the paint from air drying the vehicle and allowing the water to evaporate on the surface.
Consider Waxing
One of the most effective ways to keep a car’s paint job looking brand new is by waxing the vehicle. By waxing the vehicle, the paint job is helped in protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays as well as roadside pollutants. Additionally, wax prevents grit and dirt from getting stuck to the vehicle’s surface, which is one of the causes of pit damage on a paint job – when grit, grime, and dirt are allowed to settle and remain on the vehicle’s paint job, it can cause major damage to the way the paint looks even with a waxing.
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