On average, a good auto paint job can cost you over $1,000. If you’re going to pay an arm and a leg to make your vehicle look brand new again, you should protect your investment.
That means putting a sealant on your car to protect the paint from scratches. You should also stop your children from writing on the vehicle with their fingers.
You’ve also got to be careful not to make common car paint care mistakes while you’re washing the vehicle.
We know, there’s a lot that you’ve got to keep in mind. That’s why we’ve prepared this handy car paint protection guide. Keep reading to learn how to maintain your paint job.
1. Don’t Draw on the Car
To kids, dirt and dust on a car might as well be a piece of paper. They love tracing shapes and drawing pictures on the vehicle.
The problem is that their little fingers act as sandpaper of sorts. They’re grinding the dirt particles into the vehicle. It can really scratch up a new car paint job.
2. Stay Away From Old Sponges
Similar to your child’s fingers, old sponges can also do a number on your paint job. The damaged fibers will hold in the dirt. When you run the sponge across the car, it can cause scratches.
Grab a microfiber cloth to clean your car. It will trap in dirt and grime without harming your vehicle.
3. Use the Right Cleaning Products
Going off our last point, you’ve also got to choose the right products for your car washing routine. Never use dish liquid or household cleaners. They can strip away the wax that shields your car’s paint.
Instead, reach for mild products that are specially made to handle vehicle exteriors. You should also consider investing in a grit guard found here.
4. Apply a Sealant
Sealants act as a protective layer for your car’s paint. To get the most out of it, you’ll need to apply it two times a year.
Rub it into the vehicle using gentle circular motions. Go section by section until you’ve covered the entire car.
5. Don’t Pour Products Over the Vehicle
When you’re applying waxes and other products to your car, don’t pour them over it. Doing so will cause streaks to form and highlight every little imperfection in your paint job.
The correct way to do it is to pour the product on a cloth and use it to rub products into the surface of the car.
Allowing soaps to dry before rinsing the car can also cause streaks to form. Never let these products sit overnight.
Car Paint Care Mistakes Everyone Makes
Painting your car can be expensive. That’s why it’s so important to protect your investment. Never allow people to trace shapes onto the surface of the vehicle.
You should also apply sealants, choose the right cleaning products, use microfiber cloths to clean the vehicle, and don’t make common car paint care mistakes.
For more tips that will help you take care of your vehicle, visit the automobile section of our blog.