The hot summer sun can be brutal for your auto paint. Wax and clear coats offer protection but over time, are no match for the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Read on to find ways to save your auto paint this summer.
Ways UV Rays Damage Auto Paint
With consistent exposure to harsh UV rays, your auto paint is subjected to various levels of damage. Here are some of the damage indicators:
- Noticeably rough and dull finish
- Cracking, flaking, or peeling paint
- Faded color (especially in bright or dark-colored paint)
Costs of UV Damage to Auto Paint
UV damage to auto paint costs you money. Here’s how:
Condition of Vehicle
When paint fades, peels, or the finish is dull, your vehicle is certainly not looking as good as it did when it was new, looked great, and felt really good to drive.
Re-sale
If planning to trade in or sell your vehicle, its condition is one of the biggest factors in determining value. Your vehicle loses a lot of value when the paint is dull or faded.
Safety
Over time and without preventative maintenance, UV rays can cause corrosion and damage to metal components of the undercarriage. Weakened or damaged components present safety hazards, especially in a collision.
Protective Measures
Keep It Clean
Taking the time to wash your vehicle often pays huge dividends both now and down the road.
Removing grimy dirt, pollen, pollutants, bird droppings, bug carcasses, and all the other nasty things that end up on your car is key.
These grimy things, when mixed with the hot sun, oxidize and damage the clear coat and paint.
Hand washing is best with gentle, paint-friendly soap and soft cloths. These weekly or bi-weekly cleanings go a long way to restore your auto body back to showroom fresh.
Keep It Dry
Hand dry your auto with a soft, gentle cloth. This gets rid of water spots and acts as a gentle buffing to remove all the soapy residue from the wash, which really lets the paint shine through.
Wax for Protection and Shine
Waxing not only offers protection for your paint but helps repel those damaging UV rays and brings out a noticeably improved shine.
For best results, plan to wax your car about every three months. If you wax more often, it’s counterproductive as the wax builds up and actually dulls the finish.
Get Out of the Sun
Whenever possible, look for a shady parking spot. Shade not only keeps your paint protected from direct sunlight but helps preserve the interior from fading as well.
If you park under a tree for shade, be sure to check for sap, wet leaves, or bird droppings that may have landed on the car. Wash off as soon as possible to avoid potential paint damage.
Conclusion
Keeping your auto paint safe from damaging UV rays is beneficial to you in every way.
If your car paint needs a touch up, complete overhaul or restoration after a collision, schedule an appointment with the auto body professionals at Downtown Collision in Santa Rosa.