How to care for your car’s new paint
One of the upsides of being involved in a collision is that your car will usually get a brand new paint job. This is necessary to make sure that all of the repairs don’t stand out and the vehicle looks as good as it did before the accident.
There’s something special about the way that brand new paint looks on a car, which is why vehicle owners go to great length to keep their car’s paint looking great for as long as possible. If your vehicle has just had a new paint job, whether it was involved in an accident or you paid for it out of your own pocket, here’s how you can keep it in tip-top shape.
Taking care of your paint starts the moment you receive the car
The best time to start looking after your car’s new paint job starts before you even have the keys in your hand. Take time to inspect the new paint job before you drive away from the repair center. Nine times out of ten, your collision repair center will have done an excellent job. But it is worth keeping an eye out for anything that doesn’t look right. It can be hard to match a car’s original paint exactly, so pay particular attention to areas that were damaged during the collision.
Make sure that you are inspecting the paint job in a bright, well-lit area. It’s best if you can do so outside on a sunny day. Inspect your car closely and from a distance to double-check everything is in order. Run your hand along the new paint job, too. This can help you check for rough areas that could indicate dirt or poor application.
Only accept the car once you are completely happy with the way your car looks.
Things to avoid while driving your newly painted car
You may not be aware of it, but there are loads of things that can cause havoc to your cars new paint job. Here are some of the most common things that you should keep an eye out for to make sure your car’s paint job stays as fresh as possible.
Loose gravel and dirt on roads can be unavoidable, but it can cause serious damage. In particular, you should avoid driving on unpaved roads immediately after a new paint job and steer well clear of construction zones. If you have to drive on roads that aren’t tarmac, take your time and drive slowly.
Keep your car out of the sun as much as possible. Direct UV rays from the sun can cause your paint job to fade quickly. If you have a garage at home, make sure that you use it for your car and not for your belongings. When out and about, take time to find a parking spot indoors or in shade. Your car’s paint job will thank you.
Washing your car
Properly washing your car is one of the best ways to keep your new paint job looking great. But that doesn’t mean taking your car through a commercial car wash every day, however. Commercial car washes can use heavy duty chemicals that can strip the paint from your car. They can also be too powerful. It’s best to hand-wash your car following a new paint job with a non-abrasive sponge and soap that is made specifically for cars.
You don’t have to wash your car that often, but you should always remove some types of dirt immediately. In particular, spattered bugs and bird droppings should be wiped away as soon as you notice them. Bird droppings and bugs are full of acid that can strip away the paint of your car if they are left on it too long. Don’t scratch them off, however, as that can cause more damage. A sponge and some hot soapy water should do the trick.
