04/22/2019
9 Ways to Ruin Your Paint Without Knowing It
You already know parking lot dings, gravel roads or an angry ex can ruin your car”s paint, but a lot of things out there can do just as much, if not more, harm to the exterior of your car.
Keeping a good coat of wax on your car not only keeps it looking pretty, it helps prevent most paint damage. It also helps to keep a bottle of quick-detail spray and a microfiber cloth in your trunk. A lot of common problems can be prevented with a quick wipe of this solution.
The Source: Tree sap
The Problem: Ancient peoples used tree sap as glue for a good reason.
The Solution: Bug and tar remover, mineral spirits, clay bar treatment
Wiping sap off when it”s still gooey only smears it around. Instead, get a bottle of bug and tar remover from your local car parts store, and use it as directed. If the sap dries, mineral spirits can dissolve it, and remaining residue will come off with a clay bar treatment. Be sure to wax the car after you”re done.
The Source: The gas pump
The Problem: Spilled gasoline
The Solution: Don”t top off, and clean up accidental drips
“Topping off” your gas tank and letting it overflow is a surefire way to damage your car”s paint. Gasoline will leave a stain on your car”s finish that”s nearly impossible to get off. If you do happen to spill gas by accident, the best solution is to grab a bottle of instant detailer and a good, clean microfiber cloth and clean up the gasoline before it does any harm.
The Source: Fingertips and mischief
The Problem: Writing or rubbing on dirty paint causes permanent marks.
The Solution: Keep your car clean.
We”ve all seen “wash me” written on a car”s finish. Dirt acts like sandpaper when it”s dragged across paint, and it can make the marks last long after the dirt is gone.
Invest in a long-handled duster and wipe down your car every day to prevent accidental sanding. If it”s too late, most small scratches come out with a polish or scratch remover. Always be sure to clean the car well before waxing or polishing.
The Source: Your morning coffee
The Problem: Coffee and sodas contain acids that can etch your clearcoat.
The Solution: Wash it off immediately
Driving off with your coffee cup or soda bottle on your roof isn”t just a day-ruiner, it can ruin your paint. Many beverages are acidic, and since any acid can hurt your car”s finish, you”ll want to get it washed off as soon as you can. Letting it sit will only give it more time to do damage, and letting it dry will only make it harder to get off later. If it”s soda, then you”re going to be dealing with a sticky residue in addition to corrosive chemicals. If you can”t hit a car wash, then break out your bottle of quick detailer and your microfiber cloth and wipe it up.
The Source: Dirt on your car-wash tools
The Problem: Unseen dirt can scratch
The Solution: Keep an extra mitt handy.
A common mistake when washing your car can cause more damage than you think: dropping your sponge. Even the finest microfiber wash mitt on the market can be ruined if it touches the ground. The bits of grit and sand it picks up can”t be entirely washed off, and you”ll have swirl marks and other scratches before you know it. The solution is to never drop anything. It’d be best to keep a spare washing mitt or two on hand to avoid the expenses from car detailing or repainting.
The Source: Automatic sprinklers
The Problem: Water leaves hard-to-remove spots on your paint.
The Solution: Stay away from sprinklers whenever possible
You wouldn”t think that plain water would be such a problem, but the minerals left behind bond to your car”s paint, making them very difficult to remove. Your best bet is to avoid parking where sprinklers can do their damage, If you do get water spots, it”s best to take it to a professional detailer.
The Source: Avian digestion
The Problem: Bird p**p is acidic
The Solution: Wash it off immediately
Bird p**p isn”t just unsightly, it”s also acidic. Not only that, but birds eat seeds and bits of gravel that can scratch your paint.
Wash bird droppings off as soon as you see them. Use a bottle of quick detail and a soft microfiber cloth to wipe it up. Be sure to use a lifting action, since you don”t want to grind any grit onto your paint.
The Source: Bugs
The Problem: Bug guts are acidic.
The Solution: Get to the car wash
Bugs are surprisingly acidic, and if you hit a swarm, don”t let the bugs get the last laugh as their remains slowly etch your paint. Wash your car as soon as you can with a good car wash solution, and for the more stubborn guts, use a bug and tar remover.