Your car is one of your most visible and valuable assets. A well-maintained paint job not only looks great, it also helps protect your car from rust, corrosion, and other forms of damage.
Here are three easy ways to protect and preserve your car's paint job. From washing and waxing to avoiding scratches and chips — these tips will help you keep your car looking shiny and new for years to come. Plus, by maintaining your car's paintwork, you'll increase its resale or trade-in value when it's time to upgrade to a new car.
1. Regular washing and waxing
One of the most basic and essential steps in protecting your car's paintwork is washing and waxing it. Washing your car regularly helps to remove dirt, dust, squished bugs, bird droppings and tarseal marks that can accumulate on the surface and damage the paint over time. It's recommended that you wash your car at least once a week, or more often if you live in an area with heavy pollution, salt spray or road salt or if your car is being driven on roads which are unsealed or muddy.
Use High Quality Cleaning Products
When washing your car, it's important to use a high-quality car wash solution and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to prevent scratching the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools like stiff brushes or scouring pads, as these can damage the paintwork. Rinse the car thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
Create a Protective Barrier by Polishing and Waxing
After washing, it's a good idea to polish and wax your car to protect the paint from the elements and to give it a shiny finish. Waxing creates a protective barrier on the surface of the paint that helps to prevent scratches and chips. There are different types of wax available, including spray wax, liquid wax, and paste wax and some washing products can include waxing solution as well. Choose a wax that suits your car's paint and your personal preferences.
Touch Up Any Small Chips or Scratches
While washing and waxing your car, it's also a good idea to assess any damage to the paintwork. If you notice any scratches, chips, or other damage, address it as soon as possible. Small stone chips can quickly turn into larger cracks, and if left untreated, can cause rust to develop, leading to further damage. Use touch-up paint that matches your car's paint colour to repair any chips and prevent further damage. Touch up paint can be ordered from a dealership to ensure you get the correct match.
2. Install a protective sealant
Another way to protect your car's paintwork is by getting a protective sealant, or paint protection film (PPF) installed. This is a clear coat that is applied to the surface of the paint to provide an additional layer of protection against environmental elements like UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and other contaminants. Some of the benefits of getting a protective sealant installed include:
Long-lasting protection: A high-quality protective sealant can last up to five years, providing long-term protection for your car's paintwork.
Easy maintenance: A protective sealant makes it easier to clean your car as dirt and other contaminants are less likely to stick to the surface.
Improved appearance: A protective sealant can enhance the shine and colour of your car's paintwork, giving it a more polished and professional look.
To get a PPF installed, you can either do it yourself using a DIY kit or take your car to a professional detailing shop. Keep in mind that professional installation can be more expensive, but it may provide better results, offer longer-lasting protection and the finish is often covered by a warranty.
3. Add accessories for extra protection
There are a number of accessories that you can add to your car to help protect it from future scratches and damage. By using these accessories, you can prevent potential damage to your car's paint job and keep it looking like new for longer.
Here are a few examples:
Mud flaps
Mud flaps can help prevent mud, dirt, and other debris from being kicked up by your tires and damaging your paint job. They are especially helpful if you frequently drive on unsealed or muddy roads.
Bonnet protector
A bonnet protector is a protective cover that attaches to the front of your car to protect it from stone chips and other types of damage. They are usually made of a heavy duty, UV resistant acrylic and are custom-made to fit your car's make and model.
Boot or door sill guards
Boot or door sill guards are strips of durable material, such as rubber, plastic or metal that are applied to the edges of your car doors or the loading edge of your boot to protect them from scratches and scuffs caused by getting in and out of the car or loading items into the boot.
Protecting your car is crucial for maintaining the value of your vehicle and ensuring that it looks great for years to come. With a little bit of effort and the right tools, you can prevent scratches, chips, and other damage to your car's exterior. Regularly washing and waxing your car, getting a protective sealant installed, and using accessories like mud flaps and bonnet protectors are just a few of the ways you can protect your car's paintwork.
If you’re ready to trade-in your well-looked after used car, start the hunt for a shiny new ride by checking out our Guide to Buying a New Car and experience that new car feeling for yourself.
