What is paint protection of the car?
Paint protection of the car refers to the act of protecting the paintwork on the body of the car from external factors that can cause damage to it. It refers to the steps taken to keep the vehicle looking brand-new for a very long time and offers practical advantages including defense against dents, pollutants, and the elements.
Why is paint protection for the car important?
First impressions make a huge impact and when you look at a car, it’s the quality of the paintwork that catches your attention first. No matter how expensive or luxurious the vehicle is, if the paint work is patchy and sloppy, then it detracts from the value of the car and leaves one with a negative impression. This is why paint protection is an important part of car care.
Most cars leave the factory with impeccable and fancy paint jobs. However, maintaining that look over time could be a challenging affair. Cars are kept outdoors most of the time and as such are exposed to the elements of nature. Wind, Rain, Snow, Hailstones, Story weather, Bird and insect droppings, Pollution all leave a mark on the body of the vehicle. When the car is in motion, it is exposed to flying gravel and dust, stones, minor scratches and dents etc….. It is virtually impossible to have a vehicle which is unaffected by both of these natural and human elements.
Therefore the responsibility for maintenance of the car and paint protection falls on the owner. Here are a few tips on how you can indulge in paint protection for the car:
- Wash and Wax the car regularly:
One of the first steps towards paint protection and car maintenance is to keep the vehicle clean at all times. The vehicle should be washed properly to eliminate all dust, dirt and grime from the body of the car. It’s crucial to use the right detergent and auto polish because some cleaning products contain chemicals that could further harm the paint job. Also, it is necessary to take special note of the tools being used to wash the car. Brushes and towels that are used for washing the car should be dirt and grime free. The vehicle would end up with scratches and paintwork would be damaged if the brushes and towels are not clean and dirt free.
The vehicle needs to be waxed at regular intervals to ensure that it has sufficient protection. Waxing will extend the life of the car because it seals the top coat and any water or debris that falls onto the bodywork, will then roll off. Waxing is not needed after every wash, but ideally the vehicle needs to be waxed at least twice a year. However, the frequency of waxing depends on the usage and weather conditions of the place where the car is being used.
- Dent Removal and Paint touch up:
A car that plies on the road is going to be subject to dents and damages periodically. However, the car owner does not need to carry these badges of damage forever. Nowadays there exist technological solutions such as paintless dent removal. These help to repair dents without damaging the paintwork of the vehicle. If these dents are not fixed in a timely manner, the paint will eventually start to fracture and water will get inside the panels through the damaged parts. This will cause corrosion, require repainting, and necessitate more body repair. It is far preferable to have the dents removed rather than risk damaging the paintwork.
If the damage on the car is extensive, it is better to have the damages rectified by a professional body shop. Professionals are now well experienced in repairing damages and conducting facelifts on the car without compromising on the quality of the paintwork of the car.
- Protect From The Elements
Animal, bird and insect droppings contain chemicals and when these chemicals fall on the metal body of the car, there is a reaction that causes corrosion to the car. This can damage both the look of the car as well as its metal exterior.
While this may sound difficult, it is preferred to keep the car covered or in a properly closed storage space, as much as possible. An alternate option is to keep an eye out on the car and wash off the elements of animal, bird or insect droppings as soon as possible, to avoid any chemical reactions and resultant corrosion.
Cars that are parked under trees or foliage are subject to damage from fruit and foliage droppings, sticky seed or sap droppings etc…Cars are also exposed to extreme temperatures and all elements of nature. The paintwork on the car can fade and crack over high temperatures. Similarly dust, storms, rain, hail, snow can all cause damage to the bodywork of the car. It is better to the keep the car housed in properly covered storage areas as much as possible.
Preserving the aesthetic value of the car is important as it is a reflection on the owner. Paint protection is an important factor here. A car that is improperly maintained loses its value over time. If you wish to protect your costly investment and take pleasure from its ownership, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that the car is maintained in prime and pristine condition.