Paintwork damage isn’t just caused by scrapes with cars or vandals. There are many other culprits that you need to look out for ranging from bird droppings to accidental spillages of brake fluid. Below are a few overlooked paintwork destroyers and how to protect your car against them.
Bird droppings
Getting bird poop on your car isn’t just unsightly – bird droppings are full of uric acid, which can cause the clear coat of your car to corrode. To prevent pesky pigeons pooping on your car when parked, avoid bays and curbs under trees or consider buying a car cover for your vehicle. You may still get inevitable droppings on your car while driving, but you can prevent damage from setting in by cleaning this muck off as soon as possible (check out this guide on how to clean bird dropping off your car).
Tree sap
Another reason to not park under trees is to avoid tree sap. This sticky tree blood leaks from most trees and can harden on your paintwork before shrinking. As it shrinks, it can then crack your car’s finish while also acting as a magnifying glass for UV light. Clean it off as soon as you notice it to stop it causing damage. If you can’t avoid parking under trees, consider buying yourself a car cover or tarpaulin.
Sunlight
Direct UV light from the sun can cause your paintwork to fade over time. Parking in a garage or under a carport could help to prevent UV damage. But what about while you’re driving? Well, you can apply wax every few weeks – this can act a bit like sunscreen for your car. Alternatively, you can look into professional options like Tinterz auto protection – the likes of ceramic coats and paint protection film can provide long-term protection.
Sea spray
If you live near the sea, you could find that the sea air corrodes your car due to the salt presence. Protect your car from sea spray by covering it or parking it in a garage. Alternatively, you may be able to reduce the damage caused by salt by regularly washing your car (with non-salty water of course!).
Bugs
Leaving splattered bugs on your car hood can also cause the paintwork to corrode. This is because the enzymes from the decomposing bugs will start to eat away at your coat like an acid. The solution? While you can’t avoid hitting insects, you can prevent them from causing damage by cleaning them off your car after each journey. Amazingly, there are specialized bug remover products that can help with this.
Petrol
Splashes of petrol while refueling could also lead to paintwork damage. Gasoline contains harsh chemicals that will break down your car’s coat. Wiping off petrol with a cloth can prevent any damage from happening.
Brake fluid
If you need to fill up your car with brake fluid, be very careful of not spilling any of it on your car. Brake fluid is known for being highly corrosive and could cause your paintwork to bubble and peel within a few minutes. Immediately wiping it off with a rag or cloth will prevent any lasting damage.
