Unavoidable Environmental Factors That Are Corrosive To Your Car’s Paint Job

One of the best parts of a new car is the fresh paint job. It is clean, flawless, and sleek. Unfortunately, with time and exposure, the glossy paint begins to fade, dull, and chip. While expert Tempe car repair shops can easily touch up chips and scratches, the financial investment quickly adds up. Not to mention that a brand new paint job is quite pricy. Here is a short list of 5 unavoidable factors that can damage the paint on your car, and should be avoided as much as possible.

Dead Bugs

Summertime is notorious for scattering bugs across your windshield and front end of your vehicle. While it may seem harmless enough, the bug juice will actually adhere to your car paint as it dries, and if you attempt to scrub it off, the paint may come with. The Tempe car maintenance experts at Scottsdale Muffler recommend taking a soft cloth along with some bug remover solution and regularly wipe down your windshield and vehicle front to keep the splattered bugs from ruining your paint.

Bird Droppings

Bird poop is typically filled with grains, berries, and the like. Berries can be quite seedy and acidic, which increases the likelihood that the droppings will scratch and dull your car paint. Our Tempe mechanics recommend using a soft microfiber cloth and gentle soap to remove bird droppings from your car. Avoid scrubbing, otherwise the seeds inside the bird poop will scratch your paint.

Road Salt

If you live in a climate that deals with snow and ice in the winter, it is highly likely that salt is poured excessively on the roads to help melt the ice and provide traction for driving vehicles. While it is quite effective, salt is actually highly corrosive and will eat through your car paint over time. As it builds up underneath your vehicle from driving and is left unattended, it will lead to paint damage and rust on your undercarriage. Experts recommend regular car washes throughout the winter months to wash away any salt buildup and help preserve your paint job.

Sunlight

Continually exposing your vehicle to hot, direct sunlight will cause the paint to fade, dull, and crack. While it is impossible to avoid direct sunlight, especially living in Arizona, it is recommended to park your vehicle in the shade whenever possible. Use a carport, park under a tree or next to a building, or utilize your garage to prevent unnecessary sun damage.

Tree Sap

Unfortunately, while parking under a tree protects your vehicle from sun damage, it increases the risk of sap falling onto your car. Tree sap is a highly sticky residue that will cause permanent damage to your car paint. It is extremely difficult to remove, but our Tempe car repair experts recommend using a soft microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol or other rubbing compound to remove as much sap as possible. Afterwards, wash the area with soap and water until the sap and stickiness is completely gone.

If your car paint is peeling or showing signs of breakdown and wear, it is time to visit the expert mechanics at Scottsdale Muffler. We have valuable experience and knowledge in preventing and repairing damaged paint, and do so at affordable prices. From regular maintenance to complex repairs, our mechanics at Scottsdale Muffler can do it all. Call us today at (480) 994-4741 to learn more about our services!