5 Surprising Things That Could Be Damaging Your Car's Paint

 

You’ve invested a lot of money in your vehicle so obviously, you want to keep it looking as nice as you can for as long as possible. Unfortunately, there are things that your car comes in contact with every day that can ruin the paint, but you can help protect your car against these elements or take action when your car comes into contact with these items. The following are 5 surprising things that could be damaging your car’s paint.

1. Bird Droppings

 

There’s no avoiding bird droppings. Every car will experience a surprise attack sooner or later. The bad part is that bird droppings are acidic. They can leave a permanent mark behind, especially if left in the sun. The sun hardens droppings onto the paint.

 

Remove bird droppings as soon as possible. Use a wet rag and mild soap, but don’t rub it. Those droppings contain grit and seed particles that will scratch the surface of the car. To avoid this problem in the future, don’t park under trees or any place where you notice a lot of droppings on the ground.

 

2. Gas

 

Use extreme caution when filling up. If gas drips on your car’s paint, it can leave a stain behind. The fuel will eventually evaporate, but in the process, it can damage your clear coat. Have your car washed as soon as possible. Adding a layer of wax will help protect your car’s finish if it happens again.

 

3. Tar

 

Tar is used to pave roads and patch cracks and potholes. Unfortunately, it can begin to melt when the summer temperatures rise. If you drive through soft tar or freshly laid tar, it can splatter onto the painted surface of your vehicle and stick there. Once it dries, it’s really hard to remove. It’s best to take it to a detailing shop to have it cleaned.

 

4. Salt

 

It’s a common practice in many areas to spread salt on the roads during the winter months to prevent ice. While this practice makes it much safer to drive during the colder seasons, it can cause some pretty severe damage to your car’s paint.

 

Salt makes your vehicle susceptible to rust, and once the rust starts, salt can speed up the process. It’s important to have your car washed frequently during the winter months.

 

5. Brake Fluid

 

If you are using a brake fluid that isn’t silicone-based, be careful. While modern versions are much gentler, older brake fluids can be like putting paint thinner on your car’s surface. They’ll actually cause the top layer to peel.

 

If you accidentally get brake fluid on your car, clean it immediately. The longer it sits, the more damage it will cause. Soak it up with a towel, but don’t wipe it. Wiping will spread the brake fluid. Have your car washed as soon after this as possible.

 

While these are only a few of the things that can damage your car’s paint, they’re certainly worth watching out for. With a little special care, your vehicle can look amazing for years to come.