Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle’s Paint from Fading

There’s nothing like driving your new car off the lot for the first time, windows down, and the sun gleaming off a shiny, vibrant exterior. But that paint can fade, chip, and peel over time, leaving you yearning for those new car days. Understanding what causes auto paint to fade can help you prevent it and keep your vehicle pristine for as long as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about protecting your vehicle’s paint from fading.

What Causes Auto Paint to Fade?

Even the most durable auto paint can fade over time. Typically, fading is caused by environmental factors or improper care. Here are the most common reasons your vehicle’s exterior may have lost its vibrance.

Sunlight

We’ve begun to understand the devastating effect of the sun and the harsh UV rays can have on our skin. Those powerful UV rays can also wreak havoc on your auto body paint by breaking the paint down and causing it to oxidize.

Road Salt

Michiganders are no strangers to navigating snowy roads. Road salt makes driving on those roads easier but can also damage your vehicle’s exterior and undercarriage. That’s because rock salt is highly corrosive and can eat through your car’s paint.

Bird Droppings

Finding bird droppings on our vehicle can do more than make it look dirty. They are highly acidic substances that can harm your vehicle’s paint if not promptly and thoroughly washed off.

Improper Washing

You may think to remove harmful debris thoroughly, you need the strongest soap possible. However, washing your vehicle with soap or detergent with harsh chemicals can exasperate the damage caused by road salt and other debris. The tools you use to wash your car can also leave behind scratches on the paint, eventually leading to rust.

4 Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle’s Paint from Fading

Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your car running and looking as good as the first day you bought it. Not sure where to start? Here are four tips for protecting your vehicle’s paint from fading.

Park in a covered area to protect your vehicle from prolonged direct sunlight whenever possible. Don’t have a garage? A shady tree or a car cover can protect from harmful UV rays.
Wash your car regularly using a gentle soap that’s designed for auto body paint.
Thoroughly dry your car with soft microfiber towels to ensure no scratches or moisture are left on your vehicle’s surface.
Apply wax to your vehicle every three months to protect and revitalize its exterior. Wax acts as an extra layer of protection from the common causes of auto body paint fading.

By staying vigilant about protecting your vehicle’s paint from fading, you can save money on repairs and potentially increase the resale value of your car.

Auto Paint Already Faded?

While it may be tempting to buff the paint yourself, improper tools or techniques can damage your vehicle further. Once your vehicle’s paint or exterior has faded, it’s always best practice to take it to a certified auto body shop to restore it. Pole Position Auto Body is I-Car Gold Class certified, meaning we use the best technology and techniques for all repairs and restorations. Our highly skilled technicians will have your vehicle back in its pristine, new car condition in no time at all, typically three days sooner than other repair facilities.

About Pole Position Auto Body in Warren, MI

For over 3 decades, Metro Detroiters have trusted Pole Position Auto Body with their auto body needs. We provide top-tier service and follow all safety standards to offer the best vehicle care. Enjoy a pristine vehicle while also boosting the resale value of your vehicle by trusting the experts in auto body care!