If you own a car or truck, you probably want to keep it looking shiny and beautiful. That is doubly true if you are the type of owner who is always looking for auto parts online and other ways to take care of your ride. Protecting your paintwork can be hard work, especially because one of the most common causes of damage is almost unavoidable: the sun.
In the same way that ultraviolet light causes damage to skin and colors to fade on other products, it can damage your car’s paint. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your vehicle.
1) Park in a Garage or Car Port
The best way to protect your car is to park it in a shaded area. A garage or carport is the best option. If you are like most car owners, your vehicle spends more time parked than driving. So, parking in the right place can do a lot to protect your paint.
2) Wash Frequently
Of course, not everyone has the luxury of parking in a garage all the time. Even if you do, you are going to be driving from time to time. After all, cars are made to be experienced, not parked.
The best thing you can do beyond parking in a shaded spot is was your car often. Washing your car will help remove dirt and corrosive materials that can exacerbate damage from the sun. Make sure to only use products designed for cars. The best car cleaning products will make the process easier. Furthermore, dish detergent and other common cleaning products can actually damage your paint.
3) Hand Dry After Washing
Letting your car air dry seems like a nice, easy way to finish up the cleaning process. However, it is the wrong choice. Grab that chamois and dry off your car by hand. It will give you the best final result after washing possible.
More importantly, air drying or drying in the sun leaves your vehicle vulnerable to spot damage as it dries unevenly. Naturally occurring minerals in the water can damage your paint. So, getting your car dry as soon as possible by drying it with a chamois or cotton rag is the best way to ensure your car’s paint stays protected.
4) Apply Wax and Protective Film
Once you are done washing and drying, apply wax to your vehicle. This will help it stay shiny and attractive for longer. More importantly, however, it will help protect your paint against the sun and other sources of damage.
Protective film is another way to protect your vehicle. It adds a layer on top of your paint that deflects scratch, sun, corrosive and other damage before it reaches your paint. Better yet, with products like 3M Paint Defender Spray Film, it is easy to apply a protective film to any vehicle.
Get Started
If you love your car or truck and want to keep it looking its best, don’t neglect the damage the sun can cause. Park in the shade, wash, dry, wax and apply protective film. These steps will keep that vehicle looking great. Pick up your cleaning and protective products today.
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