It can be upsetting to find your car paint peeling off as a car owner. Car paints are brittle and sensitive. Without regular maintenance, the car paint's finish can undergo severe damage due to our everyday activities. A quick job of auto refinishing in an auto body shop can fix the problem, but it is best to address it early.

People think that chips and dings resulting from the accidents cause paint damage. But everyday acts which we easily ignore can also ruin the paint job. 

Car paint damage – Causes

Most of these things might seem harmless, but they can damage the car paint. Make sure to carefully use them near the car's surface to maintain your car's paintwork in good condition.

1. Brake fluid

Some brake fluids can eat away the car paint since they act thinner. Make sure to handle the brake fluid with care while near the car's surface.

If you get the brake fluid on the car's surface by mistake, use a cloth to soak up the fluid rather than spreading it along the surface by wiping. After soaking up the fluid, clean the spot with soap and rinse the area.

The better choice would be to opt for silicone-based brake fluids. This brake fluid isn't harmful and will prevent the car paint from peeling away.

2. Bugs

Often we notice bugs and insects on the windshield and the car surface. While this is common, the acids from the bug splatter can affect the car's paint. If you leave the splatter without cleaning for a long time, it can cause quite severe damage to the paint job.

Make sure to clean the splatter after every journey. Use a clean cloth to wipe off all the stains and use soap if it has dried off.

3. Bird droppings

You might notice many cars going around with dried bird droppings since it is a common occurrence. Bird droppings contain acids, and when baked under the sun, they can cause permanent damage to the car's paint.

It might be impossible to clean the bird droppings immediately, especially if you have the car parked in the open. Thus allot a specific time in regular intervals to clean the bird droppings. You can use a soft wet cloth to clean the droppings. Be careful while wiping since the droppings can contain seed and grit particles which can damage the paint if you brush hard.

4. Coffee and soda

We often choose to drink soda or coffee in our cars but did you know that these beverages can damage the car's paint? The acidic levels of these drinks are high, which can lead to corrosion. The sugar level in these beverages is also high, leading to sticky residue on the paint's surface. In case of spills, make sure to wipe the surface clean immediately.

5. Gas

Sometimes we can be careless while filling gas and let it drip on the car's body. It can leave a stain that can get quite hard to remove when it evaporates. It can act like a thinner and damage the clear coat when you wipe it hard.

Be careful while filling the gas and also regularly get the vehicle waxed. If it spills, clean it with mild soap and water.

6. Silly string

Silly strings are a must when it comes to celebrations, but avoid your car during these celebrations. The resins and colorants used in the silly string can cause damage to the car paint. However, if it gets on the car's surface, you can use mild soap and water to remove it immediately. If a bigger mess happens, take it to a car wash.

7. Dust

Often we postpone car washing even if the dust accumulates too much. While it might not seem like a big problem, it can damage the car's paint when the dust is mixed with rain. Please do not leave it to the point when the color starts to wear away. Make sure to schedule that car wash and do it immediately!

8. Tree sap

The sticky natural substance can eat away your paint fast, and hot weather can accelerate this process and cause staining on the car.

If you notice tree sap on your car's surface, removing it gently using soap would be better. If the stain is stubborn, you can use alcohol or a cleaning solution.

If the tree sap is on the windshield, go with the same cleaning process instead of windshield wipers.

9. Using dirty clothes and towels

Surprisingly, many people use dirty rags and clothes to clean their cars, which is entirely counterproductive. The dirty clothes can contain grits that can scratch your car's surface while cleaning.

Microfiber washcloths and towels are the best choices for cleaning the car's surface. Do not place it on the ground in between using. Clean these clothes after every use.

10. Acid rain

Acid rain contains acidic material, which can eat away the car's paint, and this damage can be hard to reverse. Usually, clay bars are recommended to remove the acid rain stains. You can get the car's surface and gently rub the clay bar over it. After this, gently wipe the area with a microfiber cloth.

 

A Superior Collision Shop

When you notice the paint peeling off, you cannot ignore it, even if it is a tiny area. When the inner body is exposed to the atmosphere, the corrosion will be rapid. Visit our auto body shop in Campbell, and we can take care of the refinishing process for you.

Become a Member to post Articles Back to Profile