The average person spends 101 minutes a day in the car, and nearly 91% of Americans report having access to at least one vehicle.
We are a nation of car enthusiasts. And no wonder. Owning a car means greater freedom and independence, and can be an expression of your personality.
With all the reasons to own a car, you want to maintain it in top condition. One sometimes overlooked maintenance item for your car is car paint protection.
Car paint doesn’t just make the car look nice, it protects the exterior from the elements. Here are some of the best tips on how to keep your car’s paint job looking brand new
Keep It Clean
One of the easiest steps to protecting your paint is keeping the exterior of your car clean. Regular washings can remove harmful chemicals, such as road salt used in the winter, from the surface of your car.
You should make sure you are washing your car the correct way to ensure that it is best for your paint job.
Waxing for Car Paint Protection
Once your car is sparkling clean, you might consider adding an extra layer of protection to it. Waxing is both a great way to enhance the shine on your car and also protect the paint.
Wax is an all-natural coating that will brighten your car surface and protect it, but it doesn’t last long, so needs to be done regularly.
Sealing It Up
Sealants made for car paint are a step up from waxing, in terms of auto paint protection and longevity.
Sealants are manmade, rather than natural, and are formulated to enhance shine like wax, and provide protection. They tend to last a lot longer than regular waxing, although they often cost more initially.
Ceramic Coatings
If you are serious about protecting your car’s paint, a ceramic coating may be the way to go. This man-made material uses nanotechnology that allows it to harden to a microscopic layer of super-strong glass.
If this long-term option sounds appealing, and you are wondering “where can I find a ceramic coating near me?” we have you covered.
This coating protects from pollutants, UV light, and scratches and dings. But the coating is difficult to remove once it starts to wear (after about two years) and can highlight existing dings in the paint.
Keep It Covered
One of the cheapest and easiest things you can do to protect a car paint job is to keep it covered when not in use.
If you can, park your car in a covered area, like a carport. If that is not available, consider purchasing a car cover to slip over the vehicle when not in use.
An Ounce of Prevention
The adage “An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure,” applies to car paint protection. With just a little bit of upfront effort on paint care, you can keep your car’s exterior bright and shiny for years to come.
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