Car Paint Maintenance: How to Keep Your Car Looking Brand New

Buying a new car is very exciting. That feeling you get when you see your new ride, all shiny and new, and when you sit behind the wheel can really compare with only few other moments in your life. You know that your car will be losing its value at a very high rate over the first several years, but you still want to have it and enjoy driving it. However, if you want that feeling to last, you really need to look after your car well and it doesn’t mean just having your car regularly checked and serviced by a mechanic, but also doing your best to have your car look new for as long as you can. Maintaining that new-car look requires a lot of time and dedication, but that’s the only way to achieve your goal. So, what is it that you need to know and do if you want to keep your car looking new?

Regular wash

It’s said that you should wash your car once a week to remove any dirt or grime that your car might have picked up on the road. You may need to do it more often if your car gets dirty, since all that dirt can do lasting damage to the finish. When it comes to washing your car, make sure you don’t use a soap that is too harsh on your paint. Instead, always opt for those products specifically designed to be used on cars. Another useful tip is to use a separate rag for cleaning your wheels, since you don’t want to rub brake dust into the surface of your car and cause more damage.

Proper drying

Many people underestimate the importance of drying your car properly after giving it a wash. They, unfortunately, let their cars drip-dry in the sun. That is by far the easiest method, but it’s not good for the pain job. Namely, when water droplets evaporate, they leave minerals and dirt they may have been holding onto. Such dirt and grit can scratch and damage your paint job and you’ll never be able to get the new-car look back, unless you have the bodywork painted again, which is rather expensive. Instead, after washing your car, use a good drying tool to remove any excess water and make your car completely dry. Also, don’t wash and dry your car when the sun is very bright, since you’ll likely end up with spots all over your car.

Protect your paintwork

We all know that one of the main indicators of the age of your car is its paint. As soon as we see a car that has had an additional pain job, we realise that its value is drastically lower. One of the ways to keep your car looking brand new is to actually prevent damage as much as you can. For example, you can apply paint protection film, which will help you prevent swirl marks and light scratches from damaging your car. Also, it works well against bug splatter, bird droppings, sap and road tar, which means you’ll get a solid protection for the money you invest.

Remove splotches immediately

Not only are tree sap, bird droppings and other splotches unsightly, but they also create deposits that are much more difficult to remove after they ‘ve dried and set. What’s more, they contain acids that can break down your car’s finish if you don’t’ have paint protection film on your car. So, use a rag with mild soap for car wash and lots of water to gently scrub these splotches away before they cause damage to the paint.

Be careful with car washes

Some automated car washes use detergents that are created to deal with tough dirt, meaning they will also be extra tough on your paint. Also, the spinning brushes can take off more than just dirt, which is why washing your car by hand is always better when it comes to protecting your car’s paint and helping it look new.

If you follow these tips, your car will look new for much longer, which means you’ll be able to enjoy it more and longer. Also, it will help you get more money once you decide to sell your car. So, give your car the attention it deserves.