There are things you can do to protect the paint on your automobile and prevent chips and scratches in the paint. Washing your car is one of the most important things you can do to protect your paint job. Wash your car regularly, using mild soap and water. Be careful when removing sticky substances like tree sap. Use a plastic razor blade held at a low angle. This will help you avoid taking off the paint. Be sure to rinse the soap off completely.
Bikini / Bra Covers
Another way to protect the paint on the hood of your car is to add a bikini cover to the front. Bikini covers are made of a soft, protective material that will not scratch the paint. They were pretty popular in the 1980s and were commonly found on higher-end European imports like Porches, Audis, and Mercedes Benz.
Parking To Prevent Scratching
When parking your car, try to park in a garage or under a tree. The Florida sun can cause fading and damage to the paint job. If you must park in direct sunlight, use sunscreen or cover the car with a tarp. Most cars will fit under standard-sized car covers, and this is another way to protect your car while it’s parked at home in your driveway.
Make A Habit Out Of Waxing
Waxing your car regularly will also help to protect the paint job. Wax provides a barrier against the elements and helps to prevent scratches. Be sure to use mild soap and wash the car by hand. Abrasive cleaners can damage the paint. When drying the car, use a soft towel and gently wipe the water free from the surface of the paint, don’t allow debris to get between the town and the surface of your vehicle, or you might risk scratching your paint.
Be Cautious Of Powered Waxing Tools
Be careful using powered waxers. If you use one, hold it at a perpendicular angle to the surface of your car. Otherwise, you might end up with lines in your paint job. If you do end up with lines, buff them out with a polishing compound. Waxing your car by hand is not only fulfilling, but it will ensure that your not aggressively scrubbing the surface paint. Power tools, if not used correctly, can tarnish your paint job. If you decide that waxing is too much of a task for you, consider a local Daytona car detailing company to wax the vehicle for you.
Keep Your Distance To Avoid Chips In Your Hood
To protect your paint job while you’re driving, avoid following too closely behind other vehicles. Small rocks can fly up and chip the paint and the window. Look out for big trucks that don’t have mud flaps, and stay clear of them. Semi-trucks often have mud flaps, but rocks still get thrown from their tires and can damage your paint and chip your windshield. Next time you are traveling the I-95 through West Palm Beach, consider pulling off for some beach time if traffic is thick with trucks and commercial traffic.
Keep Space In Your Garage For Ample Parking
In the garage, don’t allow your car to bump into things. Back into the spot so you can see when you’re getting close to the wall or another vehicle. Some people will measure their parking spot perfectly and hang a tennis ball above the windshield to mark where the ideal spot is. A tennis ball can rest against your windshield without scratching it, and it’s easy to see as you are parking your car in the garage.