Auto Paint Maintenance to Keep it Looking New Longer

Due to our current economy more people are choosing to fix and keep their old car rather than trading it in for a new one. No matter how well you care for your car, dents and scratches happen. Someone hits your car in the parking lot or a run-away shopping cart slams into it. Here are some tips to prolong the life of your auto paint finish.

Park Where no one else Does

Parking lots are the source of many dents, scratches and abrasions that ruin your auto paint finish. You park your car properly, making sure you are centered between the lines; however, you have no control over the person who parks next to you. Careless drivers who are not paying attention can clip your car as they are backing out.

You can avoid most parking lot damage by parking where no one else does. People tend to park as close to the entrance as they can. This is also the area where most of the shopping carts are. Parking further away will reduce your risk of dents and scratches in a parking lot. At the same time, you are getting some beneficial exercise as you walk to the entrance.

When you’re home, park in the garage if you have one; otherwise, park in a shady spot, out of the hot sun, which can cause the paint to fade.

More Auto Paint Maintenance Tips

Your car needs to be washed at least once a month to remove dirt, debris, dust, bugs and bird droppings which can leave permanent stains. Clean moisture dries quickly where moisture in dirty areas causes corrosion. Pressure wash inside wheel arches, under bumpers and other difficult to reach areas. Pay special attention to wiper blades to remove dirt that can scratch you windshield.

Wax your car every few months to maintain the shine and protect it from the harsh environment. The hot sun causes fading; salt used on roads causes corrosion. Don’t be fooled by products that claim to last a lifetime; wax your car at least every three months.

No matter how well you care for your car, it is sure to become dented or dinged over time. There are products you can buy to do some repairs yourself. The dealership can order touch-up paint to match your vehicle. Even if you don’t get the best results by doing it yourself, you will prolong the auto paint finish and prevent corrosion.

Eventually, you will need to have your vehicle professionally repaired and painted. When you’re ready to have this service done, consider a mobile auto body shop for the job. A mobile auto body shop can come to your home or workplace to repair dents and scratches and paint your car. This service can typically be done in one day or less, while you work or take care of business at home. The quality of workmanship is just as good as it is with a typical auto body paint shop, without the inconvenience of leaving your car for days at a time.

These auto body paint maintenance tips are provided by Willie Fisher, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop. Collision on wheels specializes in on-site, one-day, auto collision repair, dent and scratch repair, auto painting, bumper repair, fenders, doors and more. Willie serves consumers and business owners in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties, Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Canby, Damascus, Gladstone, King City, Lake Oswego, Lake Grove, Milwaukie, Newberg, Oregon City, Parkrose, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Aloha, Beavercreek, Clackamas, Dunthorpe, Garden Home, Raleigh Hills, West Slope and neighboring cities and communities.

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