Your vehicle is an investment, taking a pounding on an almost daily basis as you commute between home and work. Proper exterior care can prevent common problems while increasing its longevity – including increasing its resale value!

An immaculate car not only looks better; it can also promote both pride in ownership and road safety. Read on to learn how you can protect the exterior from rust, scratches, and other forms of damage.

Washing

Everyday debris like dirt, dust, rock salt, road grime and tree sap mist bombard your car’s exterior surface, so washing regularly is vital in order to remove these environmental pollutants that might otherwise bond to its paint and cause permanent damage.

As part of a comprehensive car washing regimen, using quality car soap with plush sponges or wash mitts to avoid scratching the paint finish is recommended for optimal results. Furthermore, an efficient task order for washing should include wheels/tires cleaning first followed by body panels/mirrors/rest of vehicle cleaning – this helps prevent contamination resettling on previously cleaned areas after rinse-off of cleaner.

If you live in an area with high levels of salt or dirt roads, a clear-coat may be essential to protect your paint job. Wax your car after every wash to maintain shine – carnauba waxes have long been popular, while more advanced solutions such as ceramic coating offer even greater protection.

Rust Prevention

Rust can be a serious menace to any vehicle, both aesthetically and structurally. Rust develops when metal comes in contact with air, moisture and corrosives such as road salt which causes reactions that weaken it and begin corroding, eventually leaving behind spots of rust on its surface.

Rust typically forms in areas where moisture is often present, such as cracks and crevices in wheel wells and rocker panels or undercarriages. Rust can also form when paint has chipped away exposing more metal surface area.

To prevent rust, regular washing and waxing will help the surface stay dry, as will using rust inhibitors or other products to form a barrier between metals and the atmosphere. Furthermore, all drain holes designed to divert excess moisture away from cavities and crevices must not become blocked up with debris or dirt.

Immediate Repair of Scratches

If your car’s paint has become scratched or dented, it’s essential to address it as soon as possible. Overlooking this step could result in deeper scratches forming over time and worsened blemishes forming further down the line.

An efficient way to repair minor scratches quickly is with a scratch removal kit from most auto supply stores, which includes everything needed for touch up. They may include touch-up paint matching your vehicle’s color code as well as rust preventer and wax that can be applied afterwards.

When dealing with deeper scratches, start by washing and clearing away all dirt or debris from the affected area. Next, sand the scratch with 2,000-grit sandpaper until its flat and metal visible again, clean the area again, apply automotive primer, then spray your vehicle-matching paint over it before waiting until it dries before finally applying a layer of wax to protect its painted surface.

Mindful Parking

Your car is an investment, and can take quite a beating day in and day out as you make your journeys. Car care and detailing is vital in protecting it as an asset and contributing to its resale value in the future.

Protecting the paint on your car requires regular washings; otherwise dirt, grime and environmental stains could do lasting damage. The longer they sit there on its surface, the greater their effects may become.

Park your car under a cover when not in use to protect its paintwork from rain, sap, tree branches, birds, insects and dust, not to mention UV rays from the sun’s harmful UV rays. A car cover will help shield it from these potential threats.

As much as possible, park away from vehicles that may drop mud, dust or sand onto your paint job and damage its finish. Finally, when parking in public spaces try finding shaded spots as this will minimize how long your vehicle spends exposed to sunlight.