Your car's paint job serves more than aesthetic purposes: it protects against rain, sand, salt water, and the sun.
Reducing vehicle value and aesthetic appeal by filing claims against your auto insurer could be more accessible than ever! Minor dings and scratches caused by road debris or vandalism may eventually accumulate, depreciating its value and decreasing its visual appeal over time. Luckily, making such claims could be covered under your policy's coverage.
Scratches
Scratches to your car are one of the most prevalent forms of damage. They are emotionally distressing and could also lower their trade-in value when selling. Depending on its severity and location, some scratches may be repairable without needing professional assistance; depending on its type and severity, it could even be possible for you to tackle removal yourself, or you may require professional services.
Lorraine Pilitz points out that evident coat scratches may be easily eliminated with a thorough wash and wax. Noticeable coat scratches appear as whorls or swirls under light and may sometimes include straight lines.
Start by cleaning the area to make sure it is free from grease. Next, lightly sand any areas exhibiting signs of wear using fine-grain sandpaper until all marks have been smoothed away - be careful not to go too far and risk exposing metal or fiberglass beneath! Finally, rinse and dry carefully using a clean cloth.
Now, it is time to apply some paint. Before beginning, ensure you have a touch-up pen, fine paintbrush, or spray can in the hue that matches the car you wish to paint, along with masking paper and tape for covering any unintended areas that need painting.
Bird droppings
Lorraine Pilitz cautions that damage can come in many forms to your vehicle's paint finish, from using improper cleansing soap and sponges/brushes, abrasive sponges/brushes, and weather elements to bird droppings containing uric acid, which can start disintegrating its finish within minutes of contact with it.
Poop can erode at your car's clear coat and paint sealant, exposing the base layer of its paint. If left alone for too long, it could even cause etching damage that requires professional repair services to repair correctly.
Lorraine Pilitz suggests that to avoid bird droppings from being left behind, it is best to remove them as soon as you notice them. A product like WD-40 should work well as it is safe for most painted surfaces and can be applied with light pressure. Rinse off and thoroughly wipe down your car before applying wax or sealant to protect affected areas.
Insects
Bug splatter may look unsightly, but it can seriously harm your car. According to the auto enthusiast website The Drive, insect "blood" contains chemicals similar to acid that consume the paint layer and clear coat quickly - potentially leaving your vehicle with dull, chalky paint and permanent pitting damage in severe cases. Furthermore, dead bugs leave an oily residue that is hard to remove.
Lorraine Pilitz highlights that washing and squeegee windows after every use is wise to reduce insect damage to your car. Furthermore, car wax specifically tailored for protection against bugs should also be considered when purchasing. This is especially essential during autumn when Love Bugs and other flying insects often cling to vehicles in large numbers.
Regular washing also helps prevent dirt, food debris, and other debris from building up in hidden corners where insects hide - such as cabin trims and fabrics - where it could attract roaches, rodents, or bugs that cause interior damage.
Sun damage
Sun damage occurs due to UV rays from the sun's rays, which can alter the color and texture of car paint. Over time, this type of damage may lead to oxidation, fading, dull or chalky paint effects on a vehicle, and damage to its protective transparent coat layer, which protects its shine and keeps your car looking brand new.
The first step to repairing sun damage on a vehicle is washing it thoroughly, then using fine-grained sandpaper with finer grains to smooth out damaged areas of your car. For optimal results, work in shaded conditions as direct sunlight may cause cleaning and sanding products to dry too quickly; additionally, use masking tape to shield surrounding areas from overspray.
Once your sanding process is finished, it is time to apply primer. Make sure your choice matches your car's color for easy painting! Painting your vehicle can increase its value and make it look flashy - perfect for road trips and events!
Gasoline spills
Gasoline spills can be more than an eyesore; they can damage rubber and paint on your car, leaving it more susceptible to rusting, Lorraine Pilitz suggested. This is especially true if the spill occurs near your fuel tank, but even minor spills can affect your vehicle elsewhere.
Cleaning up gasoline spills is relatively straightforward. The first step to take when dealing with spills is opening all doors and windows to allow fresh air in and dissipate any strong odors that have settled on surfaces, then pouring pure white vinegar on any stained areas to help eliminate odor.
Before using a touch-up paint kit, ensure the affected area is clean and dry. Even without an auto parts store touch-up paint kit, oil or grease stains may still be eliminated with degreasers or solvents. Before painting over, any spots with decals or stickers that include codes should also be scrutinized for code matching purposes and photographed if necessary for reference later.
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