Your car’s paint job can age quicker than the quality of the car itself. Somewhere along the way, something went wrong that’s now causing your car’s paint job to deteriorate before your eyes.
Continue reading to discover some of the reasons why your car’s paint may be falling apart. The more you know about the source of the problem, the easier it will be to make your car’s paint look shiny and new again.
Paint Delamination
The various layers in car paint create a durable and long-lasting surface. Most vehicle paint jobs consist of an undercoat or primer, a base coat of paint that gives the car its unique color, and a protective clear coat.
Paint delamination occurs when a layer beneath the paint loses its adhesion to the vehicle. It may start in a small area. Before you know it, the small spot spreads into a large region of the car’s paint. It quickly peels, damaging the car’s exterior.
Scratches, Dents, and Dings
Whether due to rocks striking your vehicle, low-hanging tree branches, or minor accidents, your vehicle will incur scratches, dents, and dings over its lifetime.
Depending on the severity of the accident, the damage may compromise the paint quality. These minor flaws make your vehicle’s paint vulnerable to contamination by dirt, cleaning products, and water. Instead of just dealing with the simple scratch or dent, you must worry about potential contaminates causing the paint to peel or the metal to succumb to damage.
UV Exposure
Excess exposure to the elements is one of the quickest ways to wear down your car’s shine. The sun’s powerful UV rays cause fading. This problem most commonly occurs in cars that park outside frequently.
If possible, it’s best to park underneath a covered surface. Keeping your car out of the sunlight will prolong the car’s paint job and help you retain its quality.
Rusting
Another issue that causes your car’s paint to fall apart is rust. Excess moisture causes metals to rust. You’ll find the most rust spots near chipped paint, which allows moisture in.
Just like you want to protect your car from the sun, you should try to keep your vehicle away from excess moisture. Rain, snow, and ice will only contribute to more rust on your car.
Chemical Cleaners
Some car owners think they’re cleaning their vehicles safely and effectively. But the items you use for cleaning inside the house aren’t always ideal to use on your car.
Abrasive chemical cleaners with a high pH can quickly ruin your paint job. Washing a car with dish soap will break down wax coatings and speed up oxidation on the surface. Other products, such as hydrogen peroxide or vinegar, wear down the outer coating and drastically minimize the paint job’s durability.
Not every chemical cleaner is damaging to cars. Instead of using any cleaning items you have on hand, make sure you’re using specialty cleaners that are safe for your vehicle.
When working to resolve the causes of your car’s falling apart paint job, you must understand the importance of surface preparation before paint correction. The fix to the problem can’t begin without the right foundation. Following the proper steps for paint repair will generate optimal results.