Your car’s paintwork is designed to be highly durable against the elements. But there’s only so much punishment it can take before dings, scratches and marks start to appear. These blemishes can devalue your car and may also leave your car vulnerable to other issues like rust. Below are just a few of the most common paintwork destroyers, how to protect your car against them and how to fix the damage.
1) Driving accidents
Driving accidents are the biggest cause of paintwork damage. They can vary from brushes with a hedge to full-on collisions. Practising manoeuvres and slowing down your driving can help reduce the risk of these accidents, however even veteran drivers still occasionally experience the odd lapse in judgement. Car scratch repair can often be more affordable than many people assume – especially if you invest in it early before rust sets in. Damage caused by others can be claimed on insurance, but may increase your rates.
2) Car doors
Scratches from other vehicles’ car doors are another common cause of damage. This is most likely to happen in car parks with narrow parking spaces. Avoid parking too close to other vehicles where possible to prevent this damage.
3) Road debris
Driving fast over loose debris can often kick them up – and could end up scratching your paintwork. Take care on gravel paths and rural roads. Paint protection film (PPF) is recommended in areas with roads in poor condition.
4) Bird droppings
Bird poop is highly acidic and could burn through your paintwork if you don’t clean it off in good time. You can’t prevent birds from doing their business on your car, however you can reduce the risk by not parking under trees.
5) Tree sap
Another reason to avoid parking under trees is tree sap. Damage to trees can cause them to bleed sap, which is corrosive and also difficult to remove once it hardens. Guides like this one provide advice on how to remove tree sap.
6) Bugs
A bonnet covered in splattered bugs isn’t just unattractive – it’s also bad for your paintwork. If you don’t clean these dead bugs off soon, they could start to corrode the paint. It’s possible to buy bug remover sprays to deal with them.
7) UV light
While not too much of a problem in the UK, direct sunlight is a major cause of paintwork damage in other countries. UV light breaks down the coat leading to peeling and discoloration. Parking in the shade or covering your car is recommended on clear, sunny days. Ceramic coatings or regular waxing can also provide long-term protection.
8) Sea spray
If you live by the coast, the sea air could start to corrode your car’s paintwork over time. Regular washing can help prevent damage, but often the best form of defence is to cover up your car or add a ceramic coating if it’s regularly exposed to sea spray.
9) Automatic car washes
Automatic car washes are convenient, but the brushes can risk scratching up your car – especially if you use them regularly. Cleaning your car manually is the best way to prevent paintwork damage. Just make sure to use an appropriate car sponge and car shampoo.
10) Vandals
Car paintwork can also get damaged by vandals – your car could get keyed or get covered in spray paint if you park it in the wrong location. You can’t always prevent vandalism, but parking in well-lit areas in sight of windows or cameras can often put off most opportunistic criminals. If you live in a high-crime area, you may want to take extra precautions like covering your car or parking in a garage.
While not too much of a problem in the UK, direct sunlight is a major cause of paintwork damage in other countries. UV light breaks down the coat leading to peeling and discoloration. Parking in the shade or covering your car is recommended on clear, sunny days. Ceramic coatings or regular waxing can also provide long-term protection.
8) Sea spray
If you live by the coast, the sea air could start to corrode your car’s paintwork over time. Regular washing can help prevent damage, but often the best form of defence is to cover up your car or add a ceramic coating if it’s regularly exposed to sea spray.
9) Automatic car washes
Automatic car washes are convenient, but the brushes can risk scratching up your car – especially if you use them regularly. Cleaning your car manually is the best way to prevent paintwork damage. Just make sure to use an appropriate car sponge and car shampoo.
10) Vandals
Car paintwork can also get damaged by vandals – your car could get keyed or get covered in spray paint if you park it in the wrong location. You can’t always prevent vandalism, but parking in well-lit areas in sight of windows or cameras can often put off most opportunistic criminals. If you live in a high-crime area, you may want to take extra precautions like covering your car or parking in a garage.