When you buy a new car, you want to keep your car paint looking new for as long as possible, right? Well, it’s possible. Some of the things you need to do include: 

Cover your car with a car paint protection film

Also known as a clear bra or PPF (Paint Protection Film}, it protects your car from stones, dust, and other debris.

If this is the first time you are installing the film, you should note that the paint protection film installation process is a delicate and skill-intensive task, and any errors during application might result in an ugly finish.

As a result, if you’re not sure of your ability to do it correctly, you should hire a professional automobile detailer or paint protection film installers. They have the skills and tools to ensure a seamless installation and effective paint protection for your vehicle.

Wash the car with care.

The frequency with which you should wash your car is determined by where you live. If you live in a dusty area, wash your car every day. Otherwise, wash your automobile with water two to three times per week and with shampoo once every week.

Hard water in your area can leave markings on your car, which are extremely difficult to get rid of. So be ultra-cautious of the water you are using.

Begin washing the car from the top and work your way down, washing one piece at a time. Avoid circular motions that can generate swirl marks by using a moderate, straight-line motion.

When doing the cleaning, pay special attention to dirtier areas, such as cleaning the lower panels.

After washing the car:

1. Use a soft microfiber or chamois towels to dry it.
2. Gently pat the surface instead of rubbing, which can leave swirl marks.
3. When drying, take note of crevices, mirrors, and door knobs.

Wax the car

If you want your car to restore its luster, car wax can help. Waxing your car also adds an extra layer of protection to the paint.

The clear coat keeps the car paint from deteriorating quickly. It shields the paint from corrosive elements, bird droppings, dust, grease, and other contaminants.

By waxing your car regularly, you protect the clear finish from weather elements, and as a result, it lasts for a long time. 

For the best outcome, ensure that the waxing is done by a professional who knows what they are doing. You don’t want someone to cause more harm than is already there.

Keep the car covered.

If you must park your car in direct sunshine, you must cover it. As you park, be cautious of where you do it, as you don’t want tree sap or bird droppings to harm the paint on your car.

Park your car away from other cars to avoid dents or scratches when someone else opens their door.

As you cover your car, be cautious of dust that might already be present. You should note that if your car already has dust, it may result in scratch marks. So, before you cover the car, clean it first.

Protect the car’s underbody.

The underbody of your car is equally significant and demands attention. The unfortunate thing is that the bottom gets a lot of rough treatment because of stone chips, bad roads, water, and mud. This makes it more prone to rust.

You should install an underbody cover. The anti-corrosive qualities of the underbody protective layer keeps it from rusting. When installing the cover, you should note while it protects the car, it might reduce your car’s market value by making it appear older than it is.

So, if you are looking to sell your car in the near future, this might not be a good move to make.

Install mud flaps

When mud accumulates on your car, it can erode the paint and eventually cause rusting. As a result, it is critical to install mud flaps to prevent the damage mud can cause to your vehicle.

Mud flaps keep road debris and mud from spraying all over your vehicle. It acts as a barrier and causes them to fall off.

When fitted on your vehicle, the mud splashing on it is significantly reduced, limiting the damage that mud can cause to your car’s paint.

There is no magic to installing mud flaps. You only need to find the ones that are right for your car and install them. You can do the installation by yourself if you have the right tools, but if you have never done it before or aren’t confident in your skills, let a professional help you out. 

Apply protective car coating.

Teflon, ceramic, and graphene are the three most popular coating materials to preserve your car’s paint.

Ceramic outlasts Teflon, which has a thinner layer. Ceramic is a one-micron covering with silica that adds brilliance while repelling water.

Graphene coating, one of the hardest substances for a protective coating, is much more durable than ceramic.

The cost of installing the coating depends on the type and model of the car.

There is no right or wrong coating that you can go for. It all depends on your taste and preferences. Consult an experienced professional and have them recommend the best option that fits your budget and the ideals of your car.

Watch where you park

Besides parking in areas that are free of bird droppings, you also should be cautious of sun and rain. The ultraviolet rays can damage the paint on your car. It can also cause paint damage and fissures.

Furthermore, water droplets not dried off can damage the car’s paint.

When the sun is shining, you must park your car in a cool area.

To avoid direct contact with the sun’s rays, put the car in a garage or covered carport. Your vehicle’s paint will be protected by doing this.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you can do to protect your car paint and have it last for as long as possible. When applying paint protection film Springfield, car detailing, or any other task that requires expertise, you should have it done by an expert who knows what they are doing.