However, if you do not properly care for the body during the operation of the car, then aggressive environmental factors can weaken the protective properties of the paintwork.
Below are some examples of possible damage to the paintwork of the body and measures to prevent them.
Damage from acid rain and industrial pollution
Causes of damage
Industrial pollution and exhaust gases of automobile engines enter the atmospheric air and mix with rain or dew drops, forming solutions of various acids. These acids can be deposited on the paintwork of the car body. The subsequent evaporation of water leads to an increase in the concentration of acids, which can damage the paintwork of the body.
The longer the acid solution remains on the body, the more likely it is to be damaged.
Protective measures
To protect the paintwork, wash the body and apply a wax polish to it, following the instructions below. These protective measures should be taken immediately if you think that acid precipitation has come into contact with the paintwork of the body.
Damage from bird droppings, insects and tree sap
Causes of damage
Bird droppings contain acids. If bird droppings are not removed immediately, the substances they contain can damage the top clear coat and the base paint.
When the remains of insects adhering to the paintwork decompose, corrosive compounds are formed. If these compounds are not removed in a timely manner, they can damage the top clear coat and base paint.
The juice secreted by the leaves of the trees, when it hits the paintwork, hardens and strongly adheres to the bodywork. If you try to scrape off the hardened juice particles, part of the paint layer may come off with them.
Protective measures
To protect the paintwork, wash the body and apply a wax polish to it, following the instructions below. These protective measures should be taken as soon as possible.
Use a soft sponge and water to remove bird droppings. If you don't have a sponge and water on your trip, you can also use a damp paper towel. The cleaned area must then be treated with a wax polish, following the instructions below.
Insect remains and tree sap are best removed with a soft sponge and water or commercially available cleaners.
Another way to help remove contaminants is as follows. Cover the contaminated area with damp newspaper for one to two hours. After removing the newspaper, wash off the softened residues with water.
Stains after drying drops of water
Causes of damage
Rain, fog, dew and even tap water can contain harmful mineral compounds such as salts and calcium oxides. If moisture containing such mineral compounds gets on the paintwork of the body and then evaporates, the minerals concentrate and harden, forming white rings on the body. These mineral compounds can damage your vehicle's paintwork.
Protective measures
To protect the paintwork, wash the body and apply a wax polish to it, following the instructions below. These protective measures should be taken immediately if you find traces of water on the paintwork of the body.
Chipped paint
Causes of damage
Chips in the paintwork of the body occur due to impacts of stones flying out from under the wheels of your or other cars.
Measures to prevent chipped paint
Maintain a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle in front. This reduces the likelihood of paint chipping from impacts of stones flying from under the wheels.
Note:
- Safe (in terms of paint damage) The distance to the vehicle in front depends on the speed of the vehicle. For example, at a speed of 90 km / h, this distance is about 50 m. At low air temperatures, the paintwork of the body becomes more fragile. This increases the likelihood of paint chipping from stone exposure.
- Paint chips can cause rust on your car's bodywork. Before corrosion begins, touch up damaged areas and restore the paintwork, following the instructions below. If the damaged area is not repaired in a timely manner, this can lead to serious corrosion damage and costly body repairs.
When using body care products, follow all directions printed on the labels or container of cleaner or polish. Read all warnings and cautions.