How to Protect Your Vehicle’s Paint Job

SANTA CRUZ — To protect your vehicle’s paint from rust and other forms of corrosion, it’s best to take a preventative approach to cleaning and maintenance. If you’re aware of common sources of corrosion and know how to handle them, you’ll be able to keep your vehicle looking its best.

Rock chips

As the number one cause of rust in vehicle paint, rock chips should be dealt with as soon as possible after being detected. Since they’re often easy to miss, it’s a good idea to examine your vehicle’s exterior for rock chips every week or so.

Fortunately, rock chip repair is a fairly easy process. After cleaning the area with soap and water, rub a dab of polishing compound over the chip. Next, clean the area with isopropyl alcohol. Carefully apply the correct type of paint to individual chips (your vehicle’s paint code is likely on the door jamb, and touch-up paint can be purchased at an auto supply store). After allowing a couple days for the paint to cure, re-polish the area to smooth out the edges of the repair.

Aerial contamination

Another major source of paint damage is aerial contamination from birds, bees and trees. Bird droppings are extremely corrosive and can quickly eat through paint, so it’s important to clean it off as soon as you see it. The same goes for insect remains and tree sap. Kerosene is good for cleaning areas that have been affected by aerial contamination—it’s inexpensive and readily available, and it’ll remove contaminants without harming the paint.

In addition to cleaning off contaminants, it’s a good idea to re-wax the affected areas for added protection. Waxing your entire vehicle at least twice a year will go a long way toward protecting its paint job and saving money on maintenance.