Preventing Auto Paint Damage

SUNNYVALE — An often-overlooked cause of auto paint damage is natural elements like bird droppings and tree sap. If not cleaned off promptly, these corrosive elements can leave permanent marks, especially during summer, when high temperatures can cause them to bake onto your car’s exterior. Since the only way to fix such damage is to repaint your entire car, it’s important to keep an eye out for these elements and remove them as soon as possible.

A good cleaning agent for this job is bug and tar remover, which provides a reasonable degree of cleaning power without harming your car’s finish in the process (as other, more abrasive products can). Once the elements are removed, apply some Turtle Wax to the affected area, which will provide an added measure of protection against re-contamination.

In addition to this “spot-cleaning” technique, it’s a good idea to apply a high-quality wax to your car’s finish at least twice a year. By filling the paint’s pores and protecting it against damage, a coat of wax will go a long way toward preserving the look and integrity of your car’s exterior.