In the United States, we boast around 17,000 car washes nationwide. That’s a lot of clean cars!
Keep protect your car’s exterior sparkly clean is important to many. Especially when we consider that our cars are among our most expensive investments.
Maintaining the exterior of our cars can be a tough job. It is often expensive and time-consuming. Yet, it is necessary to protect our investment and keep it looking great.
Keep reading to learn about seven ways you can protect your car’s exterior.
1. Keep Your Car Covered
Keeping your car out of the elements is one of the best ways to ensure your car is protected. This can be done with a parking garage or a simple car cover.
Many of us don’t have access to a parking garage because of where we work or live. Yet, that is no reason to subject our cars to the sun, snow, or other factors. Car covers are a good purchase if you have this problem.
A good car cover will ensure your car isn’t subject to any UV rays, weather damage, or falling debris when you aren’t driving it. Coverage also protects you from unsightly droppings like bird poop and tree sap.
2. Get Your Car Detailed
A scheduled annual detail for your car will keep the interior and exterior in great condition. Even if you are great at washing, waxing, and protecting your car, getting a professional’s help is a good idea.
Auto professionals use tools to safely buff out any scratches or nicks on your car to make the paint look new. Attempting to do this yourself could cause further damage if you’re not trained.
They will ensure your car’s exterior is thoroughly cleaned on every inch. The professionals also have high-quality products. They will remove stubborn stains and dried-on dirt with ease.
3. Wash Your Car Regularly
Washing your car regularly is essential to making it look brand new. The longer you allow dirt, droppings, and grime to stay on your car, the harder it is to remove them.
The paint on your car will become dull and dingy. Whether you do it yourself or take it to a car wash doesn’t matter. What does matter, is you getting your car squeaky clean as often as possible.
Don’t forget to dry your car too. Leaving it wet after a car wash leaves water spots that can be difficult to get rid of.
Without regularly washing your car, the rest of the tips you choose to follow don’t matter. This is the most important step to keep a beautiful exterior.
4. Spot Check Between Washes
Not many people have the time or money to go to the car wash every time they get bug guts on the hood of their car. That’s why we spot-check every day.
It can be a hassle to bring out your cleaning supplies every time you notice some dirt. Yet, it is worth it to protect the integrity of your car’s exterior.
We recommend keeping a microfiber cloth and some high-quality cleaning solution in your car for these instances. Quickly wipe off any bugs, bird droppings, or dirt so it doesn’t dry on.
If you let it dry on, you’ll be in a world of hurt later when it dries down and damages your paint job.
5. Use the Right Products
High-quality products are essential to keeping your car’s exterior in good shape. Never use household cleaners that can be harsh on your car, and eat its paint.
Use cleaning products that are made for cars. That includes the rags and scrubbers. Using the wrong kind of rag can scratch your paint and do some serious damage.
Stick to products recommended by professionals who clean cars. Always read the instructions carefully, and never leave your car wet. Forgetting to dry it off can leave stains on your paint job from the sun.
6. Get A Wax or Ceramic Coating
Your car already has a clear coat to protect it, but extra paint protection from wax or ceramic coating is never a bad idea. Sun, snow, and rain can eat at your original coating. New coatings ensure your paint is protected.
Wax coatings may need to be done several times per year if you live in a harsh climate. You might choose to use a ceramic coating instead. They can be pricey, but they are intended to last much longer than wax.
Ceramic coatings bind with the paint to protect your car’s exterior from dirt and other sticky debris. Wax and ceramic coatings both give your car an enhanced appearance with a brand-new shine.
7. Install PPF Film
Paint protection film, also called a clear bra, is a vehicle protection method many people opt for because of its superiority.
PPF is a thermoplastic urethane film used to protect against all kinds of damage such as scratches, sun damage, and debris.
Like waxing, PPF is ultra-clear, and it gives your car a like-new shine that is unmatched among coatings. We don’t blame you if you are searching for “PPF film near me” right now.
Protect Your Car’s Exterior
There are countless ways to protect your car’s exterior. It is up to you to decide what you have the time and money for. Many high-end car protection methods like PPF can save you heartache in the long run.
It is never too late to start giving your vehicle the care it deserves. If you want to learn more about how you can participate in more car maintenance, check out the rest of our blog page.
