thursday,march 21, 2013 - County Times - Southern Maryland Online

The County Times
Thursday, March 21, 2013 2
Don’t Scratch
the Paint
SALE ENDS MARCH 31 st
Washing off harmful substances promptly can reduce the chances of damage to a car's paint job.
Most people purchase a car for its
looks and performance. However, unless
the auto is kept in a garage and never
driven, it is impossible to keep it in pristine
condition. In many cases, damage to
the clear coat or enamel paint on the car
is something vehicle owners expect.
A car owner who decides he or she
wants the car to remain in the best shape
possible will have to take an active role
in maintenance and damage prevention.
One of the key things to remember is to
never allow any substance to remain on
the paint for too long; otherwise the risk
for damage increases. Also, it may be
very difficult to clean if the offender is
allowed to sit on the paint. Here are some
other factors to consider.
• UV light: Just as UV light can
affect skin, hair and other parts of the
body, it also can affect the paint on a car.
UV rays oxidize the paint and cause a
white, powdery film to form on the car.
Washing the car frequently enough and
applying the best quality wax will help
keep UV rays from penetrating through
the paint.
• Over sprays: Life does not stop to
allow cars to drive through, particularly
when it comes to construction zones. It's
possible for a car to be doused in paint
spray, tar, concrete, and other chemicals
that are routinely used in construction.
Do not allow these substances to harden
on the car. Rinse promptly with automotive
soap. Try to avoid construction
zones whenever possible.
• Rain: Both acid rain and regular
rainwater (and other sources of water)
can dissolve paint over time. The U.S.
Geological Survey has said that water is
a universal solvent because it can dissolve
more substances than any other liquid.
Whenever the car becomes wet, it should
be dried with a towel or chamois and not
allowed to air dry.
• Natural substances: Tree sap, bird
droppings and splattered insects contain
compounds that can erode the paint on a
car. Avoid parking under large trees where
sap and bird droppings may be prevalent.
In terms of bug splatter, try to wash it off
as soon as possible to alleviate damage.
• Eggs: Oftentimes, rambunctious
children think it is funny to egg a car.
However, the enzymes and sulfur content
in eggs can cause paint and clear coat to
dissolve, leaving white spots in the wake
of the egg. Because egg can be sticky and
very hard to remove once dried, it is helpful
to wash it off as soon as possible. It
takes only a few hours for the damage to
be permanent.
• Bleach: Although a bleach-and-water
solution is often heralded for its ability
to clean many things, it should not be
used on a car. Bleach is an oxidizer and it
will pit metal and discolor paint. Be careful
with pool chemicals as well, as chlorinator
is usually regular household bleach.
There are many things that can damage
a car paint job. Although it's impossible
to shield the car from everything,
there are precautions that can be taken.
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