Car paint protects your vehicle from the elements and keeps it looking good for years. However, paint can start to fade, chip, and flake over time. Your car’s paint job will begin to look dull and lacklustre. To keep your vehicle looking its best, it’s crucial to regularly polish and wax the paint. Those will help protect the paint from damage and keep it looking shiny and new. Knowing what causes it to fade would also help you prevent it from happening.
Factors That Make Your Car Paint Fade
Paint fade is a reality for all car owners. But what causes it? Is it inevitable? Can anything be done to prevent it? Let’s take a look at the main culprit behind faded car paint:
1. UV Rays
UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. They are invisible to the naked eye but can cause damage to your skin and eyes. UV light can also damage your car paint. The rays can cause the colour to become dull, faded, and chipped.
You can do a few things to protect your car paint from UV rays. You can park in the shade or in a garage. You can also buy a car cover.
If your car paint is already faded, you can try to restore it with polishing or waxing. You may also visit your local auto body paint shop to give your vehicle a fresh new look.
2. Harsh Weather Conditions
Unfortunately, harsh weather conditions can take a toll on your car’s paint, causing it to fade.
Extreme Heat: Hot temperatures can cause the pigments in your paint to break down.
Cold Temperatures: Cold weather can cause the clear coat on your paint to become brittle, leading to chipping and flaking.
Wind and Dust: These elements can act as abrasives, causing your paint to dull and fade over time.
Rain and Snow: These elements can wash away some of the protective wax on your paint, leaving it vulnerable to damage.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to protect your car’s paint from the elements. For example, you can park in a garage or under a carport to shield your car from the sun and rain. You can also wash and wax your car regularly to help protect the paint.
3. Road Salt
Road salt is used to melt ice on the roads and can be very corrosive. Over time, it can eat away at your car paint and cause it to fade. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:
Avoid driving in salt-covered areas if possible. If you must go to these areas, wash your car as soon as possible.
If you live in an area where salt is used on the roads, consider waxing or sealing your car before the winter season begins. It will help protect your car’s paint from the salt.
Wash your car regularly. It will remove any salt accumulated on your car’s surface.
4. Abrasive Cleaners
Abrasive cleaners are one of the main factors that can make your car paint fade. Abrasive cleaners can damage the paint by stripping away the protective layer and causing the colour to fade. To avoid this, use a milder cleaner or one designed specifically for automotive paint.
Conclusion
Maintaining the paint on your car is vital to keep it looking its best. The paint protects the metal from rust and corrosion and makes the car look more attractive. A good paint job can also increase the resale value of your vehicle.
If you notice any chips or scratches in the paint, it is best to have them repaired as soon as possible. A professional paint restoration company can remove the damaged paint and apply a new coat of paint that will match the rest of the car.
If you take care of your car’s paint, it will last longer and look better for years to come.
If you’re looking for an auto body paint shop in Edmonton, Lucky 13 has you covered. We are the best in the business regarding auto body repair and custom paint services. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with quality workmanship, trusted service, and competitive pricing. Let us take care of your car!