When you first buy a car, it looks great and the paint is smooth and shiny. Unfortunately, weather, the sun, dirt, and road conditions can take away the shine and cause the paint to start to peel overtime. Luckily, if you are diligent, you can prevent this damage and keep the exterior of your car looking like it did when you first bought it.
Washing
The first thing you need to do is make sure you wash your vehicle regularly. Anytime you notice it is dirty, clean it. You should also give it a thorough cleaning once a month to get rid of oil, grime, and pollen you may not see.
You should also make sure you wash the vehicle properly. Do not use any cleaning solution you happen to have in the cupboard, as the chemicals in them may corrode the paint. Use a product designed for car-washing. Also make sure the product was designed for the type of paint on your car. The information on paint type may be available from the dealership or in the car's manual.
Also never use anything that is rough to wash the car. A foam applicator is a good choice when applying the cleanser. A car-washing mitt is also a good option and should be used to scrub the car. Use a silicone squeegee to remove most of the water after washing and then a soft towel to sop up any water that remains.
While washing, you should also be sure to clean all the trim. This will require that you open doors, the hood, and the trunk. Make sure any product you use is designed for the material the trim is made of, which could be metal, plastic, or fiberglass, to avoid scratching it.
Sealant
A couple of times a year, apply a paint sealant to your vehicle. Follow the direction on the can to ensure you do not leave streaks — the best ways is often to apply the product in a circular motion. Do one section of the vehicle at a time, continuing a few minutes after the texture has changed.
Paint sealant will help create a protective layer over your car paint to ensure the paint job lasts longer.
Wax
Just because you have applied a sealant does not mean you can skip applying wax. A good layer of wax will protect the paint from corrosive things like bird droppings and tree sap.
You should apply a wax 24 hours after you applied the sealant for the best results. You can also apply wax once a month, in between sealant applications, to add a layer of protection and keep the paint shiny. For best results, use a paste wax and apply it with a soft cloth in a circular motion.
Once the wax is no longer opaque, but you can still see it, it is time to buff the area with a clean cloth. Do not apply wax to the whole vehicle and then buff, it as the wax you applied first will be hard again and not buff to a shine.
Electric Polishers
To save time and elbow-grease, you can use an electric polisher on the car to buff the wax. However, there is a definite learning curve to using a polisher. If you have never used one, you should find something other than your car to practice on or you risk not only undoing all the hard work you did applying the sealant and wax, but also damaging the paint underneath it all.
While you could take your vehicle to a car wash, the detergents and other products they use may not be the best thing for the paint. Instead, go to a professional
auto detailer. Contact X-Pert Tint and Auto Alarms to have your automobile cleaned inside and out. They will make sure your car's paint looks as good as it did when you drove it off the lot.