Repainting or restoring damaged auto paint can be very expensive, so it’s important to carefully maintain your vehicle’s paint throughout its lifetime. To keep your auto paint looking its best, consider the following tips:
• Wash and wax your car at least once a month. Use a cotton or microfiber washing mitt and a cleanser that’s specially formulated for vehicle use. Dry your car with a detailing cloth or chamois to prevent water spots.
• Rub a wax compound into your car with a clean, car-safe cloth. “You’ll be able to see the residue,” says Noe Flores, owner of Avenue Body Shop, Inc. in San Francisco. “After you’ve applied it to one panel, take another dry cloth and wipe it off. That’ll help maintain the longevity of the paint job and add to the car’s shine and gloss.”
• If you don’t have time to wax your car yourself, you can try taking it to a large gas station—sometimes they offer hand washing services that come with a wax (for an extra price).
• Applying wax to your car every month will also maintain its Clear Coat layer, which protects against fading and weather conditions.
• The wax additives used at automatic car washes aren’t an equal substitute for a thorough hand waxing. “Debris can get picked up during a car wash’s waxing cycle and actually damage your car,” warns Mr. Flores. “Those automatic washes can be helpful if that’s your only option, but a hand waxing is always preferable.”
• If it’s been a long time since you last waxed or cared for your car’s paint, have it professionally serviced before you apply anything. “You can try a product called Clay Bar, or Red Clay,” says Mr. Flores. “After you wash your car, take the Red Clay bar and pass it over the car’s surface. It rubs out any shallow scratches and removes accumulated residue.”
