How to Keep Your Car Paint and Exterior Safe from Pollution and Dust
Nowadays, a car is not just a luxurious product; it has become a necessary means of transportation. Buying a car is a significant investment and a cherished purchase for the customer. The beauty and cleanliness convey the customer's personality and taste. Bangladesh's environmental pollution and the street conditions are gradually ruining the shine of cars. When the shine is gone, the car’s resale value decreases.
The paint and exterior of a car fade due to exposure to road dust, sunlight, bird droppings, and various environmental pollutants. If regular maintenance is not done, problems like scratches and rust appear on the exterior of the car. This blog discusses in detail how to protect your car's paint and exterior from pollution and dust. Regular maintenance and some simple care techniques will keep your vehicle looking shiny for a long time.
Ways to protect the car paint and exterior from pollution and dust damage
1. Regular cleaning in the right way
Air pollution, dust, and dirt accumulate over time, which can damage the car’s paint. Clean the vehicle with a pH-neutral car shampoo once a week. Cleaning your car with microfiber foam hand mitts will not leave scratches or stains. Do not use bath soap or dishwashing liquid under any circumstances. Use a microfiber towel when drying, too. Do not use thick cloths, brushes, etc.
2. Use specific wax polish or synthetic sealant
Wax polish creates a protective layer on the car paint and enhances its brightness. Use wax, polish, or synthetic sealant at least twice a year. Considering the air pollution situation in Bangladesh, it is better to do it 3-4 times a year. This layer protects against the effects of ultraviolet rays and pollution. After applying wax or synthetic sealant with an applicator pad, polish with a microfiber cloth after 15-20 minutes. You can also do ceramic coating or graphene coating, which are pretty expensive. However, this coating protects for more than 2-3 years. It offers strong protection from small pebbles and pollution.
3. Use a good-quality car cover
Use a high-quality car cover that protects against rainwater and UV rays. Do not park the car in direct sunlight. Plastic tarps trap moisture, so avoid them.
4. Park your car in a shady spot
Park in a shady spot whenever possible. It is best to park it in a garage. If you park it in an open area, bird droppings can fall onto it. If you do not clean it for a long time, these droppings can have a detrimental effect on the coating. If bird droppings, glue, chewing gum, etc., have dried on the exterior of your car, use a pre-wax cleaner instead of rubbing them off.
5. Care for the wheels and the underside of the car
The most dirt accumulates in the undercarriage or lower part of the car. If this dirt is not cleaned regularly, it can cause corrosion and rust. Use wheel cleaner to clean car wheels.
Some more tips to keep your car's paint and exterior safe
1. Keep the water pressure normal when washing your car. The vehicle should not be washed in the sun.
2. Use ammonia-free cleaners to clean car glass.
3. If tar or bitumen is stuck to the car wheels, use a tar remover spray.
4. Keep your car under a roof or in a garage whenever possible.
5. You can apply Paint Protection Film (PPF) to the car's bonnet and bumper. It prevents scratches. This is a long-lasting solution for car paint protection.
Final Thought
During the daily commute, cars are exposed to significant dust and various types of pollution. These elements gradually damage the car's paint and exterior beauty. Repainting a car is quite expensive. Regular cleaning, waxing at regular intervals, and using good-quality covers will keep the car's paint in good condition for a long time. Just washing it frequently with water and wiping it with a simple dry cloth will fade the car's paint, and scratches will appear on the exterior.
Proper maintenance not only prolongs the car’s beauty but also its performance. Keeping your car's paint and exterior protected not only maintains its durability but also enhances its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of damage do dust and pollution cause to car paint?
Dust and pollution fade the car paint. The car's exterior shine is lost.
2. How should you clean your car in general?
Clean your car once a week with a pH-neutral car shampoo. Cleaning your car with microfiber foam hand mitts will help prevent scratches or stains. Use a microfiber towel while drying.
3. How effective is ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF)?
Ceramic coating or paint protection film is a long-term solution for protecting car paint. They were expensive. It offers strong protection from small pebbles and pollution.
4. How important is waxing or polishing for a car?
Wax polish creates a protective layer on the car's paint and enhances shine. This layer protects against the effects of ultraviolet rays and pollution.
5. What should you do if your car has bird droppings or glue?
If bird droppings, glue, chewing gum, etc., have dried on the exterior of your car, use a pre-wax cleaner instead of rubbing them off. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner.
