How to Prevent Surface Scratches on Car Paint

Does a surface scratch on car paint diminish the value of your vehicle? Yes. Even if you repair your car after an accident or something else that causes a scratch, your car will still diminish in value by about half the cost of repairs.

Because of this, it is important that vehicle owners learn how to prevent surface scratches on car paint.

Do you want to learn more about the different ways you can protect your car from scratches? Keep reading these top products and tips to protect your car paint!

Invest in Paint Protection Film

One of the easiest ways you can protect your car paint is by investing in paint protection film. This is one of the most effective barriers, made from a thin layer of a clear material.

Car film is self-adhesive and self-healing, which makes it easy to smooth it out over any surface.

With automotive protection film, your car will be protected from dirt, chemicals, and anything else that may require scratch repair. This type of paint protection film is also known as a clear bra, which protects your bumper, fenders, hood, and more.

Because this automotive collision wrap film is self-healing, any dings in the film will be erased.

You should also use this type of protective car wrap or plastic wrap for cars when you are transporting your vehicle. This way, you can avoid getting paint scratches on your new car while it is transported or while your vehicle is transported to storage.

Avoid Dirt

Next, it is important to understand the dangers of dirt to your car paint. Although many people wash their cars because of the dirt, it often ends up with them grinding the dirt into the paint, which causes many swirls and fine scratches to form.

If you have dirt on your car that you want to wash off, it is best to spray the car off with a hose before you start scrubbing it.

It is also important to avoid driving through the dirt when you can. The soil is quite abrasive and can cause damage to your paint, braking system, and the frame of your vehicle!

Learn to Properly Wash Your Paint

When you are washing your car, you may be unknowingly causing more damage to your paint. To avoid this, you must learn how to properly wash your paint.

One of the easiest ways to protect your paint while you wash your car is by using the two-bucket wash method. This requires a bucket for clean, soapy water and a separate bucket to rinse your sponge.

This way, you will not be putting contaminants back onto your paint when you use your wash mitt again. If you only use one bucket, you may be putting dirt back onto the car and scratching the surface.

Use High-Quality Products to Wash and Dry

It is also essential to use high-quality products when you are washing and drying your car. Many people think that they can use any type of soap to clean their car.

However, you should avoid using dish soap or any harsh products to clean your paint.

You also need to choose your cleaning cloths very carefully. If you use any rough materials, it can damage your paint. Instead, you should use a soft and gentle product, like a microfiber towel, to avoid scratching the paint of your car!

You can get a microfiber wash mitt as well as a scratch-free towel to dry your car.

Finally, you need to be careful with your technique when you are washing and drying your car paint. To dry your car, you should pat the surface dry,r rather than dragging the towel across the surface.

By patting the water off your car, you will reduce the likelihood of your car paint developing scratches. You can also use air to dry your car! Using a leaf blower or compressed air will help you avoid water spots while avoiding contact with your car.

When you learn how to properly clean your car, you will be able to protect the paint and avoid unnecessary scratch repairs.

Apply Car Wax

Applying car wax is another simple way to protect your car paint. Wax provides a protective layer on your car, which offers protection from the harsh sun rays, scratches, and more.

This wax will take on the damage so that your car paint doesn’t have to! For example, your wax will prevent any damage from dead bugs, bird droppings, dust, and more.

Wax is also a great option for minor scratch repair. It can fill in very minor scratches or swirls, and will also prevent oxidation, which causes rust to form on your car.

Avoid Automatic Car Washes

Finally, you must avoid using automatic car washes!

As was mentioned before, scrubbing dirt off your car can create new scratches and swirls. In an automatic car wash, the spinning brushes may still contain dirt and other contaminants from cars that were washed before you.

If you are in a rush and need to quickly clean your car, it is best to use a touchless automatic car wash. This will spray and rinse your car without contacting your paint.

Still, the cleaning detergents they use could potentially strip the wax off your car and cause other damage to your car paint.

Preventing Surface Scratches on Car Paint Today

Scratches are one of the easiest ways to lower the value of your car. To make sure your vehicle stays in pristine shape, you can follow each of these tips to protect your car paint!

Do you need help preventing surface scratches on car paint? ArmorDillo Surface Protection can help! We provide car shipping protection film and new car transport wrap to protect your car from paint damage while it is transported.