Maintaining your car’s paintwork is essential not only for keeping it looking fresh and shiny but also for preserving its body, preventing rust, and enhancing its resale value if you decide to sell it.
Unfortunately, the damage to your car’s paint isn’t always caused by major events like parking lot dings or vandalism.
Everyday occurrences such as fingerprints and bird droppings can leave lasting marks on your vehicle’s exterior.
In this article, we outline 10 common ways your car’s paintwork can get damaged without you even realizing it, along with practical solutions for dealing with issues such as safely removing dust and tree sap.
Solutions to Common Car Cleaning Problems
1. Fingerprints
Children and curious bystanders often leave “Clean Me” messages on a dirty car. While this may seem harmless, their fingerprints can actually cause lasting damage to your car’s paint.
Fingerprints grind dirt into the paint, leaving blemishes that are difficult to remove. If you spot fingerprints on your car, it’s best to address them as soon as possible.
How to Remove Fingerprints
Wash your car thoroughly and check for any scratches or abrasions. Then, apply a good-quality polish in a circular motion to smooth out any marks. This will lift light scratches and marks, leaving the surface looking fresh.
2. Stone Chips
Stone chips, caused by loose pebbles or debris, are a frequent culprit when it comes to damaging car paint. These chips are especially common on the bonnet and bumper.
Stone chips expose the underlying metal to the elements, which can lead to rust and further deterioration of the paint.
How to Fix Stone Chips
Stone chips are relatively simple to repair on your own. Start by sanding down the damaged area to remove any loose paint. Then, apply a paint filler as smoothly as possible.
Once it has set, sand it down again to smooth the surface. After that, apply color-matched paint and finish with a clear coat. Once dry, apply a fresh coat of wax to protect the area and restore shine.
3. Bugs
Dead bugs can cause damage to your car’s paint because of their acidic nature. Though it’s impossible to avoid bug splatters entirely, you can prevent them from harming your car’s finish.
How to Remove Bug Splatters
Use a concentrated cleaning solution designed for tough stains. A product like Insect & Bird Dropping Remover is ideal for dissolving stubborn residues like bug splatters.
Just spray on the product, let it work for a few minutes, and then wipe it away without scrubbing.
4. Bird Droppings
Bird droppings can be highly acidic and are capable of causing permanent damage to your paintwork. Birds often eat seeds, nuts, and small gravel, which can scratch your car’s surface on impact.
Though bird droppings are unavoidable, you can reduce the likelihood by avoiding parking under trees or light poles. If you live in a region with frequent bird activity, using a car cover may be beneficial.
How to Remove Bird Droppings
Use a high-quality cleaner that’s strong enough to break down the acidic droppings but gentle on your car’s paint.
Products like the Simoniz Insect & Bird Dropping Remover can help. Spray it directly onto the bird droppings, let it soak, then gently lift the residue off the paint using a damp microfiber cloth.
5. Tree Sap
Tree sap can be a challenge to remove, especially if it has hardened. It’s sticky and can spread if you try to wipe it off without the proper product.
How to Remove Tree Sap
To remove tree sap, use a specialized cleaning product designed for sticky residues. Simoniz Tar, Sap and Glue Remover is excellent for cutting through stubborn materials like sap.
After cleaning, apply a layer of wax to protect the car’s paintwork from future sticky deposits.
6. Water Spots
Water spots can form from rain or sprinklers, and though water might seem harmless, it contains minerals that can damage your car’s paint.
Water contains particles like salt, which can degrade your car’s finish over time, making it harder to maintain a glossy look.
How to Remove Water Spots
To remove water spots, wash your car with car shampoo and dry it thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. Afterward, apply a fresh coat of wax to protect the paint from future water spots.
7. Forgetting to Wash Regularly
Regular washing is essential to maintain your car’s exterior. Neglecting to clean it often can lead to rust, especially in colder months when the vehicle is exposed to the elements.
How to Remove Dust
If your car is clean but covered in dust, avoid using a hose. Instead, use a premium-quality duster designed for car use. Gently sweep away the dust in a slow motion to avoid scratching the surface.
8. Fuel Stains
Spills of petrol, diesel, oil, or brake fluid can cause stains that damage your car’s paintwork if left untreated.
How to Remove Fluid Stains
Wash the affected area immediately, and gently scrub the stain with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.
If necessary, repeat the cleaning process before drying the area thoroughly with a second microfiber cloth. Finally, apply a good-quality car polish and finish with a layer of wax to protect the paint from future staining.
What Does Brake Fluid Do to Paintwork?
Brake fluid, especially older types like DOT 2 or DOT 3, can be corrosive and damage paint if spilled. Fortunately, newer car paints are more resistant to brake fluid, but it’s still best to clean up any spills immediately.
9. Prolonged Exposure to Sunshine
While the UK is often cloudy, in sunnier climates or during hot summers, prolonged sun exposure can fade your car’s paint and damage the interior, which can be hard to reverse.
How to Avoid Sun Damage
If you live in a sunny region or experience long summers, park your car in a garage or use a car cover to protect the paint from the sun’s harsh rays. If that’s not possible, try parking in a shaded area whenever you can.
10. Incorrect Cleaning
Improper cleaning can do more harm than good. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Dirty Wash Accessories: Using a dirty cloth or sponge can transfer dirt back onto your paint, leading to swirl marks. Always use two buckets—one for clean water and the other for rinsing—so that dirt doesn’t reattach to your car.
Shampoo Errors: Use enough shampoo to create a thick lather. If you use too little, you’ll end up scrubbing harder, which can scratch the paint.
Waxing Errors: Never wax your car in direct sunlight. Heat causes the wax to set too quickly, making it harder to buff. Instead, wax your car in a shaded area, applying it one panel at a time.
If you take pride in your car, don’t let everyday occurrences ruin its perfect finish. Keep it clean and protected with Simoniz’s range of car care products. To learn more, visit the Simoniz website.