What Makes Up Collision Repair Costs?
Questions You Have About Choosing A Collision Repair Center
To keep a car’s paint job in good condition, you must protect it from direct sunlight, hot and cold temperatures, and extreme UV radiation. You should also make sure that you keep the car in a garage or invest in a carport if you park it outdoors. To prolong the life of your paint, you should regularly wash and wax your car. Waxing your car will protect the paint from fading and keep the car looking its best.
UV radiation causes deterioration of a car’s paint job
The sun provides two kinds of light – visible and ultraviolet. While sunlight is important to maintain skin health, ultraviolet light also deteriorates a car’s paint job. It causes a process known as photolysis, in which the polymer (resin) in paint becomes excited and enters a higher energy state than normal. This extra energy must be eliminated or the paint will begin to fade.
Salt and road grime have a high concentration of chemicals that can cause UV light damage to car components. Sodium chloride, a compound found in salt, can penetrate paint sealants and car wax. Bird droppings can erode clear coated paint in just a few hours. To minimize the effects of UV radiation on a car’s paint job, you should wash your car every couple of weeks.
Hot and cold temperatures can damage a car’s paint job
A vehicle’s paint job is extremely vulnerable to the effects of hot and cold temperatures. These temperature variations can result in cracks and fading of the paintwork. Additionally, the sun’s UV rays can damage upholstery and deteriorate the color of the paint. Keeping your car in a garage or in a cool location can help protect the paint job. Avoid parking your car in direct sunlight and wash the exterior often with cool water to maintain its color.
In addition to damaging the paint job, hot and cold temperatures can also lead to accelerated rusting of the car’s bodywork. Hot and cold temperatures can cause a spray gun to malfunction, preventing paint from properly dispensing onto the body of the car. Using a furnace while painting can also ignite solvents, leading to blisters and fading of the paint. Therefore, use a furnace only when it is absolutely necessary.
Choosing the right paint color to protect a car’s paint job
Many myths and debates surround car color and its effects on the overall appearance. However, the science behind car color selection is fairly straightforward. Basically, the color you choose will depend on the amount of heat it can generate, as well as the material the paint is made of. However, some car colors are easier to maintain than others. Here are some important tips to consider before choosing the color of your car.
Light colors are easier to maintain than darker colors. Light colors, such as silver, are less reflective than dark blue and are more forgiving of heat transfer. Dark colors like black and gray absorb UV rays and show any flaws more than light colors. Light colors like light blue, meanwhile, reflect a classic look and don’t show any dirt. Regardless of the car’s color, it’s important to choose a car-care routine to protect the paint job.
Waxing your car every three months
Regular car washing and waxing is important to keep your car looking clean. The best car wash soap is designed to protect the paint job without stripping it. Dish soap and laundry detergent will strip the wax but will not completely remove it. If you want to protect your paint job, you must wax your car every three months. Follow these steps for maintaining your paint job.
Clean your car thoroughly before you start waxing. It is essential to wash the car in a cool, shady location so that water can run off. Hot sun causes hard water spots on the paint finish. To avoid these spots, use a polymer-based car wax. These waxes are friendly to the sun and work best when the surface is cool.
5 Star Autoplex in Fort Worth specializes on auto body, collision, and hail repair. They have more than 30 years of combined experience in the automotive body repair industry. They are ASE certified technicians and have been recognized as one of America’s top auto body shops with the prestigious Gold or Platinum Class I CAR Certification. They offer a lifetime guarantee for all auto body repair services. Customers can also save thousands on deductibles by receiving quality and prompt service.