Bumper and paint scratches are an inevitable part of car ownership, as even the slightest mishaps can leave an ugly mark on your car. Whether it’s a minor scratch from a tight parking spot or a more severe dent from a fender bender, the result is the same – you’re going to need a repair.
Not only are scratches and dents unsightly, but they can lead to larger damage if not addressed – so you’re going to want to get it fixed ASAP.
While Bumpertek can help with fixing scratches, there are a few things you can do to keep your paint looking fresher.
Clean and wax your car
For car enthusiasts, there is nothing worse than seeing a dirty car. But if you have recently had your car detailed, you should avoid washing your car in the first two weeks after new paint is applied. This is due to the paint. It needs time to cure, and water and soap can disrupt this process.
In good news, after two weeks has passed, you can go back to washing your car. But for the next little while, it is best to stick with washing your car by hand, as the brushes at a professional carwash can leave scratches and textured patches.
Use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge and mild car soap to clean the surface to remove any dust, sap and bird droppings. Afterwards, thoroughly rinse and dry off the car with a lint-free towel to remove any residue without leaving marks.
For the first few months after a paint repair or detail, it can be helpful to wash your car once a week, to help protect the pain. After this initial period, your car wash schedule can return to normal. The same rules for washing your car can also be applied to waxing.
Once again, waxing after your vehicle is recently repaired might be problematic. Instead, you should avoid waxing for the first 90 days, giving the paint time to dry and harden.
Avoid trees and debris whenever possible
Sometimes parking outside is inevitable, and in these cases you’ll likely find leaves, sticks, tree sap, bird droppings and other debris on your windshield or your vehicle itself. Not only does it look unappealing, but it can be damaging to your fresh paint job.
Whenever possible, you should try to avoid parking your repainted car under a tree. But if you have no alternatives, you could try to get a cover for your car.
Also avoid gravel
Much like trees, loose surfaces and rocks, including gravel and recently repaved roads, can easily damage a new paint job.
Driving over these materials can kick up stones which can chip the paint at the bottom of your vehicle.
While it is not always practical to avoid these roads, you should proceed with caution when driving on one to avoid unnecessary damage to your new paint job.
Try to keep your car out of heat
Everyone knows the feeling of a scorching summer day and it can be just the same for your newly painted car.
The ultraviolet rays of the sun can fade your car’s paint job, making it look older than it appears. This is especially the case during Sydney’s hotter days.
Extreme temperatures can damage the paint on your car within the first 30 days of application. It’s often good to wait until the worst of summer has passed before trying to get your car paint repaired.
While the reverse can also technically be true, Sydneysiders won’t have to deal with the extreme cold damaging their cars, as snow is unlikely to be leaving a mark on your car!
Restoring your vehicle
Scratches and swirls can make your vehicle’s paint look dull and rough. The most effective method to rejuvenate your car’s paint is a buff and polish.
Bumpertek can help! We use high-quality products to remove the roughness and reveal the gloss of your car’s paint.