Bird Droppings

Bird droppings are a common annoyance for many car owners. However, it’s important to be aware that bird droppings are not just irritating – they’re also highly corrosive. Droppings that are allowed to sit will eventually eat away your car’s paint, so be sure to wash them off immediately.

Sunlight Exposure

Much like your skin, your car’s paint job is at risk whenever it’s exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays for long periods of time. If you don’t have access to a garage, park in the shade whenever possible or invest in a car cover. Frequent washes can also bolster your vehicle’s paint.

Infrequent Washes

Speaking of frequent washes, infrequent washes are another primary cause of auto paint damage. Your car is exposed to the elements on a daily basis, not just sunlight or bird poop. Rain is acidic, dust and other air pollutants are abrasive, and other car fluids like gasoline or oil can be corrosive as well. A regular car wash will remove these harmful substances from your car’s surface.

Low-Quality Cleaners

The products you use to clean your car, both chemicals and cloths, can actually end up doing you more harm than good. Cheap, generic chemicals or household cleaners like dish soap may help your car look clean, but over time, the use of those products can damage your paint. Always use high-quality cleaning solutions specifically made for cars.

Dirty Washcloths

Likewise, if you’re using the best cleaner on the market but you’re using a dusty washcloth, you could still do damage to your vehicle’s paint. Dust and dirt particles in a filthy cloth can cause tiny scratches in the paint.