After raising seven children through their teenage years, I've had my fair share of experiences with selling used cars that have body damage. As a child saved up to buy a newer car, I was relied on to find a way to sell their old one for the most money possible. I have learned that fixing small dents and other aesthetic issues with your vehicle is a great way to significantly increase the sales price you ask when you put it on the market. But not all dents are worth paying to have fixed because it won't affect the value much. Whether you are just trying to make the money back that you've put into your vehicle or you're trying to make a profit, hopefully the pages on this website will give you some insight into what's worth putting your time and effort into fixing and what's best left untouched.
Winter weather is hard on your car's paint whether you live in a snowy area or one that gets a lot of winter rain. If you must park your car outdoors, then you are likely to have more difficulty in keeping your paint looking new.
However, there are certain things you can do to protect your car's exterior during long periods of poor weather conditions. Here are some ways that you can protect your car's paint so that it continues to look good throughout the season.
Clear Off Snow
Don't let a large amount of snow sit on your car for long periods of time. Melting snow and grime can adversely affect your paint job. Use a gloved hand or gentle brush to clear off snow from flat surfaces.
Wipe Off Salts
Whenever possible, wash off corrosive road salts with warm water. You can also have a protective film professionally placed over your paint job to protect it from corrosion.
Clean Your Wheels
Your wheels pick up a great deal of sludge, salt, and road grime, so don't neglect brushing and cleaning your wheels, especially if you have expensive custom rims.
Wash Your Car Carefully
Washing your car often during the winter months is a great way to keep the paint looking great. However, don't wash your car when the air temperature is below freezing, and be sure to use gentle soaps and washing implements. Whenever you wash your car, make sure you dry it thoroughly so that moisture won't freeze to your paint.
Wax Your Car
Wax does wonders for protecting your car's paint. A good coat of wax will cause water to bead off the paint rather than sinking through to the metal and contributing to rust. A good time to wax your car is before the winter season, or at least before you get a lot of rain or snow.
Invest in a Good Cover
If you must park your car outdoors, then you should get a good quality cover. Make sure the cover is completely waterproof and resists condensation. Ideally, this cover will have a soft underside so that your paint won't get scratched.
All of the above requires a lot of diligence and forethought to keep your paint looking good. However, if you have an older car, or you cannot keep up with a routine, then your paint may be damaged by winter road salts, rain water, and grime. When this happens, bring your car to an auto body shop and see what kinds of restoration options are available. Do not wait too long because the more your car's paint fades or becomes damaged, the harder it is to bring it back into good condition.
Contact a company like Prime Body & Paint for more information.
Share5 December 2019
