As a car owner, you want your car to stay clean and shiny for years to come. Car paint is very brittle and sensitive when it comes to the elements. If you leave debris, chips, dirt, or dent on your vehicle, it may cause car paint damage.

This will compromise the look of your car and can even cause more problems with the body along the line. To know what you should worry about, here are some things that can cost your car’s exterior.

1. Bird Droppings

Did you know that bird poop can damage car paint? Bird droppings can leave permanent car paint damage due to their acidic content. When the hot sun dries the droppings, it will harden and eat the paint away.

When you see bird droppings on your car, it’s best to act fast and clean it up. Use a damp towel and detergent to wipe the area without scrubbing. If hardened, leave the cleaner to dissolve the droppings before wiping away.

2. Tree Sap

Tree sap can slowly eat away and damage car paint. It takes away the paint’s clear coat, causing stains and discoloration. This sticky substance needs at least 30 seconds to sit in a cleaning solution or rubbing alcohol.

If the sap dries up with a tar-like consistency, it’s best to scrape it off with a blade. Keep the blade flat against the paint or windshield to avoid scratching the surface. Don’t forget to polish by using a rubbing compound or a clay bar.

3. Sun Damage

Do you leave your car outside protected with a full cover? If not, your vehicle may develop white blotchy spots. The best way to auto paint sun damage is by periodic washing and waxing.

4. Sprinklers

Parking near your lawn or garden seems nice, but it can be problematic if you have automatic sprinklers. The minerals in the water can leave behind a bond to your car’s paint. If you don’t want to get water spots, it’s best to park in your garage or elsewhere.

5. Gasoline

Whenever you refill your gas tank, you should avoid spilling gas onto your car paint. When the gas evaporates, it can leave a stain on your paint or clear coat. The stains can be nearly impossible to remove and clean up once it’s there on your car.

If you happen to spill some gas, grab a microfiber cloth and instant detailer. If not those, you can use water and mild soap to clean it off with scrubbing. Be sure to wax your car at least twice every year to protect your car paint’s finish.

Five Surprising Things That Will Cause Car Paint Damage

These things are easy to avoid if you know how to maintain, clean, and park your car in the right spot. Always watch out for these five factors that can cause car paint damage. Immediately wash them out with a soft cloth and mild soap.

Were you too late in cleaning any one of these factors off your car? Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries or need our services. Be sure to visit our other blog posts for more helpful guides for your car’s exterior and interior car.

Adverse weather accounts for 21% of vehicle accidents.

And with average snowfalls of up to 80 inches in some states, drivers in the United States need to be on guard against the dangers of snow, ice, and slick winter roads.

If you live within the 70% of United States roadways that get covered in snow during the winter, you’ll need to know how to stay safe while driving on icy roads. Keep reading. This guide will teach you the top safety tips for driving on ice and snow so that you can be confident while driving in icy road conditions.

1. Slow Down

The best strategy to stay safe while driving in icy road conditions is also the easiest: keep your speed under control.

Driving more slowly benefits you in multiple ways. You’ll have greater control if you hit an icy patch. And if you do end up in an accident, you will collide more gently, leading to fewer injuries and less damage to your car.

Get in the habit of giving yourself extra driving time in winter road conditions. But remember, slowing down doesn’t mean you’re safe in all conditions. In fact, if you’re driving on black ice, no speed is safe: you can lose control even at very slow speeds.

Use caution at all times in icy conditions, even when you’re taking the precaution of slowing down.

2. Give 10 Seconds of Space

When the roads are bare and dry, your brakes can handle quick stops. But when the roads are slick and cold, even your winter tires will struggle to find traction on icy pavement.

When driving in icy conditions, remember the Rule of 10. It takes 10 times longer to come to a stop on icy roads, so keep 10 seconds of space between yourself and other cars. No matter how fast you are driving, you should be able to count 10 full seconds between yourself and the car ahead of you.

3. Avoid Bridges (Or At Least Slow Down)

With cold winter air surrounding them above and below, Bridges and overpasses stay colder than roads. That’s why they freeze before the rest of the roads do.

If you’re driving in winter conditions, think ahead to the bridges and overpasses in your route. The best option is to chart an alternate route so that you can avoid them altogether.

If it’s impossible to avoid the bridges in your journey, approach them with extreme caution. They’re much more likely to be covered in ice, especially black ice. Slow down as much as possible and keep a generous amount of space between cars.

Stay Safe on Icy Roads

Knowing how to drive safely on icy roads can protect you from injuries and auto accidents. With these tips, you can tackle icy road conditions safely and confidently.

If you do find yourself with car damage from treacherous winter conditions, come by our shops throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania or contact us today. We offer state-of-the-art repair and insurance support.