Purchasing a shiny, new car is a great feeling; it gives us something to look forward to each time we leave our home and speed off to a new destination. But that feeling can diminish quickly when you realize that your perfect new-car paint job is dulling or deteriorating in the least. Internal vehicular care is important, but many underestimate the importance of the exterior of your car. This is especially true for high-end vehicles like Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche whose value decreases significantly with a less-than-impressive paint job. It’s true: the value of your car is somewhat dependent upon the exterior paint job alone—after all, it IS the first thing the eye is drawn to. Looks aren’t everything, but it’s important to do what’s necessary to maintain your car’s paint job for years to come. Here are a few tips on how to effectively keep your paint shiny and new:
NOT ALL CLEANING PRODUCTS ARE UNIVERSAL
Cheap solutions aren’t always the best, or most effective. When you are considering what cleaning products to use on your Jaguar or Porsche, it isn’t a decision you should take lightly, and using the dish soap on your counter isn’t exactly the best idea. Finding the right cleaning products for your specific paint job is critical, as not all types of paint respond well to the various cleaning and waxing materials out there. If you aren’t sure what cleaning products will work best for your vehicle, you can get in touch with a trusted automotive shop that can help find some solutions, or you can contact your manufacturer directly. You won’t regret taking the precautionary steps to ensure that you find a product that won’t strip the shine right out of your paint job.
STAY AWAY FROM QUICK CAR WASHES
The convenience of drive through car washes cannot go overlooked—you’re in and out in a matter of minutes. But beware: anything that seems too good to be true usually is. Those quick car washes harbor dirt and dust in their recycled water and giant sponges. So, basically they finely scrub dirt into your paint job, etching and damaging it very quickly. This is one way to surely get the shine out of your paint job, and it usually only costs five bucks. It seems like a pain, but if you own a high-end, luxury vehicle, your best bet is to either master the art of car washing yourself or take it to a specialist who knows how to maintain paint in an expert fashion; no shortcuts. This brings us to our next point.
CLEAN YOUR CAR AS OFTEN AS NEEDED
Because you should wash your car regularly, it may not be cost-effective to bring your car to the shop every time you need a cleaning—that can add up pretty quickly. For routine maintenance purposes, cleaning your car yourself should work just fine. It’s most important that you find the right materials to do so. You can gauge how often you’ll need a wash based on the level of dust and dirt the exterior accumulates on an average basis, on your normal driving routes. For instance, cars that experience dusty roads will need more frequent washing. Consult your automotive specialist for more information about the right cleaning products to use for your specific car.
KEEP IT COVERED
One of the first things that car insurance companies ask you is if you keep your car parked in a garage. These companies want to know that you practice good habits for storing and protecting your vehicle from weather conditions. Keeping your car parked under a car port or in a garage is one of the best ways to keep your car cleaner longer and out of damaging UV rays that can quickly dull paint.
OUR APPROACH TO MAINTENANCE
Foreign Affairs European Automotive Shop, has been providing the West Palm Beach, Miami, Hialeah, FL areas with exceptional customer service and automotive care for over 35 years. We have built a reputation for our integral approach to running an automotive business, which is rare in the industry. Our expertise in European luxury vehicles combined with our attentive staff is how we have kept our clients’ loyalty for decades; in fact, we continue to serve multiple generations of the same families in our community. If you would like help maintaining your vehicle’s paint, we can offer more tips for specialized exterior care. We are also skilled at fixing imperfections like dents and scratches without costing a fortune, and restoring your vehicle to its original glory. Contact us today to speak with a friendly staff member or schedule an appointment. We look forward to establishing a happy business relationship with you for years to come.
