One of the first things you should learn after owning a vehicle is how to properly take care of it from the inside out. According to car body painting experts, neglecting to maintain your vehicle’s paint job can have a negative impact on its value. Below, they offer some tips to help you keep your paint job looking new.

How to Properly Wash Your Car

Your first line of defense in keeping your car’s paint looking new is proper washing. Using the wrong detergent or cleaning tool can strip the wax off your vehicle and dull it quickly. When washing your car, use your hand to lather it with soap. Using a brush may cause fine hairline scratches that can damage the finish. You should also use a non-detergent-based cleaner and a conditioner that will keep it looking shiny and new. Don’t forget to dry your car completely after every wash to prevent mineral deposits or hard water spots from building up on the exterior.

What Maintenance Measures Should I Take?

Aside from properly washing your car, you should also wax your car at least twice a year: once during summer and once during spring. Aside from giving your vehicle a noticeable gloss, the wax will also serve as a barrier against scratches. The clear layer of wax will take most of the environmental abuse, keeping the paint protected. If you want even more lasting protection, you should invest on a good quality color sealant to use in combination with your favorite brand of wax.

What to Do If Your Paint Is Still Dull

If your car’s paint still looks dull even after washing and waxing, you might want to drive to a certified auto repair shop that specializes in car body painting to check whether the paint has already oxidized. If the paint is far too dull to restore, you should consider giving it a fresh coat of paint for a brand-new look. Most mechanics are against stripping a car’s original paint because it devalues the vehicle, so you should explore all of the options available before choosing to go for a new paint job.

Car care needs not be expensive. Washing your vehicle regularly and performing proper maintenance measures can keep it in tip-top shape. Does your car need work? Valiante Auto Body Shop is one of the leading car body painting and auto repair shops in Norwalk, CT. Call (203) 847-3043 or visit their website to learn about their full range of services.