There’s nothing quite like a shiny, unblemished automotive paint job on the exterior of a vehicle, but it takes a lot of work to keep it that way. Airport Paint & Body, serving Northern Kentucky, performs many automotive paint repairs that could have been easily avoided. They’re here with a list of some of the most common causes of auto paint damage that you might not know about. 

5 Things That Will Damage Car Paint

1. Bugs 

It might seem like no big deal to leave those bugs on your vehicle’s bumper and hood until you have the time to wash your car, but doing so can severely damage its paint job. Once they harden, they can be difficult to scrub off, often taking little chips of paint with them when they go. 

2. Coffee 

Do you put your coffee cup on the roof of your car each morning while you open the door? If so, be sure that any coffee spots or spills are wiped away immediately. Coffee is a highly acidic beverage that can quickly eat away at your automotive paint. 

3. Bird Droppings

​​​​​​​Much like the bugs on your bumper, bird droppings can quickly create an issue with your automotive paint. They often contain acidic compounds and other enzymes that will stain or crack your car’s exterior unless removed immediately. 

​​​​​​​4. Messages Scrawled in Dust

Using your finger to scribble a message on the exterior of your vehicle might seem like a good gag at the time, but don’t be surprised if it has permanent results. The dirt on your car’s exterior acts like sandpaper against the paint, so you should never write messages in it. Keep your vehicle clean to prevent pranksters from doing the same. 

​​​​​​​5. Sprinkler Systems

Parking your car next to a sprinkler system is never a good idea; those droplets of water will eventually leave damaging minerals on your car’s exterior once they dry. The same thing can happen from a rainstorm, so try to avoid these scenarios by parking in a covered area or wiping your car down. 

By following the suggestions above, you’ll ensure your car’s paint job remains well protected. For more helpful tips, contact the professionals from Airport Paint & Body today at (859) 441-5000. You can also visit them online for a complete list of their auto detailing and collision repair services.