You might think you’re taking great care of your car’s exterior, but there are many environmental elements that can surprisingly ruin your vehicle’s paint job. The automotive experts at C & H Body & Fender in Honolulu, HI, recommend washing any of these items off of your car if you find them sitting on your hood or roof. Prevent a trip to your local auto body shop for a new automotive paint job by keeping your eye out for these paint stripping elements.

Auto Body Shop Details 3 Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car’s Paint

1. Not Cleaning Off Road Salt

During the colder months, road salt is used to improve traction when the roads are slippery from ice and snow. Even in Honolulu, this can be a problem for those who take a drive up into the mountains to enjoy a day of sledding. Road salt is corrosive and will strip the paint from the bottom of your car, causing the area to rust. To prevent this, rinse it off with a hose and hand wash the area after each trek through the snow.  

2. Letting Your Spilled Coffee Sit Too Long

It’s not uncommon to leave a coffee or soda on our car’s roof only to drive away so that it spills all over the roof and siding. Since coffee and soda both contain acids, they’ll eat away at your car’s paint if they aren’t cleaned up right away. The same goes for spilling a snack or your dinner leftovers on your hood, as fish, dairy, and many fruits contain corrosive ingredients. As soon as you realize you’ve spilled food or your drink on your car, rinse it off with water and wipe it down to prevent damage.

3. Ignoring Dead Bugs & Insects

When bugs and insects get in the way of your car when you’re on the road, they usually end up splattered on your windshield. It’s when they end up on your car’s painted surface that they become problematic, as they contain acid that will start to corrode your car’s paint if left too long. When you discover any bugs on your car, use soap and water to remove it as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the paint.

If it’s too late and you notice damage to your vehicle’s paint job, it might be time to look into bringing it to an auto body shop. As a reputable member of the Honolulu community, the team at C & H Body & Fender has been servicing cars in the area for over 30 years. Not only do they offer automotive body paint jobs, but they also provide collision repair, dent removal, and more. To learn more about their services or to schedule your appointment, call them at (808) 841-3618 or visit their website now.