Your car is an investment, and you probably want to maintain its appearance for as long as possible. Scratches are one of the main reasons many people seek out car painting services. While this will help your vehicle look like new, it’s best to avoid scratches altogether. Here are a few ways to protect your car’s body.

How to Protect Your Car's Body From Scratches

1. Keep Covered or in a Garage

The elements can cause major damage to your vehicle’s paint. If you have a garage, keep your car parked inside. However, if you don’t have one, keep your vehicle covered using a high-quality cloth. Avoid parking under a tree, where branches and fallen acorns can create dings and scratches.

2. Wash Properly

Always use a high-quality car cleaning formula to wash your exterior. Never use dishwashing detergent, which can damage your paint. Wash small spots at a time, and then rinse cleanly before continuing on. Leaving soap on the car can cause it to dry, leaving behind streaks and harming your paint. You should also never skip drying, as the minerals in water can enter the paint’s coating and cause light scratches. 

3. Drive Cautiously

Defensive driving won’t just keep you safe; driving the speed limit and keeping a safe distance from other cars will help prevent scratches from occurring. Slow down before driving over speed bumps, and avoid driving too close to curbs.

4. Park Farther Away

Shopping carts are a major cause of scratches, dings, and dents on cars. When parking at a shopping center or busy area, park farther away. These locations are less dense than spots close to the store. Your car will be less likely to get hit by a wayward shopping cart or another shopper opening their door and hitting yours. Any scratches on your car’s painting, however minor, should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent rust.

For top-notch car painting services that will leave your vehicle looking like new, speak with the experts at Crone’s Auto Body in Covington, KY. This auto body shop offers frame straightening, car painting, and dent repairs. Call (859) 356-1800 today to speak with a friendly representative, or visit them online to learn more about their services.