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Taking care of your vehicle’s body involves regular washing as well as periodic auto painting to touch up spots at an auto body shop. If your car got a fresh coat of paint recently, you should be cautious about how you wash it, so you avoid scratches and streaks. Below are a few do’s and don’ts of maintaining your new car exterior.

Do:

Wash it by hand.

Avoid the car wash for at least three months since these locations use stiff brushes that can scratch your new auto paint. New coats need time to dry and harden, and going too soon will increase the chances of damage. Instead, handwash your car with a mild solution, soft cloth or sponge, and clean water.

Thoroughly dry the surface.

Once clean, dry the car thoroughly with a soft cloth. Letting the car air dry leaves watermarks and spots that may not come off. Also, avoid washing and drying in high heat and direct sun, as this allows the surface to dry too quickly. Opt for a shady spot instead.

Follow the curves.

Clean your car by following its natural curves and contours. Don’t rub in a circle as this will result in scratches extending out like a cobweb. Work the soap from top to bottom so that dirt filters downward and not on already cleaned sections.

Don’t:

auto paintingWax or polish right away.

Let the paint set and fully dry for three months before waxing or polishing. Doing this too early can damage a fresh coat of paint. It can also discolor the shade.

Wipe the car while it’s dry.

If you notice dust or debris on your car, do not wipe it off with a dry cloth or brush. The dirt is abrasive, and a dry wipe will scratch the surface, especially on new paint that is still curing.

Wash right away.

After a drive, avoid the temptation to wash it right away. The heat from your car’s engine acts similarly to the hot sun, meaning the soap and water will dry too quickly and will leave unsightly watermarks and soap deposits on the surface.

 

If you are looking for quality auto painting in Boone County, MO, contact Schneider Auto Body. Located in Columbia, the family-owned auto body shop offers highly trained mechanics and efficient, friendly services for every job. Since 1989, their auto repair location has been a top choice in collision repair, guaranteeing to restore your ride to its beautiful original state. Call (573) 815-0198 to make an appointment or visit their website for a full list of their offerings.

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