Even a small paint chip can mar an otherwise pristine auto body. But paint isn't just a decoration to make your vehicle look its best; it also provides a critical layer of protection that shields a car from harsh weather and rust. Avoiding the common causes of paint chips will help ensure your vehicle remains in top condition. Here are a few causes of these blemishes.

Why Your Car’s Paint Might Chip

1. Environmental Factors

There are several potentially damaging environmental factors that a vehicle might encounter. Rain and freezing rain, snow, hail, and ice all contain moisture, as well as tiny dirt particles, that can chip vehicle paint. Prolonged exposure to the sun can make paint dry out, bubble, and flake off.

Bird droppings contain acids and bits of undigested food that will scratch and pull off paint. Salt and dirt from the roads can easily get churned up by car wheels and chip paint. Fallen twigs or branches are another common cause.

2. Accidents

Car accidents often remove paint from a vehicle's surface. The accident doesn't need to be serious to do damage. Sometimes, all it takes is opening a door and tapping another vehicle or a nearby object. A more forceful collision can not only chip the top layer, but it can also penetrate and destroy the layers underneath.

3. Chemicals

Always use car-cleaning products with care and caution. Many of them contain harsh chemicals that are excellent at removing caked-on debris but are too abrasive and can lift off portions of auto body paint. When in doubt, wash your car with water and a bit of mild dish soap, and only use a natural sponge or car-friendly wash mitt for scrubbing.

If the paint on your car has chipped, the auto body professionals at Whitesell Service Inc. in Waynesboro, VA, can fix the problem. Since 1949, they’ve been serving customers throughout the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. In addition to painting, they provide collision repair, brake service, and routine vehicle maintenance. Schedule an appointment today by calling (540) 943-3361 or visiting them online.