There’s plenty to love about the summer, from taking trips to simply enjoying the warm sunny weather. However, all that sun can be harmful to your car’s paint. To reduce the chance that you’ll need an auto body shop for painting services, follow these tips. 

How to Protect Your Car’s Paint From the Summer Sun

1. Wash It Often

Dirt, grime, pollen, and other contaminants can settle onto your car’s exterior. When this happens, it’s easy for them to erode small areas of the paint. Not only can they be eyesores on their own, but they also make it easy for the sun to spread the damage, making the paint chip and peel.

To get around this, wash your car often. Once every two weeks is enough, but you may need to increase the frequency if your vehicle gets dirty more frequently—such as if you drive on dirt roads or park under trees that drip sap.

2. Hand Dry 

Don’t rely on the warm sun to do the drying for you. You should always wipe down the remaining water on the car with a clean, cotton cloth to make sure there are no droplets or streaks left behind.

Water carries many minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. When left on your vehicle’s paint, they can cause it to bubble up and eventually begin to peel, landing you in the auto body shop for detailing work.

3. Wax After Washing 

After washing and drying the car, don’t neglect the final step. Waxing is about more than just giving the vehicle a beautiful shine that glistens in the summer sun.

It can also form a protective barrier to guard the paint against UV rays. Even a thin coat of wax can be enough to stop the sun from causing the color to fade.

When you need an auto body shop to paint your vehicle, choose Mike Smith’s Automotive Collision Center in Dothan, AL. This I-Car® and ASE®-certified garage has experienced technicians who can handle any car damage to make a vehicle look good as new. Whether you’ve been in a collision or your paint has minor damage, they can help—visit them online or call (334) 792-0446.