Environmental pollution, not to mention fallout from birds, will take its toll on your
car's finish. The best way to protect the finish is to keep it clean. This is especially
true during the winter months in the snow belt where salt is used to keep the roads clear.
While today's cars have very durable finishes, they are susceptible to prolonged exposure
to corrosives. I have seen new cars sitting in a dealers lot for two or three months that
had to be refinished because the paint became etched from bird droppings.
If you have retractable headlights, make sure you clean them regularly. They are often
overlooked when having your car washed.
A car wash will keep your car clean with a minimum of time and effort. The brushes they
use are safer on a car's finish than they used to be and many are brushless. I don't ask
for wax at car washes because it may coat the windshield and cause the wipers to streak,
but then I hand-wax my car twice a year. If you decide to wash the car yourself, use
products that are safe for car finishes.
Notice: The information on this site is
not intended as a substitute for the advice of a professional who is
qualified to examine, diagnose and repair your vehicle.
