Paint not only makes a car look appealing but at the same time, it acts as a protective layer between the elements and the metallic surfaces. Over time, car paint breaks down as it oxidizes or loses its sheen no thanks to excessive sun exposure.

The outcome is that the paint’s protective nature is lost as well and the car starts to rust all over its surfaces. Then the car simply loses its value even if its electrical or mechanical systems are in pristine condition. The solution, in this stage, is to simply repaint the entire car professionally – which is very expensive.

This scenario could have been avoided if you took better care of your car’s paint. If you are still sticking around, simply follow the tips mentioned below in a bid to protect your car’s paint.

One of the best ways to protect your car’s paint is to use a cover

A simple way to protect the paint and clear coat of your car is to use a car cover. Even if your car is parked under shade or within a covered garage, use a car cover as dust particles, on a microscopic level, are abrasive. Over time, your car’s painted surfaces and the clear coat will develop spiral scratches, and the overall sheen of the surfaces will be lost as well. All of this can be avoided by simply using a car cover every time you park your car.

Wash the car every Sunday – it’s that simple!

We all lead busy lives. And keeping a balance between work and life is pretty tough these days. Most of us try to give ourselves and our loved ones some time on the weekends which is why we often procrastinate when it comes to washing our cars. Try to avoid this. Every Sunday, keep a few hours free in your schedule and use that time to clean your car’s interior, engine bay, undercarriage, and its external surfaces.

On this note, please remember that you need to use mild hair shampoo to wash your car and not detergent. Detergent has abrasive particles infused in them which would further damage the overall paint and clear coat of your car.

Don’t forget to dry the car after washing it

So you have properly washed your car, vacuumed the interiors, cleaned the engine bay, and even tried your best to clean the undercarriage of your car. But you chose not to dry your car - a very bad idea!

You see, water has infused minerals in it and if you let it air dry, unsightly marks will be left all over the car. Additionally, water has a habit of setting the motion for rusting on every nook and cranny of a car. Hence, the best thing you can do for your car and your pockets is to dry the recently washed car with a microfiber cloth. The result will be a shiny car minus the ugly watermarks.

A clean car looks cool and will last long

The car is yours and the way you take care of it depends on you. We all know that maintaining a car is pretty hectic especially if you do it by yourself. On the other hand, letting professionals wash and wax your car costs a lot of money.

But bear this in mind – a properly maintained car will retain its value for decades. Additionally, a properly maintained car will be free from rust and won’t compel you to spend a lot of money on new parts as well as body panels. Understand?