Panel Beaters Auckland – Car Paint Repair
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your vehicle looking its best is to keep its paintwork maintained well. Over time, unfortunately, our cars tend to accumulate a range of small scratches, chips, and dents. By staying on top of these touch-ups and by going for a car paint repair. You not only keep your vehicle looking its best, but you also minimise further damage. Even the most minor paint chip can easily become a bigger problem if left unattended.
What causes vehicle paint to chip?
Because we use our vehicles in a range of circumstances and climates, and they are often left outside vulnerable to accidents and the elements. There are a number of things that cause vehicle paint to chip. These include:
- collisions or accidents
- following other cars too closely
- driving on gravel or unsealed roads
- general wear and tear
- using the wrong cleaning products
- using harsh brushes or scrapers to clean your car of frost or ice
- poor paint jobs
What can you do to prevent paint on your car from chipping?
Like a lot of other problems or issues, prevention is the best action. Here are a few ideas to help you avoid having your vehicle’s paint chipping:
Don’t park too close to other vehicles
We do many car paint touch ups that are needed because drivers have had car doors opened into the side of their vehicle. Always opt for a parking spot on the end of a row if you can. Even better, park on the passenger side of a vehicle. (There will always be a driver opening the driver’s side door, but there isn’t always a passenger).
Don’t park near trolley returns
When you park at the supermarket, stay away from the trolley return bays. Even if shoppers return their trolleys properly. There is always a phantom trolley that escapes and heads straight for the nearby parked cars.
Don’t park under trees
One of the worst things for your car paint is bird droppings. So stay away from where they nest. Falling branches and sap also wreak havoc on your vehicle’s paint. Whenever possible, choose your parking spot carefully. And get a few extra steps in while you’re at it.
Slow down on gravel roads
Stone chips are common when you drive on gravel roads or unsealed roads. Just slow down a few kilometres per hour, and you’ll greatly minimise the chance of stone chips.
Don’t follow too closely
Keep a safe following distance from other vehicles. And you’ll stay clear of stones they kick up or debris they may be carrying on the back that may fly off and chip your paint.
Use mud flaps
If you regularly drive on unsealed roads, in rural areas, or in areas where you drive amongst utes or trucks that drop dirt or asphalt. Make sure you have mud flaps on your tyres to minimise debris kicking up and scratching your paint.
Keep your car covered
If you own a vehicle that you don’t use regularly, keep it covered. You can buy an inexpensive yet very functional protective cover or tarp at your local hardware or vehicles supplies store. Make sure you buy one specifically designed to cover vehicles. As it will have straps to keep it down and will have no attachments that can scratch your paint.
Use the correct cleaning products
If you wash your car, ute or truck yourself, make sure you use soaps and waxes specifically designed for your type of vehicle. If you take your vehicle to someone else to wash, check what they’re using. Make sure you see a label and that they’re not dispensing an unknown cleaning soap into another container.
Avoid harsh brushes or scrapers
When washing your car, a soft sponge or chamois cloth should be all you need. You may use a brush on your wheels. However, be extra careful around the painted lower sections of your vehicle and your rims. If you live in an area where you need to clear your vehicle of frost, snow or ice. Make sure you’re using a rubber scraper, not anything metal. Also, check your rubber scraper for any ridges or notches that can scrape your paint.
Have your vehicle checked after any and every accident or collision
Even if you think there is no visible damage or that the damage you can see is quite minor. We always recommend you bring your vehicle in for a good check over. We can make sure there is no hidden damage. And we can also advise on what paint chips or scratches need attention, so they don’t worsen.
Make sure professionals do any touch-up paintwork or car paint repair
It may be tempting to do a car paint repair job yourself. But we advise against it. At Mt Roskill Collision Centre, we have specialist tools to clean, buff, prepare, paint, polish and finish so the paint on your vehicle will last as long as possible.
The Mt Roskill Collision Centre promise
Our goal at Mt Roskill Collision Centre is to have everyone on New Zealand roads driving safely. We offer a lifetime guarantee on our car repairs from our panel beating and collision repair service centre in Mt Roskill, Auckland. Contact us online or call us on 0800 227 762 for a free quote or to book an appointment.
