Repainting can restore your vehicle to its former condition after an accident. It can also spruce up the appearance of your car if the paint is looking a little faded. In order to get the most out of your new paint job, you must care for it correctly. Here are a few things you can do.
Avoid Rough Roads
It usually takes about 60 days for new paint to cure, meaning to harden. Until the paint fully cures, your vehicle will be more susceptible to scratches and other defects. This is especially true when driving on gravel, as your tires can kick up tiny pebbles and throw them into your vehicle as you drive. Avoid unpaved roads whenever you can and drive slowly if you end up on one unexpectedly.
Wait Before Washing Your Vehicle
You must also wait at least 60 days before washing your vehicle. It’s possible for brushes and cloths to create defects in paint if it hasn’t fully hardened, which will ruin its brand-new sheen. Your new paint job should be fully prepared for washing in about two months, but you may want to hand-wash it or use a touchless washing facility just to be safe.
Park in a Covered Area
Garages offer the most protection to your vehicle, so park there if you have one at your home. If you lack a garage or carport at your home, consider investing in a vehicle cover to protect the new paint. In addition to other threats, a cover will keep your clear coat from being faded by the sun. You should also avoid parking under trees to keep yourself protected from sap and bird droppings.
Establish a Waxing Schedule
While you must wait at least 60 days, a regular waxing schedule will preserve your vehicle’s pristine new paint job. Once a sufficient amount of time has passed, waxing every three months ensures your vehicle has a protective exterior coat to keep scratches and discoloration at bay.
Based in Las Cruces and proudly serving customers for years, ABC Paint & Body is happy to pass along our expertise to you. Our ASE-certified technicians perform fast and efficient collision repair, including precise paint matching. We also make sure that our customers leave armed with the right information to preserve their paint for as long as possible.
Call (575) 524-2004 today to schedule an appointment. You can also contact us for more information before getting started.
