Paint is one of the most important components to a car. It protects your vehicle from corrosion and rust, making it last longer than necessary. But paint can be damaged by many things, including bugs, tree sap, bird droppings, salt water and more! Read this post for 8 things that may damage your car paint.

1. Acid Rain

Acid rain can corrode the look of your car’s paint. The acidity level in the water, along with exposure to carbon dioxide and sulfur, combine to eat at your car’s exterior coatings. If your vehicle is parked under a large tree or next to an industrial plant, it’s particularly vulnerable to this kind of damage.

2. Bird Droppings

Bird droppings contain both uric acid and ammonia–two very abrasive substances that can damage your car’s paint job if not removed immediately. Make sure you clean off dried bird droppings as soon as possible. Never use water to wash away the mess, however; wipe it down with a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cloth first.

3. Fertilizers and Weed Killers

Fertilizer can actually strip away your car’s waxing protection, leaving the surface exposed to the elements. Even though weeds may seem like an unsightly problem to have around your house, they’re better than having your paint job–and your car’s value–eroded away.

4. Industrial Fallout

Industrial fallout is the term used to describe contaminants that accumulate, or “fall out,” after being released into the atmosphere–usually from automobiles and aircraft emissions. These materials may consist of nitrates, sulfates, acids, oil, dust, soot, and grime. They can leave an unsightly film on your car’s exterior, and also compromise the paint coat.

Learn more: A QUICK GUIDE TO FIXING CAR SCRATCHES

5. Tree Sap

Tree sap is highly acidic. When it dries, it leaves a residue that actually etches into the paint. It then oxidizes–turning black–and must be removed for your car’s finish to shine again. Also, keep your car’s exterior waxed and polished to help protect it from future damage.

6. Road Salt

Road salt causes oxidation on the parts of your car where it sticks, such as door handles and bumpers. If you live in an area that uses de-icing chemicals, make sure to wash your car at least once a week during the winter to prevent permanent damage.

7. Bug Spatter

Bug spatter is composed of both insect secretions and their decomposing bodies. It can be toxic if not removed in a timely fashion and leaves behind tiny pores in the paint coat that attract dust and dirt. Wash bugs spatter off quickly with soap and water if it lands on your car’s exterior.

8. Gasoline Spills

Gasoline is very corrosive, so it can cause serious damage to your car’s paint job if not removed soon after a spill. Wash up any gasoline that lands on the exterior of your car with dish soap and water, and make sure the area is completely dry before driving.

It’s important to keep your car clean on the outside, but it’s equally as important to take care of what’s on the inside. If you’re not careful, there are a number of things that can cause damage to your car paint. There are some common culprits such as bugs and bird droppings which can quickly stain your vehicle even if they’re just small specks. Don’t neglect cleaning these off because they’ll only get worse over time and then will require heavy-duty scrubbing or even professional help like a Car Protection Film in Atlanta.

Joseph Norton