178 West Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801

Beware the Hazards that Can Damage Your Car’s Paint Finish

February 25, 2021

Your car is out there…exposed to nature’s elements and those used by your fellow neighbors that can permanently damage your car’s paint. Being aware of them can help you avoid expensive damage to your car’s appearance.

  1. Brake fluid: Generally, this refers to older types of brake fluid, which are caustic can act like paint thinner and cause the outer layer to peel.
  2. Coffee and soda: These drinks have high acidity levels that can eat away at the protective layer of paint and begin the corrosion process — and leave a sticky residue.
  3. Bird poop: The droppings can leave a permanent mark on the outside of a vehicle because they are acidic and, when baked on under the sun, they harden onto the paint.
  4. Gasoline: Gas that overflows or drips onto the body of the car can stain. The gasoline evaporates, but it can leave marks behind and damage the clear coat.
  5. Bugs: Insects are another common culprit. Similar to bird droppings, insect body fluid can be highly acidic and dissolve your paint.
  6. Tree Sap: Another natural element that can surprisingly eat away at your car paint is tree sap. Over time, sap can eat away at your paint’s clear coat and cause staining and discoloration. If it’s hot outside, this process can be accelerated.
  7. Halloween Hijinks: Throwing Silly String, eggs and shaving cream may seem like harmless pranks, but all can do damage to your car’s exterior.

At Al's One Stop Auto, we understand that any one of a number of factors can make you decide to have your car repainted. Not only will your car look like new, its exterior durability can be significantly enhanced, which can add to its residual or resale value.  Count on our experts for the highest quality autobody repairs, along with the exceptional customer service you expect and deserve. For more information, give us a call today.