Five Types of Car Paint Damage and How To Fix Them

Noticing paint damage on your vehicle can feel like the end of the world. Thankfully, you can easily repair many types of car paint damage, and you’ll rarely ever need a completely new paint job. Before you start searching for paint and body shops in Tucson, AZ, take a second to read and learn about each type of damage and how to fix the one your car has.

If you notice any signs of damage starting on your vehicle, call Formula 1 Collision Center. We have over 40 years of experience with collision repair and can make your vehicle shine like it’s brand-new.

How To Identify Paint Damage on Your Car

Identifying and addressing any damage to your car early is the best way to avoid spending thousands on repairs later. Here are the most common signs and causes of car paint damage to watch out for.

1. Swirls

Swirl marks usually happen during cleaning. Automatic car washes use rough brushes that can scratch your vehicle. They can also occur if you use dirty towels or tarps on your car.

Steaming your vehicle is a good way to clean it without damaging it. If you need to cover your car, use a protective vehicle cover instead of one covered in dirt and debris.

2. Paint Oxidation

You might hear people refer to this as sun damage. Oxidation is a chemical process that occurs when the sun’s UV rays react with heat and oxygen to break down paint. You can identify oxidation by looking for its characteristic white blotches.

3. Clear Coat Peeling

It can be challenging to distinguish between oxidation and peeling clear coat. Here’s how you can tell the difference.

Run your finger around the edge of the damage. Your clear coat is peeling if you see a clear bump or hardline around it. If it’s smooth but you don’t get the distinct separation, it’s oxidation.

4. Bird Dropping Damage

Bird poop can ruin your car’s paint because it contains high levels of a corrosive substance called uric acid that eats away at the protective clear coat. If you see bird poop on your car, clean it immediately because the longer you let it sit there, the more damage it’s doing.

5. Tree Sap Stains

Tree sap is another corrosive substance that can stain your vehicle. It’s not as corrosive as bird droppings, but if you leave it too long, it can do just as much damage.

Don’t Wait for That Paint Damage To Get Worse

Ugly and peeling paint can completely ruin your vehicle’s resale value. If you want to get the most money for your vehicle when you’re ready to sell it, you need a professional who can restore it using eco-friendly car paint.

If you’re still not sure about the different types of car paint damage and how to fix them, call the best paint and body shop in Tucson, AZ: Formula 1 Collision Center.

Don’t let rust and corrosion ruin your car any longer! Call 520-369-4291 today!