QuestionQUESTION: My car is usually exposed to sunlight in the mornings.
With the exposure, what extent of damage will it do to the paint if there are any? Hope you can give me the do's and don't on maintaining the paint. Thanks for your help.
ANSWER: Hi Mike!....Depending on what type of paint is on your vehicle, whether it is a single stage paint, which is one that has the color pigment, binders, and gloss in a combined layer, a 2 stage paint, which has the color pigment and binders in the base coat, and the clear only on the top coat, or a 3 or Tri-stage paint, which has the color pigment and binders in the base coat, a mid coat containing a variation of colors and pearl, and the clear for the top coat, sunlight, as well as other types of weather, will affect the single stage paint differently from the 2 or 3 stage paint to varying degrees...Quality of the paint is also a determining factor...As far as washing goes, it is best to hand wash...Use a soap designed for vehicle paint, and not dish soap...Dish soap is much too harsh...Also, stay away from the automatic car washes...The bristles are pretty much the same as dragging a broom over your vehicle...I would also recommend using a good quality wax 2 or 3 times a year...This should be applied right after the vehicle has been thouroughly washed and dried...If you encounter tree sap on your vehicle, this can be removed by using Methyl Hydrate...But be sure not to leave it on too long, as even this will dull the top coat...After using the Methyl Hydrate, if need be...I would recommend re-washing the vehicle, and re-applying a quality wax...You also might consider checking out a local Detail buisness, if there is one available in your area...Drop me a line if you have any more questions...Thanks....Dave
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The paint is still the original from the factory. What is its
classification. Also, thinking of using car cover. Any recommendations?
Thanks again for the assistance.
AnswerHi Again Mike!....The type of paint is dependent on the year, make, and model of the vehicle...You can check out your local Dealership, and see if they can shed some light on this for you...As for the car cover, spend the extra money and purchase a high quality one...They protect and fit better, and are breathable...The cheaper ones usually don't have any of these qualities...Thanks...Dave
