What is car paint oxidation and how to prevent it
When it comes to performing car
maintenance, it takes more than just a routine oil change to keep your car
looking and performing its best. The appearance of your vehicle is one of the
first things people notice, so your car maintenance should involve preventative
measures against things like car paint oxidation and surface damage.
Aside from affecting its value, the paint job is one of the most noticeable signs of wear and tear on a vehicle. Over time, natural elements take a toll on your car's paint job, which can leave it looking run-down even if your car is still fairly new.
If you don't take action to preserve your car's natural lustre, it can quickly lose its brilliant shine for good. In this article, we'll go over some of the ways to prevent oxidation from occurring and prolong the life of your car's paint.
Oxidation is a naturally occurring process that takes place on an atomic level. In relation to your car, it occurs when heat and oxygen combine and break down the paint's molecular structure, causing uneven markings, swirls and peeling of the paint.
When you combine this chemical reaction with heavy exposure to UV rays from the sun, the unfortunate result is rapid oxidation on your car's surface. While oxidation occurs on most objects exposed to the elements, oxidation on your car results in the form of dull, faded paint that appears "cloudy". Most factory car paint is formulated to last 6-8 years, although Australia's harsh climate and strong UV rays can shorten this timeline.
The good news about car paint oxidation is
that it can be prevented with regular maintenance. Oxidation is a natural
process that will occur regardless, but taking preventative measures will
ensure that it takes a much longer time before you can visibly see the effects
of oxidation on your car paint. Let's take a look at some of the best ways to
prevent car paint oxidation:
1. Apply a clear coat
One of the best and easiest ways to prevent
oxidation from occurring on your car is by making sure your car's paint job is
protected with a clear coat. When oxidation occurs on this outer protective
layer, it won't discolour your car's paint job.
Clear coating was at one point in time,
only applied to luxury vehicles since it was a fairly new, thus expensive
invention. Today, however, just about every vehicle that is manufactured comes
with a clear coat layer as part of the stock paint job. Newer vehicles tend to
have a better formulated clear coat that lasts and protects the paint much
longer.
If you have an older vehicle that was
manufactured before the 1980s (such as a vintage car), then you may need to
apply a clear coat to keep it protected. One of the best ways to avoid
oxidation in older vehicles is to bring your car to a paint shop and have them
apply this protective clear coating for you.
2. Wash your car frequently
If you don't wash your car on a regular
basis, things like leaves, bird droppings, insect etchings and other debris
will settle on your car, leading to car paint damage. If you want to avoid
this, aim to wash your car at least once every two or three weeks.
Most car enthusiasts agree that handwashing
your car, or having it washed by a professional is the best way to go about
keeping your vehicle clean. Though commercial car washes are convenient, they
tend to use harsh detergents and can damage your car's paint.
3. Dry and wax your car
After you wash your car, avoid letting the
water sit on the car's surface. Doing so will speed up the oxidation process. Be
sure to dry your car using a soft detailing or microfibre towel. To further
prevent any oxidation from occurring, apply a layer of wax right after drying.
Wax will need to be applied once a month in
order to remain effective, but once applied it provides a thin layer of
protection against dirt, debris and UV rays. Most car owners will keep their
car undercover for added protection.
Waxing and polishing is important, but
there are other options available for both old and new cars. Non-abrasive
acrylic paint conditioner, paint protection film and ceramic
paint protection are just a few examples of preventative solutions
that will ensure your car not only look its best, but is protected from the
effects of paint deterioration for many years longer.
4. Protect your car from the
elements
Since the sun is largely responsible for
causing car paint oxidation, one of the best ways to avoid oxidation in the
first place is to keep it covered. Park your vehicle in a garage or invest in a
car coverslip, which is made of special protective materials and will protect
your vehicle from rain, direct sunlight and debris. Remember, if you keep your
car locked in the garage during summer, make sure it is well-ventilated and
protected from leaks, since humidity can accelerate the oxidation process.
5. Invest in ceramic paint
coating
Many car owners choose to take their car
paint maintenance a step further by having ceramic paint coating applied to
their vehicle. Unlike wax or sealants, ceramic paint coating provides extra
heavy-duty protection for your paint, since it chemically bonds with your
vehicle's factory paint.
Ceramic paint coating is a semi-permanent
coating that only needs to be reapplied once or twice a year.
Diamond Plate's ceramic paint coating is among the highest quality
paint protection on the market and is proven to last 7 years or more.
Although oxidation is a natural process, without adequate preventative measures it can undermine the value of your car. Diamond Plate's ceramic paint coating is the best solution for car owners who want the highest degree of protection and an ultra-glossy, luxurious, easy-to-maintain finish. If you'd like more information about how to keep your car protected, you can chat to a member of our Diamond Plate team on 1300 088 883or send an enquiry through our contact form.