Getting professional care is the best way to keep your vehicle looking its best. That means scheduling regular maintenance faithfully and addressing repair needs as soon as you notice them.
Be sure to get a complete repair order that lists all replaced parts. Your state may require this.
Paint
While a professional detailer is the best way to remove scratches and chips, car owners can keep their vehicles looking good with some at-home maintenance. Paint and clear coat give a car its rich, glossy appearance, so protecting them is critical.
Start with a clean, dry vehicle. Avoid using dish soap to wash your car, as it can strip wax coatings that protect the paint. Instead, use a dedicated car wash soap specifically designed for automotive surfaces. Wash your car in the shade to avoid magnifying the sun’s UV rays.
Please pay attention to your hail storm vehicle repair Denver CO maintenance schedule and compare it with the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. Also, keep an insurance company from coercing you into a recommended repair shop — they may use cheaper parts that last less time. Check out a few shops before making a decision. And always get an estimate before allowing repairs to begin.
Sealants & Coatings
Waxes, sealants, and coatings are a popular topic among car enthusiasts and professionals alike. Essentially, these products protect your vehicle’s clear coat from contaminants that can be extremely difficult to remove, such as bird droppings, bug splatter, and saltwater corrosion.
Paint sealants are easy to apply and typically come in liquid form. They provide a slick, glossy, durable appearance that lasts six to 12 months. Depending on the product, some can hide fine scratches and swirl marks for a flawless finish.
Ceramic coatings are more advanced protection products that bond with the surface of your car’s paint to create a rigid, protective layer. They are hydrophobic, repelling water and contaminants, making your vehicle easier to clean and maintain. Compared to paint sealants, ceramic coatings offer superior oxidation and corrosion protection. They can be costly, but they will help you keep your car looking new for years.
Clear Film
The first step in preserving a car’s showroom quality finish is to protect the paint from harmful road debris. Paint protection film, also known as clear bra, is a thin transparent urethane film that covers your vehicle’s vulnerable areas, such as the bumper, headlights, grille, front splitter, and hood.
When appropriately applied, PPF becomes a disposable “skin” that protects the factory-applied clear coat and paint beneath it. While it is very durable, it does require regular maintenance to avoid contaminants from etching the clear coat and damaging your car’s paint.
When not appropriately maintained, explicit films can become cloudy or even yellow. They can also begin to blister, which occurs when air bubbles form underneath the film. This is typically due to poor film quality or a lack of professional application. The best way to avoid these issues is to use a professional application center and wash your vehicle using a soft touch or low-pressure sprayer.
Hood Hinges
Hood hinges may seem simple and insignificant, but they can also significantly keep your car looking its best. If your hood hinges don’t get the proper amount of lubrication, they can start to squeak or crack. You can help prevent this by spraying a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner directly on the hinge pivot points and wiping them clean.
Many modern cars have hood hinges closer to the windshield than the old style found on Saabs, Jaguars, and BMWs years ago. This is a safety feature because if your hood were to fly open while driving, it would not be as likely to smash into or block the windshield.
Replace your stock-stamped steel hood hinges with these high-quality billet hinges! These hood hinges are designed as direct fit, “bolt-on” units with nylon inserts for smooth function. They even include a gas shock for easy opening and closing of your hood.