When chips, scratches, and other damage occurs to your car, auto paint repair is essential to restore the aesthetic finish. Yet, understanding the common causes of these issues can help you minimize their impact on your vehicle. Here are three frequent offenders leading to paint damage. 

What Causes Auto Paint Damage?

1. Weather

Mother Nature can be a destructive force. Severe weather, like thunderstorms, can produce hail and high winds that toss limbs and other debris at vehicles. These instances can lead to dents as well as paint scratches and nicks. During summer, consistent exposure to intense UV rays can cause paint to dull in color, while winter can expose the surface to damaging ice melt and surface treatments that cause rust and corrosion. 

Limiting a vehicle's exposure to the elements when parked can help limit damage, so try to keep it in a garage or shelter when possible. Also, check forecasts regularly to plan trips around good weather. During the winter, it's beneficial to regularly wash a vehicle after a round of snow and ice to remove road salt. 

2. Wildlife

Animals pose another threat to auto paint, especially birds. The creatures tend to relieve themselves while flying over vehicles as well as when resting in a tree or on a building ledge. Unfortunately, their droppings are often acidic, so it can begin eating away the top coating quickly. 

Insects are another common cause of auto paint repair. They often hit cars at high speeds when going down the roadway, and the impact itself can lead to minor chips. Their remains also contain acidic elements. Regular washes reduce the risk of chemical damage, but once it occurs, it's important to get it fixed quickly to limit the extent. 

3. Roadway Debris

Cars, trucks, and SUVs aren't the only elements on the roadway. Rocks, tire rubber, and other debris collect on the concrete and asphalt. If kicked up by a vehicle ahead, the items can scratch, chip, and gouge the surface. In some cases, it can even lead to serious dents. Pay close attention when driving and try to avoid hitting roadway debris. Additionally, leave plenty of space for vehicles in front.  

Restore your vehicle's aesthetic finish with assistance from Tracy's Collision Center in Lincoln, NE. Drivers across Lancaster County rely on the locally trusted auto body shop for dependable paint, collision, and dent repairs. The skilled technicians complete auto paint repairs on-site, including three-point coloring matching. Learn more about their exceptional services online, and request an estimate today at (402) 441-4820.