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. 

4 Common Causes of Car Paint Damage

1. Wildlife

Wildlife such as birds, bugs, and even squirrels can leave behind acidic substances that can eat away at your car’s paint. Additionally, larger animals such as deer or elk can cause scratches or dents when colliding with your car.

It’s important to clean your car regularly and remove any acidic substances before they have a chance to cause damage. If you do end up with scratches or dents, auto paint repair services at Tracy’s Collision Center can help restore your car’s appearance.

2. Road Debris

Driving on the road means encountering all kinds of debris, from rocks and gravel to salt and sand. Unfortunately, these materials can cause auto paint damage by chipping or scratching the surface of your car. This is especially true if you frequently drive on gravel or unpaved roads.

To avoid auto paint damage, try to avoid driving on unpaved roads as much as possible. If you can’t avoid it, consider investing in a protective film for your car’s paint. 

3. Weather

Weather can be unpredictable, and it can cause a lot of damage to your car’s paint. Rain, snow, and hail can all cause scratches or dents, while the sun’s UV rays can cause fading or peeling. Extreme temperature changes can also cause your car’s paint to expand and contract, leading to cracks or bubbles.

Try to park your car in a garage or under a covered area as much as possible. You can also invest in a car cover to protect your car’s paint from the elements. 

4. Accidents

Accidents happen, whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision. Unfortunately, these can cause serious auto paint damage, from scratches and dents to major paint chips or even missing pieces of paint. Even if the accident doesn’t seem to cause visible damage, it’s still possible that your car’s paint has been affected.

To prevent auto paint, drive carefully and defensively. If you do end up in an accident, make sure to get your car inspected by a professional to assess any potential damage.

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.