You need to keep your vehicle looking brand new to prevent expensive repairs and replacements let alone maintaining the resale value. For that, you need to protect your vehicle, which does not come easy due to certain factors. If you live in a coastal region, the maintenance and care of your vehicle automatically go up considering the excess moisture, humidity, and salts that lead to rust and corrosion. You need to wax it often and also install a paint protection film. Below are some tips to help keep your car protected until you decide to replace it.
Understanding The Effects Of Coastal Regions On Vehicles
Before we dive into discussing how to protect your vehicle in coastal regions, it is important for you to understand the effects these regions have on vehicles. The biggest problem with living in coastal regions is salt, which is corrosive in nature and accelerates rust not only on the outer body but also on the interior.
This is why you will always come across vehicles with their underbodies covered with rust and owners spending a hefty amount to get them repaired regularly. But, the problem with coastal regions is not just expensive repairs but also the effect on the resale value.
Vehicles that tend to experience rust and corrosion have relatively less resale value compared to vehicles in other regions. Not only that, rust can weaken the structure of the vehicle which could compromise its safety and rigidity.
Additionally, coastal regions tend to have a lot of sun as well. Salts combined with constant exposure to the sun add fuel to the fire. This will cause the paint to fade and the upholstery to crack. And, on top of that, sand tends to be an abrasive element, which can quickly and easily ruin the paint finish of the vehicle.
If you notice your vehicle’s paint fading or filled with scratches, it means the sand is doing its job.
Investing In Regular Exterior Cleaning
The best way to protect your vehicle from external factors like salt from damaging the vehicle is by investing in regular exterior cleaning. This means you will have to wash the car at least once a week to avoid getting the salts embedded within the paint.
This could be a problem if that is the case. Salts like bird droppings can become a real issue if you were to leave them ignored. But, washing the car at least once a week thoroughly with rinsing the underside can also do wonders.
But you should use a pH-balanced car shampoo that helps protect the finish by removing grime. At the same time, a pH-balanced shampoo will not damage the protective wax. Keep in mind that washing the car regularly won’t stop the rusting process but slow it down.
Once you are done washing the vehicle, apply wax or sealant to provide an extra layer of protection preventing dirt, dust, sun, and salt from penetrating the paint.
Protect The Undercarriage
The undercarriage is the only thing standing between you and the dirt, water, and dust outside from entering the vehicle. If the structure of the undercarriage is compromised, it can lead to serious problems. This is why it is important to invest in rust-proof coatings to keep the vehicle in good condition.
These treatments create a protective barrier to prevent moisture and salt from adhering to the metal surfaces, which significantly slows down the rusting process. The best way to protect your vehicle is to get the undercarriage coated with rust-proof material to prolong its longevity as soon as the vehicle rolls off the showroom floor. This ensures the vehicle is protected from the beginning till the end.
Invest In UV Protectants
For keeping your car’s exterior protected in a coastal area, you should consider UV protectants. As mentioned earlier, prolonged exposure to the sun and salts can bring down any type of material regardless of the quality.
While the exterior of the vehicle being task risk is one thing, the interior is vulnerable too. The interior of the vehicle plays a crucial role in the resale value of the vehicle. Even if the exterior of the vehicle is brand new, your vehicle is going to receive low offers if the interior is not in good condition.
To protect the vehicle’s interior, you should use polishes, waxes, or sealants that reflect the rays. Moreover, you should try to park or cover the vehicle using a cover if the vehicle is supposed to be parked directly under the sun for hours every day. Such minor factors come together to play a huge role in terms of protecting your vehicle at the end of the day.
Invest In Paint Protection Film
Investing in paint protection film is the best way to keep your vehicle protected from rust till the end. Paint protection films are a thin layer of silicone films that are installed on the vehicle’s body providing a protective layer against external factors and minor scratches.
Paint protection films tend to be the most expensive option but should be considered an investment. Today, modern PPFs are self-healing, which means they react with the sun’s rays to remove any swirls, scratches, or minor tears.
With a paint protection film installed, you won’t have to worry about regularly washing, polishing, or waxing your vehicle. It is an investment that will offer great returns over the years. However, PPF does wear. You will need to replace PPF every 5 to 10 years.
Install Car Window Tints
UV index in coastal areas is higher than other regions due to the reflection of light from the water. UV rays not only damage your car’s exterior but they can also fade your vehicle’s interior and can cause skin problems.
To avoid these problems, you should install auto window tinting Springfield. It will protect you and your vehicle. Plus, it will add privacy if you choose darker shades that are permitted in your region.
Master Cleaning Techniques & Skills
While investing in the right cleaning products and tools is one thing, mastering the art of cleaning and maintaining the vehicle the right way is another. Not every cleaning agent is supposed to do a great job as it depends on the vehicle, color, and skills you employ.
For instance, you should never use abrasive tools and washing or drying techniques as it could lead to swirls and scratches. Be patient with the process and take your time, especially when it comes to drying the vehicle.
At the same time, you should always park your vehicle under a shaded area to not only protect it from dirt and dust but also from direct contact with the sun’s rays as it could result in water spots.
On top of that, schedule professional maintenance as well. Professional maintenance helps keep the car both thoroughly clean and protected. A professional knows how to remove dirt and dust from unreachable areas and correct the paint along the way. This is another type of investment you make to protect your car from environmental factors.
Conclusion
Protecting your car in coastal regions is easy once you know what to do. The best things to do is to be vigilant with the cleaning and maintenance schedules. Keep your vehicle parked under a shade and in a walled area to lessen the impact of rust and other factors. Moreover, choose a licensed protective car film shop Springfield for getting paint protection film. Following these tips will surely help keep your car in a condition everyone will admire.
