Car paint oxidization: What you can do about it

Here in Central Florida, it’s well known that the sun can do a lot of damage to a lot of things. Our summers are intense, and over time can have a major impact on your car if you’re not careful, even leading to car paint oxidization. This is when the sun effectively dries out your car paint, removing the oil in it so it becomes rough, dull, and in some cases, flaky. Our Clermont Toyota body shop is here to discuss car paint oxidization and what you can do about it.

What is this type of car paint damage?

Car paint oxidization is – unfortunately – pretty permanent. The only way to completely get rid of it is usually to have your car repainted. This is especially true if your car lacks a clear coat – in that case, you need to just call our Toyota of Clermont body shop and set up an estimate appointment. However, there are ways to make car paint oxidization less noticeable.

#1: The best way to deal with car paint oxidization is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Park your car under cover as often as you can – a garage is your best bet, but you can also opt for a carport or even trees that offer some protection from the sun. If you’ve got nothing to protect your car paint in terms of shade, it’s time to invest in a car cover to put on while it’s parked so you can ward off sun damage that accumulates over time. Another great way to prevent this type of car paint damage is to regularly apply a quality wax. Wax helps prevent sun damage and also keeps moisture away, so it’s a win-win.

#2: You can try to DIY it when it comes to fixing up car paint oxidization. Here are the tools you’ll need to give it a shot:

• Soap formulated for a vehicle (no dish soap, plz)
• A sponge
• Microfiber cloths for drying
• A rubbing compound
• An electric buffer with a few different pads
• Car polish
• Car wax

And here are the steps you can take to try and reduce the effects of car paint oxidization:

• First, wash your car thoroughly and dry it with the microfiber cloths. You should find a shady spot to do all of your work in – sun is not compatible with car rubbing compound, polish, or wax.
• Next, tape off anything chrome or plastic in the area where you’ll be working on the paint.  You don’t want the rubbing compound to touch it.
• Apply a bit of rubbing compound to the affected area and start buffing it. You’ll want to use the slowest speed and the softest pad and take your time – don’t rush results. If it doesn’t seem like it’s doing anything, then you should try using a more abrasive pad or a higher setting. Remember, go slowly!
• Wipe off the excess compound and apply a bit of car polish, and repeat the process with the electric buffer.
• Once that’s finished, wipe away the excess polish and put some elbow grease into applying a few coats of a quality wax (you can find it at our Toyota of Clermont parts store).

Schedule your car paint job at Toyota of Clermont’s body shop

All of the above should help restore color and shine to your car, but if you’re not seeing the results you want, it’s time to visit our body shop. Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000, or stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.

 

Posted in Clermont Toyota Tips | No Comments »