When you get a new BMW—whether it’s fresh off the assembly line or just new to you—you want to keep it looking its best. One of the key ways to do that is to maintain its paint job so that it keeps its new car shine. But how can you protect your car’s paint when it’s exposed to so many elements as you drive it? Here are a few simple steps you can take.
Wash It Regularly
You should be washing your car frequently to remove all of the dust, dirt, and grime that accumulates on the paint as you drive. If you’re using your car every single day, you should be washing it once a week. It’s also important to wash your car the right way:
- Park your car in a shady spot to wash it. Avoid anywhere with direct sunlight that will cause water spots to form on your car.
- Spray down the car to remove any layers of dirt, dust, and grime.
- Thoroughly wash your car with a gentle automotive cleaner and cotton cloth. Many car owners simply use dish soap for this job, but these contain harsh chemicals that can make the exterior finish dingy.
- Rinse the car off thoroughly, making sure to remove all soap suds.
- Wipe off excess moisture with a microfiber towel or cotton rag. Dry your car as completely as you can to avoid water stains.
Using the right products and the right technique are just as important to protect your car’s paint as washing it in the first place. Please note that using automated car washes is much harsher on your paint job, so if you want to protect that shine, handwashing is the better choice.
Use Wax, Sealant, or Synthetic Coating
When it comes to protecting a car’s paint job and keeping it shiny, most car owners default to a car wax. This is an affordable option that’s easy to apply yourself. It comes in many forms and can protect your car’s paint while giving it a polished shine. However, it doesn’t last very long and typically should be applied every six weeks.
If you want a higher level of protection, paint sealant is the better option. It is possible to DIY this treatment, but it requires quite a bit of prep work. While more expensive, paint sealant will last about six months.
The highest level of protection is a synthetic coating. This is best applied by a professional, which makes it significantly more expensive than the options above. However, it offers the best protection for your paint and will last anywhere between 2 and 5 years.
Park Your Car with Cover
Finally, make sure you’re parking your car somewhere that protects your paint job. A garage space is ideal, but if you don’t have one, consider installing a parking cover. Alternatively, you can invest in a quality car cover that you slip on over your car when it’s parked.
If your paint job sustains any damage, take it in for the best BMW repair in Houston, TX, to get it looking like new again.