Your vehicle is one of the biggest investments in your life. To protect your investment, you would want it to appear brand new, as if it just rolled off the showroom floor. If you prefer black color on your vehicle, you will need to put in extra effort to maintain it like cleaning and waxing it regularly and applying ceramic coating or paint protection film. Unfortunately, not a lot of people possess sufficient knowledge and information when it comes to opting for products and techniques. Below are some tried and tested ways to protect the exterior of your black car. Follow us.
Black Car Paint And Exterior Care Tips
Only Use Soft And Clean Microfiber Towels
The biggest mistake owners of black vehicles tend to make is using dirty and low-quality cleaning cloths that tend to scratch and damage the paint. Although black color has its perks, it is also very sensitive when it comes to showing off swirls, scratches, and patches.
It is a common practice for vehicle owners to use a wet cloth to remove dirt from the vehicle’s exterior, which leads to swirls and fading of the paint with time. The reason is that the cloth becomes dirty and, when rubbed against the vehicle’s body, damages the paint.
This is why it is always recommended to use only high-quality microfiber towels that are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Plus, you should try thoroughly washing the vehicle, which will reduce the chances of swirls and other damage.
Use The Right Techniques
Using the right techniques is as important as using high-quality microfiber towels. Even if you spend a huge amount of money on expensive detailing products, you won’t be able to get the most out of them if your technique is wrong.
For instance, while drying the vehicle, you should run the cloth along the body of the vehicle and not in circular motions. Or, you can run the cloth from top to bottom to reduce the chances of swirls. Plus, you should always wash and clean the tires first to prevent dirt and debris from contaminating the cloths.
Once the vehicle has been thoroughly washed, you should begin drying the vehicle from the roof, moving down to the rest of the body. Do not park or wash the vehicle under direct sunlight, as it will leave water spots that will be hard to get rid of.
Make sure to use different cloths for different parts of the body. Do not use the same cloths used for cleaning the tires for the other parts of the vehicle. And, thoroughly wash and clean the cloths after washing your vehicle for them to be fresh the next time you wash the vehicle.
Pre-Rinse And Pre-Foam Before Washing
When washing the car, you should always rinse the vehicle to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, use a foam cannon to spray some foam onto the vehicle for the stubborn dirt to break down. This will help reduce the probability of swirls and scratches.
Rinse the vehicle again and reapply the foam to allow some lubrication to remove friction while scrubbing off the dirt and grime with your hand. Always use a soft cloth or a foam to apply shampoo manually. This way, any sharp objects or rough dirt particles will be picked up by the foam and prevent scratching.
Use The Two Bucket Method
The two bucket method is a well-known technique followed by many. In this, you have to keep two separate buckets for wash soap and clean rinse water. The interesting part is that the rinse bucket should have a lining called grit guard. It’s something that keeps the cloth clean by trapping all the particles in it as these particles can cause scratches on the car’s surface.
This significantly reduces the chances of scratches and swirls on the vehicle. In addition to that, the two-bucket method is used by experts around the world and is known to offer the best results. Simply make sure to consult an expert and invest in the right products.
Regularly Polish The Vehicle
Regularly polishing your vehicle is a great way to keep that black color and its pearls shining in daylight. Although it takes a lot of time and effort to apply the polish and remove it, it surely pays off. Black color produces the best results and appears a lot more visually appealing both during the day and night.
This means you should try to polish the vehicle at the end of every wash. If not possible, you should hire someone to detail the vehicle at least once every week. This ensures that your vehicle is dealt with professionally and kept in brand-new condition for years to come.
Install Auto Window Tints
Tint films don’t directly do anything to protect the exterior of your car, but they can improve the appearance of your vehicle. Auto glass tinting Springfield can also reduce the possibility of scratches on the side windows and offer privacy. Make sure you choose a tint percentage that’s allowed in your state.
Apply Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is the next step after polishing, if you are willing to take the extra step. Ceramic coating is a lot different than polishing the vehicle and requires a clean and enclosed space to prevent dirt and contaminants from affecting its lifespan.
Ceramic coating is basically a layer of ceramic over the vehicle’s body to protect it from direct contact with the UV rays, dirt, and contaminants. To apply the coating, you will need to use gloves and ensure both the vehicle and the area are completely free of dust and dirt.
Begin applying the coating on the bonnet of the vehicle, making your way to the doors, trunk, and roof. Do not rush the process and follow the instructions mentioned on the coating. Be extra careful during the process, as even minor mistakes can lead to results that can be hard to undo.
Install Paint Protection Film
The best way to protect your black colored car, SUV, or pickup truck is by installing a PPF. This is the final and the most advanced technique of protecting your vehicle not only from swirls and scratches but also from minor accidents. If you have a unique or expensive vehicle, you should get your vehicle protected with a film.
The process of applying a paint protection film takes place in multiple stages and should always be done by an expert. If you intend to do it on your own, you will need to opt for an authorized retailer and invest in products and tools that will help you get the job done right.
The paint protection film offers a thick protection layer and prevents stones and other sharp objects from damaging the paint, especially if you drive in rough areas. Self-healing paint protection films are the latest advancement in the detailing world that are able to heal themselves upon contact with UV rays. Although these films are quite expensive, they will last a decade or so if maintained properly.
Conclusion
The protection and maintenance of the exterior of your black colored vehicle depend on the amount of time, effort, and money you are willing to put in. You can consult an expert or research on the internet to become familiar with the latest practices and techniques. But the best way you can maintain your black car is by scheduling professional maintenance and getting help from paint protection film installers Springfield for PPF application.