Caring for your car’s exterior isn’t just about pride in your vehicle; it’s also about safeguarding it from damage, vandalism, and other potential harm. Keeping the exterior in top condition serves multiple purposes, ensuring your car remains protected and looks its best.
Luckily there are ways to protect your vehicle’s paintwork from the elements and the unexpected costs should an accident happen. From a sleek wax, to scratch insurance, here are six ways to keep your car gleaming.
1. Wash and Wax
One of the simplest and most cost-effective methods to keep your vehicle looking glossy is to wash it regularly and apply wax for an extra shine. Although it may not be as durable as some other options, regular washing and waxing can significantly help in maintaining your car’s appearance.
2. Apply Paint Sealant
For a more durable solution, consider using a synthetic or ceramic paint sealant. This option, which can be applied at home, offers long-lasting protection—up to 12 months—depending on the type and your car’s usage. While applying sealant can be more involved than traditional wax, it delivers excellent results, including hydrophobic properties that cause rain to bead off the surface.
When selecting a sealant, choose carefully as some may reduce the gloss of your paint while others enhance it to a sparkling shine. Synthetic sealants generally provide better protection, while water-based ones are often less harsh on the environment.
3. Professional Spray-On Protection
If applying sealant at home seems too labor-intensive, consider leaving it to the professionals. Many local car washes or garages offer professional spray-on sealant services, which can provide a superior finish and longer-lasting protection compared to DIY methods.
If you purchased your car new, you might have been offered this service as an optional extra. While it can be pricey, negotiating to include it as part of your purchase can be worthwhile. Professional application not only enhances your car’s appearance but can also help maintain its value, potentially securing a better resale price.
4. Protective Plastic Film
For the ultimate in paint protection, consider applying a clear plastic film to all or part of your car. This option provides exceptional protection against scratches and is highly effective in keeping your paintwork pristine. However, the film itself can become worn and may need to be replaced over time.
While protective plastic film is an excellent choice for maintaining your car’s resale value, it comes at a high cost, often several hundred pounds. As an alternative, you might want to explore scratch and dent insurance, which can also offer valuable protection against damage.
5. Garage or Car Cover
While a garage or car cover won’t shield your car from accidents while you’re driving, it offers significant protection against other paintwork hazards. Keeping your car covered when not in use helps prevent damage from bird droppings, fallen leaves, acid rain, and UV exposure from the sun.
A garage provides the best protection, but a high-quality car cover can be highly effective as well. Ensure that the cover you choose is soft on the inside to avoid scratching the paint.
When away from home, you can also reduce potential damage by parking wisely—avoid parking under trees that shed leaves or blossoms and consider positioning your car next to a pillar in a parking garage to limit exposure to other vehicles.
6. Scratch and Dent Insurance
Even with the best care, occasional scratches and dents are almost inevitable. Scratch and dent insurance can offer valuable protection against the cost of repairs if your vehicle’s paintwork gets damaged. Unlike comprehensive car insurance, which often has high excess fees making small claims impractical, many scratch and dent insurance policies come with little to no excess.
This type of insurance provides both protection and peace of mind. Premiums are relatively low, and in the event of a claim, insurers often send a mobile repair specialist to your location, whether at home or work, making the process highly convenient.
It’s important to review the specifics of any policy you consider. Check details such as:
- The number of claims allowed per year
- Coverage limits
- Types of damage that are covered or excluded
Doing some research will help you find the best scratch and dent insurance in the UK, or at least the one that best meets your needs.
