When dirt or salt accumulates on your car, you believe that the rain will just wash it away. However, this type of precipitation can lead to even more damage, depending on what falls from the sky. Consider these points.
1. Rain Is More Than Water
Although rainwater alone is harmless, droplets often carry other particles with them. As a result, when water builds up on your vehicle, the rain eventually evaporates, but dirt and dust get left behind. Right after a storm, your car develops a streaky appearance called “water marks.” If these are not cleaned off in a few days, the buildup becomes harder to remove later and reduces your car’s shine.
2. Clean Your Car Off After a Rainstorm
Especially during the spring and summer when rain falls every few days, dirt and dust can build up quickly. In response, make a conscious effort to have your car cleaned off every few weeks – either a wash-down with soap and water or a professional car wash. For long-term protection, think about wax or protective paint for the surface.
3. Acid Rain Causes Even More Damage
Beyond creating buildup, acid rain carries pollutants that can damage the paint on your car Once it falls, it deposits contaminants collected from the air onto your car, which eat away at the finish. When this happens, an etching effect can be seen on your vehicle.
If you want to fix this look, more than a wash is needed. Have a professional polish and buff with a dual-action polisher and buffing pads.
4. Floods Affect Internal Car Parts
When a flood passes through your area, some of the water may get under the hood of your car. If it gets into the engine or transmission, your vehicle can fail and this key part may need to be replaced.
Flood waters may further seep into your oil, transmission, brake or power steering fluids and affect air filters, belts and electrical systems essential for operation. After a storm, have your car inspected by a professional– especially if you check your fluids and they have a milky or diluted appearance.
Whether your car’s paint needs to be repaired or more thorough maintenance is required, turn to DaSilva’s Auto Body for quality work at an affordable price. To set up an appointment, give our Naugatuck location a call today.
