Halloween is here! And while the monsters you see in horror movies are imaginary, your car’s paint is exposed every day to some very real villains. Here’s how to deal with them.
Tree Sap
Tar remover is the most obvious choice to deal with tree sap on your car. If you don’t have it handy, you can use diluted alcohol or even alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which everyone has at home these days. Just dip a cotton ball into the product of your choice and wipe it on the stain until it’s gone.
Gas
It’s not uncommon for gas to spill onto your car while you’re filling up. While the protective coat on most new cars is sturdy enough to protect the paint a couple of times, repeated instances of this type of incident may end up affecting the paint. If you spill gas onto your car, clean the area with a mild solution of soap and water. Extra tip: waxing your car regularly adds an extra layer of protection against this and other pollutants.
Coffee
We all love a tasty cup of joe… but not all over our car. Coffee contains acids that may damage your car’s paint (the same goes for soda, by the way), so make sure to clean it as soon as possible.
Brake Fluid
If brake fluid drips onto your car, take no chances: Some types of brake fluid can be highly corrosive and wreak havoc on automotive paint. Use a towel to soak up the fluid making sure not to rub it, as you would be spreading it over a larger area. Then wash the spot with a mild solution of water and soap and rinse carefully.
More Car Detailing Tips and Ideas
Keep your vehicle in mint condition with these posts that cover every aspect of the care and maintenance of your car.
- 3 Car care tips for pet owners
- How to extend the life of your car’s paint
- 7 Must-have cleaning supplies to keep in your car
- How to remove stickers from auto glass
Inland Empire Autobody & Paint Inc. is a family-owned business that specializes in collision repair and custom paint. We work with all major insurance companies!
We have locations in Riverside and Moreno Valley, California. Call us (951-465-7350), contact us through our website or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about our full range of services.