No doubt, the 4th of July is one of our favorite holidays. Fireworks, cookouts, and fun. What’s not to love? However, you have to keep a watchful eye on your vehicle even while you celebrate the history of the United States. That’s why in this post, we discuss four things that can damage your car’s paint this 4th of July.
1. Silly String
It’s not uncommon to see kids celebrating the 4th of July by playing with silly string, the brightly colored ribbon spray that comes in a can.
While silly string can be tons of fun, it can also damage your car, especially if it’s left to dry under the sun. To clean silly string off your vehicle, wash it off with a hose or power washer while it’s still fresh. If you use a power washer, be sure to set it to a low pressure level to avoid damaging your vehicle’s paint.
2. Soda
Soda is a staple of 4th of July cookouts, but it can damage your car’s paint if it comes in contact with it.
The reason is that soda has high acidity levels that can corrode the protective layer of your car’s paintwork. If you or one of the guests to your 4th of July cookout spill soda on your car, rinse it as soon as possible.
3. Brake Fluid
The 4th of July weekend may seem like a great opportunity to do some basic maintenance, such as checking your vehicle’s brake fluid levels.
However, you have to be careful as you work under the hood. Brake fluid can wreak serious havoc on some types of paint. If you happen to spill brake fluid on your car, soak it up with a towel making sure not to spread the fluid around. Then wash the area with a mild water/soap solution and rinse.
4. Fireworks
Fireworks are the quintessential 4th of July tradition — and one of the threats to your vehicle’s paint you should be mindful of this weekend.
Obviously, hot ash from fireworks can leave burn marks on the surface of your vehicle. But that’s not all: cooled down fireworks ash can really do a number on automotive paint when mixed with water, which can easily happen if it rains or if your car is parked near sprinklers.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix: If fireworks ash falls on your car, rinse the area as soon as possible. And for total protection, keep your car parked in your garage or protect it with a car cover while the 4th of July fireworks are going off.
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Looking to repair your car’s paint? At Inland Empire Autobody & Paint Inc., we are a family-owned business specialized in collision repair, windshield care, and custom paint.
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.