Snow&Salt Ruining Paint!

[PhorenReign]

I don't know if it's just me guys and gals, but this winter has been harsh as hell on my Genny. Maybe it's just me --- since this was the first car I bought fairly new ( 2011 Genny purchased back in Oct 2014)--- but i'm noticing all kinds of scratches on my baby.

The first time I noticed or knew that i potentially damaged the paint was a few weekends ago. I parked on this street with mounds of snow just over the curb-- I opened my car door and made contact with the snow, now there's a long a** scratch on that side ( that was my fault so i was as disturbed). However today I noticed long scratches on my bumper... i just got the thing rinsed and i have no idea where could have come from -- maybe the automated car wash, maybe the salt ate away at the bumper.

After i drove the car off the lot i did notice swirls in the paint and immediately started looking at way i could detail my own to maintain a mirror galze type of finish.

How are you guys keeping your paint in good condition ?? .. I was hesitant to wash it because we were getting snow every other day not to mention it's been 24 degrees and below here.

pics to come.

 

[BStarr119]

I try to wash my genny every week if I can and temps are above 0 F. Also I quite using those brisiled snow brushes and switch to something called the snow broom. Its made of foam and does not seem to scratch the paint like those brushes do. Also once warm weather hits and you start waxing your car you might find that those scratches will disappear.

 

[BStarr119]

I agree though super harsh winter cant wait till the snow stops so the salt does as well...

 

[NSXNEXT]

Do not take your car to an automated car wash in the winter unless you can find a touch less wash. The one with the brushes are just grinding salt/sand into your paint. Also look at waterless car washing. It's a diy process.

How do I keep my car nice in the winter? I don't drive it. I have a beater (99 Acura TL) when he roads are bad.

 

[DEPOTDaddy]

No doubt your Genny needed claying and polishing just after you took delivery from the dealer.
Most cars new and used are exposed to the elements for some time while on the dealer's lot.
In addition, not to mention being improperly washed by the some porters who use rags, sponges,
and towels on mutliple cars without
properly cleaning them between washings.

I haven't put a car through the car wash since my 1975 Buick LeSabre when
paint was a half inch thick. The automatic wash is murder to the showroom finish that most desire to maintain.

If you have to use your Genny in the snow, winter prep is essential, the applications of a quality sealant will protect
your paint much longer than winter last. The key is minimal or light gentle contact equals minimal to no scratches.
The no rinse DIY product is excellent if you have to wash, especially inside. I don't know if others agree,
maybe it's me but some cars still look good when they are little dirty, Not the Genny! My car screams
"Wash Me" at least once week, sometimes twice.

The good news is Spring is near, a good time get our detailing on.

 

[Bill K]

Find a good Hand Wash car wash that you can trust.
Costs more, but it's worth it.

Never have your car washed at a place that uses brushes.

 

[osamasyed]

I don't know if it's just me guys and gals, but this winter has been harsh as hell on my Genny. Maybe it's just me --- since this was the first car I bought fairly new ( 2011 Genny purchased back in Oct 2014)--- but i'm noticing all kinds of scratches on my baby.

The first time I noticed or knew that i potentially damaged the paint was a few weekends ago. I parked on this street with mounds of snow just over the curb-- I opened my car door and made contact with the snow, now there's a long a** scratch on that side ( that was my fault so i was as disturbed). However today I noticed long scratches on my bumper... i just got the thing rinsed and i have no idea where could have come from -- maybe the automated car wash, maybe the salt ate away at the bumper.

After i drove the car off the lot i did notice swirls in the paint and immediately started looking at way i could detail my own to maintain a mirror galze type of finish.

How are you guys keeping your paint in good condition ?? .. I was hesitant to wash it because we were getting snow every other day not to mention it's been 24 degrees and below here.

pics to come.

If you're wondering where the scratches came from, it may be very likely that the previous owner ran the car through an automatic car wash. Any car wash that uses spinning brushes is like death for any car's paint. The professional detailing world (the detailer's that charge $1000+ for paint restoration and paint correction) call automatic car washes = The Tunnel of Death.

If you'd like to restore your car's finish you more than likely would have to look into paint correction. There is NO wax, sealant, or any other product that will remove swirl marks. Removing swirl marks requires compound, polish and a polisher. There's plenty of Youtube videos on how you can try to DIY. Even first timer's using the methods posted online are able to make a significant difference. Be rest assured though, it is a TASK, requires several hours, and is tedious. Your other option is to take it to a professional detailer and pay upward of $1000.

For the winter, try touchless car washes. Rule of thumb: the more contact the car has with cloth, brush, etc, the higher the chances are at ruining the paint.

Good luck.

 

[PhorenReign]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OY8n30VojgSWJ6Sjh6bVlXVjBEQTBySGRSRzQzR3BCeGpV/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OY8n30VojgVC0zaEtDbFdlX3V1T2ZOWGdUX2FJcTNrTWRZ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2OY8n30VojgTG9Ia3lNclVlVFZRTFZNMUVyWXNkMzFVN19R/view?usp=sharing

 

[FirstGen]

Harsh winter it is. Just rinsed the car today and quite a few nicks and scratches appeared out of no where, even though I use touchless wash.