No one wants their new car’s paint to fade, but it can happen surprisingly quickly. Depending on where you live, your car’s paint could start fading within two years. This is more common in areas with harsh weather conditions, but even if you don’t live in such an area, it’s still something to be aware of. Being prepared for faded paint will help you keep your car looking its best.
As cars age in Canada, their paint inevitably begins to fade. There are several factors that can cause this to happen, including sunlight, humidity, and even the type of paint used. Here are the eight main causes of fading auto paint:
- Sunlight
One of the main causes of fading car paint is sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause the colour pigments in your paint to break down over time, resulting in a dull, faded appearance. This is especially true for darker-coloured cars, which absorb more UV rays than lighter-coloured cars.
- Road Salt
Another common cause of fading car paint is road salt. During the winter months, road crews will often spread salt on the roads to help melt ice and snow. However, this salt can also damage your car’s paint if it’s not washed off promptly. Over time, the salt will cause the paint to break down and become dull and faded.
- Humidity
Humidity can also cause car paint to fade. When the air is filled with moisture, it can cause the paint to become oxidized. This process is accelerated in areas with high humidity levels, such as coastal regions.
- Heat
Heat is also a major factor in fading car paint. When the temperature gets too hot, it can cause the paint to become brittle and start to crack. This is especially true in areas with high temperatures and direct sunlight, such as deserts.
- Chemicals
Certain chemicals can also cause car paint to fade. For example, if you regularly wash your car with harsh chemicals, it can strip away the protective coating on the paint and cause the colour to fade.
- Pollution
Pollution is another common cause of fading car paint. When car exhaust mixes with the air, it can cause a chemical reaction that will break down the paint over time. This is especially true in areas with high levels of air pollution, such as cities.
- Aging
The older your car is, the more likely it is to have faded paint. This is because the paint is constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause it to break down over time. There are several things you can do to prevent this from happening, such as washing and waxing your car regularly, but it is still something that you will have to deal with as your car gets older.
- Poor Quality Paint
If you have a car that was painted with poor quality paint, it is more likely to fade over time. This is because the paint is not as durable, and it is more susceptible to the elements. If you are looking to buy a new car, make sure to ask about the quality of the paint before you make your purchase.
Conclusion
The main causes of fading auto paint are exposure to sunlight, pollution, and weather conditions such as rain and snow. These elements can cause the paint to lose its colour and become dull. To prevent this from happening, it is important to regularly wash and wax your car and to store it in a garage or covered parking area when possible.
If you are looking for a garage that does top-notch auto paint restoration, you will not be disappointed if you hand in your vehicle to Lucky 13. We will restore your car to its former glory, so take your vehicle to us now!
