| The condition of the paint on a car goes a long way | | | | many more vintage cars than in the Northeast. It is |
| in establishing how the car looks. So, what are the | | | | not just the absence of salt, but also the low |
| common things that can do a number on your paint? | | | | moisture levels that cause this result. There is plenty |
| Salt, sunlight, water, temperature, and oxygen will | | | | of oxygen and even more high temperature and |
| damage car paint. Fortunately, they will not do it by | | | | sunlight, but without the water and the salt, their |
| themselves, but must be in combination with one or | | | | impact is greatly reduced. The energy of sunlight is |
| more of the others. The collective action of these | | | | not totally safe. Car paint is sensitive to it. |
| factors can be quite complicated. Collisions also | | | | Temperature cycles are the worse thing. |
| damage car paint. This includes collisions with other | | | | Temperature cycles tend to cause expansion and |
| objects even small bumps. Rocks flying up off the | | | | contraction of the protective surface, and this acts |
| road are considered collisions as is the result of an | | | | like a hammer or chisel making little openings. |
| angry ex running a key down one of the door panels. | | | | Once there is an opening in the paint coat and the |
| Collisions physically damage the protective coating | | | | underlying steel is exposed, a chemical reaction can |
| and the underlying paint at the point of the collision, | | | | take place. It is between the iron in the steel and the |
| and create an opening for the combinations of the | | | | oxygen in the water. This is oxidation or rust. This is |
| five real culprits to do their work. | | | | also where salt comes into play. Salt is a conductor |
| Oxygen, light (especially ultra violet light), and water | | | | that facilitates and speeds the oxidation process. In |
| cause a chemical reaction in the paint. This chemical | | | | the presence of salt, things will rust very quickly. |
| reaction can destroy the chemical bond of the | | | | So, there you have it. The big enemies of your car's |
| protective coating. Modern car paints and protective | | | | paint job are very elemental. Water, air, sunlight, and |
| coatings are very tough and resistant. Salt, by itself, | | | | the change of temperature can all cause problems. |
| will have no effect on most paint. You could actually | | | | First, they have to penetrate the protective surface |
| pack your car in salt if the paint and protective | | | | coating. This is your salvation. If you keep your paint |
| coating was intact. First, there must be a gap in the | | | | job protected, and deal with minor scratches and |
| protection. Once, there is, salt becomes very serious, | | | | dings immediately, you will extend the life of the |
| and a rust disaster is imminent. | | | | paint. Keeping your car from direct exposure to the |
| In the dry and snow free Southwest, there are | | | | sun whenever possible will help as well. |