As you wash and dry your car do you notice a rough texture on the surface? The tiny, gritty bumps that feel like bits of metal fragments are called auto paint contamination. Auto paint contamination cannot be removed by washing and waxing the car.
What is Auto Paint Contamination?
Auto paint contamination is caused by tiny metal shavings from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust comes from railroad tracks and is produced by the friction of a train’s wheels against the tracks. Since most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train, the damage can begin before your vehicle reaches the dealership. Brake dust is produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.
You cannot prevent paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.
Removing Auto Paint Contamination with a Clay Bar
The most effective and the safest way to remove paint contamination is with a clay bar. This is a time consuming process so plan on spending about half a day on this job. It is very important that you use a lubricant that is designed for use with a clay bar. The clay bar slides on the lubricant as it pulls out the embedded particles; without the lubricant you could actually burn a hole in the finish.
Wash the car and allow it to dry thoroughly then apply a light mist of lubricant to a small area. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the surface feels smooth. Wipe with a clean, dry rag and move on to another section. Do not try to work too large of an area at one time or the lubricant will dry before you can get to it with the clay bar.
As the clay bar becomes soiled, pull, stretch and refold to expose a new area. When it is completely soiled throw it out. A 2 oz clay bar should last through 5 to 7 treatments. Be careful not to drop the clay bar on the ground.
The clay bar only removes auto paint contamination; it will not remove scratches or restore the shine. After you complete this job, wash the car and apply a good coat of wax.
Joaquin Hernandez owns Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop who comes to the consumer to provide dent and scratch repair, collision repair, and professional auto painting. Collision on Wheels vans are specially equipped for technicians to provide a quality auto paint job, perfectly matched. Advanced technology allows them to work under most weather conditions. Joaquin serves consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Torrance, Gardena, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes, Signal Hill, Lomita, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Westchester, Harbor City and neighboring cities and communities.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this great information. These tips will be helpful during washing cars and their maintenance. It is well-known that life period of a car depends on its maintenance so these tips are really great.
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