How to keep your car paint glossy for years

Harsh sun, dust and hard water at car washes attack your paint every day. The good news: a few simple habits keep it glossy for years.

Wash it the right way

• Wash in the shade, never on a hot panel, so soap doesn't dry into spots.
• Use a dedicated car shampoo and a microfibre mitt — avoid stiff brushes.
• Dry with a clean microfibre towel instead of letting water evaporate.

Remove contaminants straight away

Bird droppings and tree sap are acidic and can etch the clear coat within days in the heat. Remove them as soon as possible with a dedicated cleaner.

Polishing isn't just cosmetic

A professional machine polish removes light swirls and sun fade and prepares the surface for protection. We recommend it once or twice a year depending on the car.

Protection: wax or nano-ceramic?

Wax looks great but lasts only a few weeks in our climate. A nano-ceramic coat lasts a year or more and makes washing easier because dust and water don't stick.

When is a respray needed?

If the clear coat is peeling or the colour has clearly faded, polishing won't be enough. We match the colour by computer and spray the panel in a heated booth for a factory-matching finish.