5 Ways to Keep Paint from Fading Faster

Keep the paint of your Honda looking new all the time.

Buying a car is a huge investment, regardless of what kind of car you have your eye on. You might be considering keeping your car for life or selling it down the line, but it is important to keep it looking new either way. So how do you keep the paint from fading faster on your Honda? Find out here. 

1. Park in the Shade

You come across this question all the time: Should I park my car under a tree or in the sun? One will make your car the target of bird poop, while the other subjects it to harmful rays. The best place to park your car is under some sort of shade.

Bird poop alone won't harm the car's paint, but it will with help from the sun. The car's paint, when subjected to UV rays and heat, will expand and contract after it cools, causing the bird poop to harden in place. The best form of action is to clean it up quickly using a wet cloth that won't scratch your paint. The sooner you can remove it, the better.

2. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners

Fading is inevitable when it comes to any painted surface, but you don't want to give it a head start with these types of cleaners. Using abrasive products will scratch away the coat that would otherwise protect your car's paint from signs of wear and overall aging due to environmental factors. If you want to prolong the life of your paint, look for non-abrasive cleaners. 

3. Wash Regularly

Washing your car will remove grime and chemicals that will damage your car's paint, so keeping your car clean and the paint looking new requires a regular wash. This is somewhat problematic if you live in California, considering the severe drought situation. You want to take care of your car, but you also want to do right by the environment. If your car is lightly dusted, you can use a car duster like the California Car Duster. If the dirt is worse than that, look into combining water-less products and a microfiber cloth. If you live in CA and still prefer to give your car a regular wash, it's recommended to limit your water usage to a bucket or two. 

4. Don't Forget to Wax

Using wax not only adds shine to your Honda's paint, it also protects the exterior surfaces from dust, dirt and UV rays. Keeping your car waxed is the first step to making sure dirt or bird poop doesn't damage the paint. This is why it is important to wax your car if you are trying to conserve water. Waxing will buy you some time from needing to wash your car again.

5. Utilize Car Covers and Your Garage

If you are planning to go on a trip and will be leaving your car out in the sun for a long period of time, this is your best option. Put a cover over your car, keep it in the garage, or do both to minimize dust. Don't get just any car cover. You will need to get one from a brand you trust that is custom fit and meant for the outdoors (if you are leaving it outdoors, otherwise use the indoor cover). Outdoor and indoor covers protect against different things, so make sure you get the right one. 

For more information, DIY articles and repair guides, visit Honda-Tech.com/how-tos/.