The Five Summer Hazards Waiting to Damage Your Paintwork
When it comes to protecting your car, winter tends to get all the attention. Icy roads, potholes and poor weather can be seen as the biggest threats to your vehicle.
But when it comes to cosmetic damage, summer is actually the season drivers should be watching out for.
Analysis of MotorEasy cosmetic repair claims shows drivers are more likely to make a cosmetic damage claim during the summer months than during winter. And when you think of the potential hazards waiting to damage your paintwork – it does make sense.
Here are five surprisingly common ways summer can leave its mark on your car.
1. The airport car park
We’ve all been there. You’ve just landed back from a week in the sun, head back to your car and there it is – a fresh dent on the passenger door.
Summer often means busier car parks, packed tourist attractions and crowded shopping centres. And the worst part? even a minor dent can be surprisingly expensive to repair on modern vehicles, particularly those with metallic paint finishes.
2. The seagull that cost you a respray
Bird droppings are unpleasant at the best of times, but that summer sunshine can make them more damaging. The acidic residue can affect your car’s paint quickly.
One careless seagull can undo hours spent washing and polishing your car. Add a few hours of sunlight into that mix and your car is at risk of permanent staining. What might look like a quick fix, if left can be a costly repair.
3. When the search for shade backfires
On a hot day, parking under the trees seems like a perfect solution. Until you return to find your car covered in sticky tree sap, pollen marks and fallen debris. Tree sap can harden on your paintwork, making it incredibly difficult to remove without specialised products.
As for the pollen? This may seem harmless, but when combined with dirt, it can leave your car looking dull and neglected. Parking in the shade may keep the cabin cool, but it isn't always the safest place for your paintwork.
4. The summer road trip
Summer is road trip season. Whether it’s a weekend away or a family holiday, summer usually means more miles behind the wheel. And more miles means more opportunities for stone chips.
Loose gravel, road debris and motorway traffic can all leave small marks on your vehicle. These marks may not seem noticeable at first, but left untreated can lead to further deterioration and a decrease in your car’s value over time.
5. The extra holiday kit
Summer is the peak season for outdoor activities, and we all know what that means: more roof boxes, bike racks and holiday luggage. While these additions can make travelling easier, they can also be responsible for some of the long-lasting cosmetic damage we see.
Straps and clips scraping against paintwork, or awkwardly positioned loads resting where they shouldn't, can result in accidental damage around door frames, boot openings and roof rails. Before you know it, these extra loads can leave your car looking worse for wear by the end of your trip.
How to protect your paintwork this summer
While some summer damage is difficult to avoid, a few simple habits can help keep your car looking it's best:
- Wash bird droppings off quickly - the longer they're left sitting on your paintwork, the greater risk of staining.
- Choose parking spaces carefully - avoiding crowded areas can reduce the risk of dents and scratches from other vehicles.
- Be wary of trees - shade is tempting, but tree sap and fallen debris can create their own problems.
- Check your car after long journeys - catching damage early can make the repair easier.
- Take care with the holiday equipment - using protective padding around bike racks and roof boxes can prevent accidental damage.
A little extra care during the summer months can go a long way towards protecting your car's appearance and helping it retain it's value.
So, is summer the worst season for cosmetic car damage?
According to MotorEasy's claims data, it certainly gives winter a run for its money.
The combination of busier roads, packed car parks, longer journeys and more time spent outdoors creates the perfect conditions for dents, scratches and paintwork damage.
So, while you're remembering the suncream this summer, it might be worth giving a little thought to your car too.
Discover how MotorEasy Cosmetic Repair Insurance can help protect against the cost of everyday dents, scratches and scuffs.
