You might think that leaving your car in the open for a free wash when it rains is a good idea, but if you live on the Gold Coast, you could be damaging your car.

Acid from air pollution and salt from ocean air deposits on your car together with the rain can start corroding the paintwork.

A car is probably one of the most expensive things you will ever buy, so it’s worth protecting your investment by looking after it.

Ways to Protect Your Car Paint on the Gold Coast

• Protect your car from the elements. When your car is standing in the sun, the paint heats up and expands, making it easier for salt carried on the ocean breeze to penetrate and start etching away at the paint.

Dew, mist and rain help to deposit salt on to your car’s coating and droplets that accumulate on its body can cause hot spots for corrosion. Always use car detailing products that include UV protection and when possible, park your car under cover.

• Use non-abrasive car wash methods. The nylon brushes in automatic car washes and high-pressure water jets in brushless automatic car washes, together with the harsh chemicals they use can scratch and damage your car’s paint.

The best way to clean your car is to wash it by hand. If you are serious about paint protection on the Gold Coast, but also want to save the environment, use a steam cleaner.

You can have the best of both worlds; steam cleaning is the gentlest and most effective way to wash your car, and because it uses less water, it is environmentally friendly.

• Wax your car or apply paint sealant. After washing and polishing your car, when the paintwork is entirely free of dust and dirt, apply wax or a paint sealant.

While wax is a natural product, paint sealants contain synthetic ingredients. Whether you prefer wax or paint sealant doesn’t matter, the protective coating will help to prevent your car’s paint from absorbing corrosive chemicals, and your vehicle will be beautifully shiny.