- Steps for Fixing Stone Chips on a Car
- Tips for Preventing Paint Chip Damage
- When to Consult an Expert
- FAQs
A vehicle is subjected to various road and weather conditions when driven. Debris, dust particles and tiny pieces of rocks are often present in outdoor environments. At high speeds, these little, often negligible elements may hit hard, leaving a permanent mark on the vehicle’s exterior. This phenomenon is known as stone chip damage on a car. If the damage covers a noticeable part of the exterior, it may impact a vehicle’s overall aesthetic appeal. Consequently, removing chips and scratches from the surface tactfully becomes essential to restore the exterior’s appearance. For the necessary guidance, here’s a walkthrough of some useful tips for fixing stone chips on a car.
DIY Steps for Fixing Stone Chips on a Car
- When removing stone chips from cars, clean the affected area using a mixture of soap and water.
- Afterwards, rub it thoroughly with white spirit or alcohol. It is one of the key steps in stone chip repair as it eliminates grease and allows the paint in the specific area to recover correctly.
- Use scratch repairing agents or wet sandpapers on the raised edges of the damaged area.
- Don’t forget to apply a base coat or a primer before applying the actual paint coat. Let the base coating dry. It is one of the key steps for repairing stone chips on a car. Make sure to follow every step of the DIY car paint correction procedure effectively.
- Now start applying the paint. It should be applied in thin coats similar to the car’s original paint job. A car’s paint is originally applied in the form of layers and the same process should be followed while reapplying it. For optimal results, while doing such a crucial task, be mindful of the causes and prevention of car paint damage.
- Make sure the paint is completely dry before you apply another layer. Also, try not to spill the paint outside the damaged area as it could make the paint job look untidy.
- Once the paint is dried, don’t forget to level it with the surroundings for a fine finishing touch. This wraps the entire DIY process of how to repair stone chip damage on a car.
How to Prevent Paint Chip Damage on a Car
Fixing stone chips on a windshield or other parts of the car’s exterior can get challenging sometimes. However, to prevent a vehicle’s clear coat and other fragile parts from such damage, here are a few tips.
Avoid Tailgating Heavy Vehicles
Always keep a safe following distance, especially from heavy vehicles. Heavy-duty trailer trucks and buses tend to throw off more mud and dust particles than smaller vehicles.
Avoid Taking Off-beaten Paths
Off-beaten paths usually have dirt or gravel roads. As a result, they can make your car more prone to stone chip damage.
Drive Slowly and Carefully
If driving on the dirt road becomes unavoidable, reduce your car’s speed. This will minimise the chances of paint chip damage as less debris will be kicked up. Moreover, keeping your speed slow and manoeuvring is among the key tips for driving a lowered car safely.
Use Paint Protection Film
Another way to prevent stone chip damage is using a protection layer on the exterior paint. The car paint protection film is designed for such a purpose. It also serves as a long-term solution for avoiding problematic stone chips on paint.
When to Avoid DIY Ways to Fix Stone Chips on Car
One can rely on a smart repair technique to fix minor dents and scratches. However, sometimes the intensity of the damage is higher than expected. In such cases, don’t rely on DIY ways for fixing stone chips on the bonnet or other parts.
Here’s when to consult a car cosmetics repair expert.
- When the stone chip damage is spread across the exterior.
- When there are also signs of rust and water damage alongside stone chips.
- If the damage results in the exposure of the base metal.
FAQs
Can you fix the stone chip damage on a car?
Yes, the stone chip repair process involves a few easy-to-work-on DIY steps. However, if the damage is severe, it is advised to consult an expert.
How do you cover a stone chip?
A stone chip can be covered by applying a base coat. It is then followed by a few layers of the actual car paint. Make sure to level the newly painted surface for a refined finish.
How to protect a car’s exterior from sunlight?
Park the vehicle in a shaded area, such as roofed parking spaces or under a tree. If the shade isn’t available, use a car cover. These are among the key tips to protect your car from sunlight, especially in warmer weather.
This was everything to know about the DIY process for fixing stone chips on a car. The evolution of car paints is quite long and interesting. Today’s technology has made car paints more durable and damage-resistant than ever. That said, always taking precautions to protect the paint will only enhance its longevity.
From exterior to interior, make sure to check everything when buying a used car in the UAE. Proper inspection is crucial to make an informed choice.
For more information on repairing stone chips on car paintwork, keep reading dubizzle’s car blog.
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