Protect your car from chips and scratches

How to cover a car to protect it is haunted by the question of car owners who love their iron friend and take care of him. After all, the roads around us are far from ideal. And it is not always possible to avoid stones and other irritants in the body.

And it is in your power to think about protection in advance and avoid unnecessary minor damage to the paintwork. There are several ways to fix the car body.

The secret of how to cover the car to protect against chips and scratches

The solution to the issue of body protection can be low-cost and have a short service life. But there are also more expensive options. With which it can fully protect the car coating from chipping, scratching and paint fading for a long time.

The main types of protective coatings:

• protective waxes and polishes;
• protective compounds such as "liquid glass" or "liquid coating";
• vinyl protective film;
• angiogravity film;
• cover on a fabric basis;
• plastic deflectors;
• ceramic coating;
• painting "Raptor";
• liquid rubber.

Protective waxes and polishes

The principle of operation of protective polishes and waxes is that a microlayer of special materials is applied to the body. Which protects the surface of the car from mechanical damage and environmental influences.

Polishes also add shine to your car, bringing it to the state of "fresh from the showroom". Protective polishes are made on the basis of Teflon, epoxy resin or contain nanoparticles in their composition.

Hard wax

Wax polishes are in demand due to their low price and ease of application. Yes, and the period of validity of wax polishing is short, which leads to the need to apply a new layer of such material soon. Hard wax is applied to a clean, dry car with a soft sponge in a circular motion.

car paint wax protection

The procedure is best done in a box so that the wax does not dry out in the sun. Then, after waiting 3-4 minutes, grind the wax with microfiber. The wax procedure is the safest, as there is no chemical spraying.

Teflon based polish

Polishing provides a thicker layer of vehicle coverage and protects against chemical and mechanical attack for up to three months.

fluffy coat

Teflon also has dirt-repellent properties, which is useful when operating the machine in the field.

Epoxy based agent

The epoxy resin in the polish interacts with the car's paint and creates a thin "glassy" layer.

Which repels water, small particles and prevents the formation of organic stains.

This protective cosmetic can keep its properties for up to a year and provide protection for the car with frequent washing.

Nano polishing

This type of protective body polish is as durable as can be and can last up to three years.

The machine becomes so smooth that dirt and water roll off the surface almost instantly.

The polish protects the car from rust and discoloration from sunlight.

Cover the car for protection with liquid glass

The shelf life of the enamel is up to 12 months. Before applying liquid glass, the body must be polished with a special machine. From small scratches, scuffs, dirt and possible residues of other polishes.

This type of application requires more careful maintenance. Since the polish must not be exposed to water within 36 hours of application, it may leave stains on the vehicle.

This coating is much more effective than conventional polishes. The appearance immediately changes and begins to glow, as if a layer of glass appears on top. The lacquered effect of liquid glass is able to perfectly repel water, sand and dirt.

liquid case

The liquid box option is less durable but comfortable to use. It is applied to the surface with an ordinary paint brush in several layers.

Liquid coating can make the top layer of the car less shiny. But it saves from gravel, sand, dirt on short trips on polluted roads and in bad weather.

However, it can come off when in contact with large amounts of water.

Protective vinyl and anti-gravel film

This type of car protection is the most expensive, but also the most effective. The film is divided into vinyl and anti-splinter. The first type of film is simpler and not so protected from mechanical stress.

Vanilla car movie

Gravel film, unlike vinyl, cannot be torn even by hand. Such protection is able to protect the car even in minor accidents.

Film for crushing stones

Both versions of the film can be attached to individual parts of the car.

You can choose the color of the film or apply a specific pattern or company logo if you want to create a special design on the car. Fans of unusual appearance use a mirror film.

To apply the film, the surface is treated with a special tool. After that, the film is applied with hot air so that its surface lies perfectly on the car.

Given the complexity of the film application procedure, it is best to apply it in a special car repair shop where the appropriate equipment is available.

For motorists who will be engaged in self-application, there is a film "Avtoskol".

Fabric case

This cover or mask on the hood is put on the front of the car to protect the paintwork from mechanical stress.

The advantage of this type of cover is that the procedure for putting on the cover is very simple for all car owners. But it also has a number of disadvantages.

The cover must be purchased for a specific car model so that it fits perfectly with the size of your hood.

Also below deck you need to constantly check for dirt, dust, sand and foreign objects. Since these interventions under the casing can damage the surface of the car. These verification procedures cause certain inconveniences to the driver.

Plastic deflectors

This protection is of two types: a hood deflector and a side window deflector - a visor. Deflectors protect against the ingress of fine gravel, stones, which further contribute to the appearance of dents and rust.

Plastic deflectors are much thicker than liquid coatings applied to the surface of a car. They are similar to car upholstery and are made of durable acrylic glass or plastic.

To install such a deflector, it is necessary to remove the protective film from it. Remove the protective caps from the mounts and slightly stretch the bolts for subsequent installation in the hood. On the open hood, you need to put the deflector in the center of the hood, fix the deflector fasteners under the rubber of the car.

After this, the deflector fasteners are tightly tightened. When installing, the fasteners should be pressed as close to the hood as possible so that the deflector does not touch the radiator grille.

The active action of the deflector begins at a speed of 70 km / h. With the deflector, an artificial air flow is created that prevents the accumulation of dirt in the hood.

There is also a small drawback with this tool - aerodynamics with a deflector drops, which affects the increase in fuel consumption.

Ceramic coating

Such a coating is applied only in professional workshops, since after application the machine must be kept for several hours at a special warm temperature. This "baking" is carried out on special equipment. Due to its hardness, this protection perfectly protects the car from chips, scratches, bird droppings, UV exposure, rust and other influences.

The composition of nanoceramics includes inorganic compounds with excellent protective properties. Before applying the ceramic coating, the car must be pre-polished.

Ceramics can be applied in several layers, which will affect the price of the procedure. Sometimes the number of layers can reach ten or more. Of all coatings, ceramic has the most rigid composition, ceramic can give the car a rich, slightly darkening effect.

Ceramics can remain on the car for up to a year, after which the procedure must be repeated. After treatment, the car must not be washed for three weeks so that the ceramic coating is well fixed and does not lose its properties.

Such a coating cannot be removed by yourself, it can only be removed by professional polishing with a high level of abrasiveness.

Painting "Raptor"

"Raptor" is intended for lovers of serious protection, as this polish is well resistant to any kind of mechanical damage: chips, scratches, dents, fallen branches, etc. It also makes the vehicle completely resistant to moisture and rust.

The tool is ideal for off-road or rough terrain.

This protective polish has its drawbacks: it makes the car matte. The composition of the "Raptor" is two-component, before application it must be mixed with a special hardener.

Also, "Raptor" is applied using a balloon, with which it is sprayed onto the surface of the body. The application of this reliable method of protection is preferably carried out with a mask to protect the respiratory tract from aerosol particles.

"Raptor" lasts up to a month, and it is quite difficult to remove it from the surface. But some motorists still prefer this particular tool. Since it is easy to use and you can do it yourself without resorting to expensive car repair services.

Also, "Raptor" can be used to paint individual parts of the car that are more vulnerable to mechanical damage.

Liquid rubber

This polish is very suitable for those who want to completely change the look of their car. Liquid rubber is sprayed from a cylinder, and after the expiration date is easily removed from the surface of cars, like a film or snakeskin.

Before application, the surface of the car is degreased. Each motorist can make such a statement independently. What makes liquid rubber a driver's favorite protection.

Thanks to this tool, you can completely repaint the car in a different color and please your aesthetic perception. Especially many drivers are attracted by the dark conspicuous color of the car.

When applied vertically, it is recommended not to spray a large amount of polish to avoid staining the surface. The next day after application, you can easily clean the glass and other places where the spray accidentally hit.

Liquid rubber makes the color of the car body matte and "rubber" to the touch. On a well degreased surface, the polish does not leave bubbles.

The tool is quite cheap, because it can take up to ten cylinders to paint. The polish not only protects, but also paints over rust.

Conclusion

Each of the described polishes has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you can choose the method of protection, taking into account the trips you plan, the technical condition of the car and your budget.

But a vehicle owner who truly loves his car and keeps it clean and looking good. Don't forget to protect the car's surface as well.

And then your car will not only be protected, but also shine in the sun, like new and just bought from the salon.

Sometimes such work is best done in specialized workshops and entrusted to professionals.

There are many different car care products on the market, but the final choice is yours.