The 4th of July is known for barbeques and fireworks. If you are planning on lighting off fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, you should always take precautions. Fireworks can cause damage to many surfaces, including your automobile. Now is great time to learn how fireworks damage your car, how you can prevent that damage and how that damage can be repaired can help you learn what precautions you need to take when it comes to your automobiles and fireworks.
What Type of Damage Can Fireworks Do To Your Car?
The number one cause of damage to cars from fireworks has to do with the ash. As fireworks go off, they release ash. When hot ash lands on your car, it can actually leave behind small burn marks or scorch marks on your car. Worse, when water interacts with dry ash on your car, chemicals in the ash are released which can eat away at the paint on your car.
How Can You Protect Your Car From Firework Damage?
The best way to protect your vehicle from firework damage is to park your car in the garage on the 4th of July. If that is not an option, consider investing in a car cover. Find a car cover that fits your car nice and snug for the maximum protection possible. If placing your car in a garage or using a cover are not an option, consider waxing your car prior to the 4th of July. The wax coats your paint, which can also help to protect it from ash damage.
How Do You Remove Ash on Your Vehicle?
If you were not able to protect your car during fireworks, you will want to remove ash from your vehicle as quickly as possible. Start by lightly sweeping off as much as you can using either your hand or a microfiber cloth. Do not use any type of brush, as the bristles can scratch your car. From there, you will want to spray down your car from the top of the car down to the bottom. Ash released chemicals that can eat away at your paint once wet. As such, you want to spray from the top to the bottom in a fast, yet efficient manner to ensure you wash all ash away. From there, wash your car as you normally would.
How Can a Professional Can Repair Firework Damage?
If you notice that the paint on your vehicle is has small burn marks, it bubbling or peeling, or is fading, firework damage may have occurred to your vehicle. There are many ways that a professional can repair this damage. If the damage is limited to a small spot, touch-up painting may be done. If the damage is extensive, your entire vehicle may need to be stripped and re-painted to get your car looking its best.
At Certified Collision Center Auto Body Repair, with locations throughout the Central California Valley, out autobody repair shop can help you with everything from minor exterior paint damage to major auto body damage. Call us today to schedule your appointment and let us get your car looking good as new again.