OEM Paint Degradation

Close-up of paint degradation

Degradation of Vehicle Paintwork in Normal Vehicle Operations

Although most OEMs use high quality paint materials, it is impossible to keep a vehicle completely protected from damage during its operational life.

Vehicles can sustain damage from a wide and diverse range of chemical, biological, climatic, and mechanical influences.

Chemical Influences

  • Salt
  • Sand
  • Tar
  • Oil
  • Industrial emissions
  • Fuel
  • Lubricants
  • Car care products

Biological Influences

  • Bird droppings
  • Insect secretions
  • Tree resin

Climatic Influences

  • High and low temperatures
  • Humidity
  • Sunlight (UV radiation)
  • Rain, snow, ice, hai

Mechanical Influences

  • General day-to-day use
  • Stone chips such as gravel, grit, and sand
  • Brushes from washing (carwash/hand wash)
  • Incorrect use of high pressure cleaners (water temperature below 50°C, water pressure 1500psi maximum, nozzle should not be used closer than 45cm from the surface)