Mercedes-Benz
of Littleton

Mar 23, 2022

Protect Your Car from Paint Scratches

Chips in the paint of a Mercedes-Benz

Few things are more frustrating than a scratch or chip in a brand new car. If you’ve recently bought a car, especially a luxury model, you may be wondering how to protect it from the elements. Colorado driving is notoriously hard on cars, and it is all-too-common to have a few dings and scratches in the paneling after a certain amount of time. 

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to protect your vehicle’s paint from unsightly peeling, chipping, or scratching. 

  1. Vinyl Wrapping for Cars

This is one of the more expensive options, but it is also the most effective against rock chips and big scratches. A clear layer of vinyl is applied to high-risk areas of the car, such as the hood and bumper. You can do the work yourself, but it is not recommended if you are inexperienced. A poorly applied wrap will look far worse than a tiny scratch. 

  1. Car Sealant

Apply a premium paint sealant to the car, especially areas more prone to scratches and chips. Paint sealant is similar to car wax, but it is designed to last much longer. Unlike wrapping, you can easily do this step yourself. However, most professional seals offer better protection since they tend to dry harder than at-home ones. 

  1. Car Wax

Regularly waxing your car offers protection against micro-abrasions such as those that occur when washing and drying. Always apply wax to a clean, dry car. While there is no set interval for waxing, you should aim for at least twice per year (more, if you can). 

  1. Protect Door Edges and Bumpers

Plastic or rubber door edge protectors are a great option, especially if you have children who tend to open the doors onto things like walls or signposts. They are relatively cheap and easy to install at home. 

Bumpers are prone to scuffs from things like parking curbs, speed bumps, and road damage. You can apply a rubber scrape guard to prevent scratches from this kind of damage and also protect your spoiler and splitter. 

What to Do If You Have a Paint Chip on Your Car

Red paint, pouring to be used to help fix a paint chip

Even if you take steps to protect your car, chips and scratches may be inevitable. If you leave these untreated for too long, further damage can occur. Exposed metal framework may begin to rust, and surrounding paint may bubble and start to peel. 

As soon as you notice a scratch, take your car to a licensed dealer. While you can repair chips and scratches at home, it is best to go to a professional who can precisely match the paint of your car. 

Mercedes Benz of Littleton Services

Mercedes Benz of Littleton offers a premium Protection Package that is guaranteed to last for seven years. We wash and dry your car, then apply a paint decontaminant. A DuPont chemical treatment is added to protect the paint from deterioration, oxidation, and discoloration. Call our dealership or go online to schedule your service today.