Essential Tips For Stone Chip Repair
ShareA sparkly coat of paint can make your car look good, no matter how old it is. However, stone chips can create severe and localized damage in the paintwork. The chips are often the result of road debris and gravel flicked from other vehicles, especially those in front of you. These little stones can cause a significant ding in your car's paintwork and ruin its appearance.
Although the stone chips are hard to prevent, it is possible to fix them. You need to schedule stone chip repair services urgently, so the problem doesn't worsen during cold and rainy seasons.
Why Should You Prioritize Stone Chip Repair?
Car paint damage by stone chips should be considered an emergency. If you don't fix the problem promptly, the paint scratches become unsightly and drive down your car's resale value.
Sometimes, humidity can penetrate the coating and cause severe flaking and corrosion. With time, you will experience chronic rust problems that substantially compromise the vehicle's structural integrity.
When Should You Consider DIY Stone Chip Repair?
If you notice mechanical damage to your car's paint, you have only two options –– to have the paint chips professionally repaired or do it yourself. If you have paint, denatured alcohol, a microfiber cloth, and a polishing compound, you can remove the chips yourself by following these easy steps:
- Clean the affected areas thoroughly with soap and water
- Dry the surface with a clean microfiber cloth
- Rub some polishing compound over the chip
- Clean the affected car surface again with denatured alcohol to remove any remaining grime and dirt
If you choose the DIY option, you should rub your car surface gently so that you don't damage the unaffected areas. Also, make sure you don't perform this repair in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight so you don't make things worse.
When Should You Consider Professional Stone Chip Repair Services?
DIY stone chip repair will only work for minor damage. However, there are instances when professional repair services are necessary. These include:
- If your car has highly conspicuous rust spots
- When the stone chips affect a big area, including the base metal
- When the damage involves very large or multiple chips
You shouldn't attempt to remove stone chips if you notice rust spots on the car surface. Paint can't adhere to rusty metal, so you need a professional to clear the rust first before you repaint. Remember that rust can spread through the metal and cause panel replacement and other costly repairs.
Stone chip damage is a major problem that faces many car owners. The scratches caused by the chips are unsightly and can lead to severe rusting. You need to contact a stone chip repair service to fix the problem quickly and professionally.