Why Does Cold Weather Make Your Car’s Paint Peel?

Winter weather can bring about many challenges for drivers. One that often gets overlooked is peeling automotive paint. Though paint can begin peeling at any point throughout the year, it tends to happen more frequently when temperatures dip. Here’s what you need to know to protect or repair your vehicle.

Why Automotive Paint Peels in the Winter

Paint usually peels or chips away on vehicles once the surface has been scratched or dented. This commonly happens after collisions, but it may also occur during winter if large pieces of salt scratch your automotive paint. Once the initial damage occurs, moisture and debris can get underneath the paint and cause it to fall away from your vehicle. This will likely continue to happen until you have the paint touched up by a professional.

How to Avoid Problems

If your vehicle is already experiencing paint peeling, have a professional touch it up and seal it right away to protect the rest of your vehicle. To prevent this issue from happening again, wash away salt on your vehicle regularly throughout the winter.

Avoid wiping it away or using dirty cloths, since that can lead to scratches. Instead, hose away all salt and debris, including underneath your car and on any of the metal components. Also, bring your car to a collision shop for service if you experience even a minor fender bender; small chips or dents can make your automotive paint more vulnerable to peeling.

If you’ve experienced any damage to your automotive paint, contact the experts at Airport Paint & Body. With locations in Wilder, Erlanger, and Hebron, KY, the auto body shop has served drivers throughout northern Kentucky for more than 10 years. The family-owned and -operated shop emphasizes strong customer service and even provides 24-hour towing services for customers who have experienced collision issues. Visit the company’s website to see a full array of services offered. To request service or speak with a technician about your vehicle, call (859) 689-5700.