Even minor damage to the paintwork can spoil the enjoyment of your Volvo. Not only do small scratches or stone chips happen quickly – someone walks too close to your car or another car door brushes against your car. Paint damage to your Volvo is also unsightly and, in the worst case, can even cause rust or other damage.
In this article, we explain how you can best avoid paint damage. This goes beyond ordinary cleaning and care.
Why should you avoid paint damage to your car?
The severity of paint damage on your Volvo depends on which layers have been damaged. While superficial paint damage is barely visible because it often only affects the clear coat, you should have deeper paint damage repaired by experts.
Don’t waste any time and take care of such damage in good time before it’s too late. If several layers are damaged, the metal underneath will be exposed, making it susceptible to rust. This can not only damage the structure of your car, but also lead to a loss in value of your car.
How much does paint damage to a car cost?
The cost of repairing paint damage depends on the type and intensity of the damage. If only a polish is required, it will cost you considerably less than a completely new paint job.
Avoid paint damage: Here’s how!
To avoid having to worry about paint damage in the first place, you should protect your car’s paintwork. Here are five tips on how you can best protect your Volvo:
Paint protection films:
High-quality preservation films are not an inexpensive way to protect your Volvo’s paint. However, paint protection films are extremely effective – even if they are not a complete solution. Hire an expert to apply the protective film professionally to the desired area (or the entire vehicle).
Paint waxes:
A layer of wax seals the top coat and protects the paintwork. This is an inexpensive option that you can easily apply yourself and offers a certain degree of protection. However, do not expect this measure to completely prevent chipping or paint damage in the long term. An alternative is a paint sealant, but this will take some time to dry completely.
Car cover:
addition to scratches and scuffs that can damage the paintwork of your Volvo, damage can also be caused by bird droppings, sunlight, tree sap or careless people. A car cover can protect your vehicle from these external influences and extend the life of the paintwork. This second layer takes a little time to fit and remove, which is why it can also act as a deterrent to thieves or vandals.
Regular cleaning:
Wash your Volvo at regular intervals by hand or in a car wash to avoid deposits that can damage the paintwork.
Polishing the car:
Polish the paintwork regularly to protect it. As well as giving your Volvo a stylish shine, this also gives it a protective layer against external influences. To ensure that the polish is applied neatly and evenly, hire professionals at a workshop.
A car park needs to be well chosen:
Paint damage often occurs when your vehicle is parked in a car park. This can have various causes: (un)intentional scratches caused by car keys or people bumping into your Volvo, or acid in tree resin or bird droppings. Your car’s paintwork is exposed to numerous dangers, for example if you park it in front of passageways or house entrances. When parking, always keep a sufficient distance from other vehicles so that nothing can happen when getting in and out of the car. If you have the opportunity, park your car in a garage. If parking is only possible in the open air, look for a well-lit and populated area. This will at least minimise paint damage caused by vandalism.
Video surveillance:
Although this method does not prevent damage to your car, it can at least document it – even if the car is parked. It is therefore worth investing in a dashcam. This can switch on and record for a certain amount of time as soon as it registers any movement or vibration. If damage is caused by careless passers-by, you can forward the video to the police and insurance company if necessary.
This is how you can repair paint damage
If the damage is minor and superficial, you can repair it yourself. However, be aware that the result will probably never come close to that of a professional.
Use a touch-up pen in the appropriate colour to correct minor paint damage. Carefully apply the paint to the affected area and allow it to dry. You can then polish the paint and smooth the surface.
If rust has already formed, you must first remove it. Use a rust remover and carefully sand the area to completely remove the rust. You can then repaint and polish.
Even if minor paint damage can be treated yourself, professional repairs are recommended for deeper damage or extensive scratches. Incorrectly carried out repairs can lead to colour deviations or uneven paint surfaces that impair the overall impression of the vehicle.
We are at your disposal for professional paint repairs at our Hüsser & Palkoska garage. Using modern methods and high-quality materials, we ensure that your Volvo is optimally protected and retains its original appearance.
