Accidents and scrapes aren’t the only ways to leave visible marks on your car. Those marks may be the most pronounced, but when it comes to damaging the auto body paint, many everyday hazards can leave permanent stains. The staff at OHS' Body Shop—located in Kalispell, MT, in the Flathead Valley—has over 40 years of experience in making vehicles look good as new, whether they were damaged through road accidents or other common causes. Below, their experts share three ways you may be damaging your car’s paint.

3 Common Auto Body Paint Problems

1. Tar

Driving over freshly paved roads can cause your wheels to kick up pieces of tar from the road that stick to your vehicle. When the tar dries, it may be nearly impossible to get off, especially if you don’t want to peel layers of paint off with it. The best way to take care of this problem is to take your car to an auto body repair shop.

2. Food & Drink

Whether the outside of your car was egged or you spilled coffee on it, the results can cause damage. Common acids found in foods are among the most disfiguring substances for auto body paint. If you let them dry on the vehicle, they will likely harm the coating. To avoid this, wipe away spills as soon as they occur. Regular washes and waxes can help prevent this.

3. Bugs & Sap

Just like food, bugs and tree sap both contain acids that eat away at auto body paint, leaving marks. Want to take care of this? Once again, the key is to wash your vehicle immediately after you notice these substances on it. It’s impossible to avoid everything that might cause damage, but you can minimize the results of any damage that might occur.

If you’ve noticed marks on your car and aren’t certain what to do about them, contact OHS’ Body Shop. They’re located in Kalispell, MT, and serve locations in Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Polson. They welcome all forms of insurance and can fix any auto body paint issues. To get in touch, visit their website or call them at (406)752-8202.