5 habits that quietly ruin your paint

Almost every swirled, dull, or etched paint job we correct traces back to the same handful of habits.

1. Automatic brush washes

Those spinning brushes carry grit from every car before yours. They are the single biggest source of swirl marks we see.

2. One bucket and an old sponge

Washing with a single bucket grinds the dirt you just removed straight back into the paint. Two buckets and a proper mitt fix this for ten dollars.

3. Letting bird droppings sit

Droppings are acidic and etch clear coat in hours, especially in summer heat. Carry a quick detailer and a microfiber in the trunk.

4. Drying with whatever is around

Bath towels and paper towels scratch. Only microfiber should ever touch paint.

5. Parking under trees for shade

Sap, droppings, and pollen cost more than the shade saves. In Phoenix, a windshield sunshade beats a tree every time.