Paint Problems On New Vehicles

Article

Full article

Congratulations! That brand-new car or truck you ordered has finally come in, and it looks like a million dollars. The paint is so shiny and bright!

But wait a minute. Are those swirl marks on the door? And is the paint a bit hazy on the hood?

It can’t be. After all, this is a brand-new vehicle! The truth is that paint problems exist on new vehicles.

Also, once they get to the dealership, the get-ready process can damage a new vehicle’s painted surfaces. For example, buffing or polishing those newly painted panels can result in very noticeable swirl marks or scratches in the clear coat. Owners of new vehicles may want to invest in ceramic coatings or paint protection film applications , but they may feel it’s okay to wait for some of the newness to wear off before they do it.

Actually, the opposite is true. Getting the paint corrected on your vehicle can be done at pretty much any time, but fixing those factory- or dealer-caused problems is best done as soon as possible. Also, you would be surprised how often paint chips and other highway-related damages can happen on that maiden voyage away from the dealership.

Common paint problems on new vehicles Here are some of the paint issues we see on brand-new cars and trucks: Scratches Light scratches can often be buffed out using a polishing compound. Deeper scratches may require touch-up paint. Swirl marks Swirl marks are often caused by improper washing or polishing techniques, which may happen when dealership employees wash or polish a new vehicle for delivery to the customer.

Swirl marks can normally be removed through paint correction, which involves using a polishing machine and specific compounds to level the paint surface. Water spots Water spots are mineral deposits left on the paint surface after water evaporates. They can often be removed with a mild acid-based cleaner or a clay bar treatment.

Oxidation Oxidation occurs when the clear coat breaks down, leading to a dull appearance. Polishing and waxing the paint can help restore shine and protect against further oxidation. Orange peel This is when the paint appears to be “bumpy,” like the surface of an orange.

It happens when the paint doesn't level out properly when applied. The paint's thickness and the room's temperature can contribute to this. Paint chips or scratches New cars can sometimes develop paint chips or scratches.

This may be due to the quality of the paint or the application process. It also can result from damage when the vehicle is stored or transported before it is delivered to the dealer. Peeling/fading Paint on new cars may peel or fade prematurely.

Several reasons may cause this, including inadequate surface preparation, poor paint quality, or improper paint application. Poor paint matching A new car may need to have panels repainted before it is delivered to its new owner. Matching the repainted panel to the rest of the vehicle may not produce a perfect result.

Paint-matching technology has made great strides over the years, but even so, the result may be less than ideal, and the difference may be noticeable. Environmental factors Such factors may include exposure to sunlight, pollution, cold weather , and other harsh weather. Other factors include bird droppings, tree sap, and road tar.

All those things and more can impact the longevity and appearance of the paint. Manufacturer defects Occasionally, issues with the paint may stem from defects caused during the manufacturing process. Such problems may include primer, basecoat, or clear coat application issues.

Quality control Inconsistencies in quality control during manufacturing can lead to variations in the paint finish among different vehicles. With all this in mind, what is a new vehicle owner’s best action? If you suspect the manufacturer or the dealer caused the paint issue you spotted, your first step is to take your concerns to the dealer.

The vehicle warranty should cover any damages that came from the factory or were caused through handling by the dealership. It would be best if you didn’t have to pay to fix problems of this nature. The catch If you have any other issues or concerns, we suggest you come by CoaterZ BEFORE you deliver your new car or truck.

It’s good to have a paint protection strategy in mind before you take your new vehicle on its maiden voyage. Customers drive their new vehicles directly to the CoaterZ shop to install ceramic coating or paint protection film . It’s easy to pick up your vehicle’s first paint chip in the first 100 miles of ownership.

And it is much better to prevent paint chips than to repair them. Remember that proper maintenance, regular washing, and protective measures like waxing can help prevent paint problems and extend the life of your car's finish.