A shiny new car won't stay shiny long without paint protection. The outdoor elements and the many dangers that affect the exteriors of vehicles take a toll on car paint. According to Consumer Reports, new auto paint should last for about a decade. If your vehicle's exterior is looking less than ideal, here are four signs that it needs auto paint protection.

1. Chipped and Scratched Paint

Stones and other hard objects thrown up by the tires of other vehicles often chip and scratch paint. The same goes for small items that might fall off of vehicles or come from other sources, like debris in construction zones. Whatever the source might be, the result is the same – stone chips and small scratches in the paint. They also might cause small dings. Fortunately, they can be fixed, but it's better to protect the paint against such damage.

2. Peeling Clear Coat and Paint

One of the most noticeable types of paint damage occurs when the clear coat starts to deteriorate and the paint beneath it starts to peel off the metal surfaces. When the clear coat starts to turn a grayish-white color, it deteriorates due to the effects of weathering and the sun's UV rays. Once the protective clear coat is gone, the paint can deteriorate rapidly and start to peel. Preventive maintenance of the clear coat can stop that from happening.

3. Faded and Discolored Paint

The effects of wind, dust, and road grime can cause the paint to fade and become discolored. The same goes for the sun's UV rays, bird droppings, and melted road salt. There are many things that can cause automotive paint to look much less than its shiny best. Protective paint services can help keep your paint looking its best and stop it from degrading and changing hue.

4. Bubbles in the Paint

Locales that see a lot of precipitation and especially snow that causes roads to be salted are areas where rust is especially troublesome. When rust first starts to form, it often comes up from beneath the painted surface. As the rust grows and advances, it causes the paint to bubble and then start flaking off. Paint protection helps stop the rust from penetrating beneath that paint and causing it to lift and bubble.

Looking for some paint protection? You can call or visit us at Extreme Detail Garage to learn more and get a quote on paint protection for your vehicle.