Understandably, many drivers want to drive a car with a paint job that looks as fresh as when it first left the factory. Unfortunately, chips, scratches, and fading are all normal wear and tear. At some point, most cars will need a paint job to restore their original look. Here are five signs that you need to get car touch-up paint applied.

1. Chips or Dings

One of the most obvious signs that your car needs new paint is when there are chips or dings on its surface. These occur from regular wear, gravel, stones, debris, and minor accidents. When these little nicks and scratches accumulate, it's time to consider touch-up paint.

2. Rust

Rust usually forms when moisture and oxygen combine with pollutants such as road salt or acid rain, which can weaken the paint's protective layer. If you don't treat rust quickly, it can cause irreparable damage to the car's body paint and should be addressed with touch-up paint as soon as possible.

3. Fading Paint

Fading, otherwise known as oxidation, can also happen over time, especially in direct sunlight. Car touch-up paint can help restore the color of its body and make it look brand-new again.

4. Paint Flaking Off

If you notice any paint flaking off, particularly where it meets another material, such as a window seal or trim, you need to consider touch-up paint. This flaking usually happens due to age and can lead to major issues if left untreated. Flaking paint can also be a sign of improper painting techniques or corrosion beneath the paint.

5. Unusually High Mileage

If your car has unusually high mileage, it may be time for a paint update. This is especially true for cars driven in harsh climates due to the toll it takes on the paint job. According to AxleWise, there are nearly 1.4 billion cars registered in the United States, and drivers are typically moving over 12,000 miles or more annually. If your car falls into this category, it's important to keep its paint job looking good with an auto painting service.

Updated paint can make all the difference in extending the life of your vehicle and keeping it looking great. Pay attention to these signs that you need car touch-up paint, and take care of the problem quickly. Contact Extreme Detail Garage today so we can get your car looking sleek and new again.