3 Tips To Prevent Stone Chips

Stone chips are a common car paint problem, primarily on the hood. The issue results from road debris and gravel flicking from the car tires onto the vehicle. The problem is also common during winter due to rainwater and ice chips. Stone chips manifest as small, localized paint damage, ruining your vehicle's aesthetics and integrity. Learn how to protect your car from stone chips.

1. Use Paint Protection Film

Paint protection film (PPF) is a transparent film applied on the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle to protect them from corrosion. The areas of interest include the bumper, door edges, and hood. Besides preventing corrosion, paint protection film acts as a barrier between paint and road debris. It also helps your car to look new longer, thus saving you from stone chip repair services costs. The paint protector is invisible, so you don't have to worry about interfering with the vehicle's original color or appearance. In addition, the right PPF features self-healing technology and requires minimal maintenance. Therefore, you can wax and wash your vehicle normally.

2. Be Cautious on Country Roads

If you can, avoid gravel roads. Most of these roads have potholes which translate to stones and debris that will likely harm your vehicle. But if you must use country roads, use these techniques to protect your vehicle from stone chips:

Be Mindful of Your Speed

High speed and fast maneuvers on country roads are a potential for disaster. The gravel could be loose and easily flick from the tires to the hood and other fragile car components, causing stone chips.

Keep Distance From Other Cars

Nearby vehicles' tires will throw rocks at your car. This is especially true with large vehicles as they can throw stones faster and at a longer distance. In addition, the cars have large wheels that collect large volumes of debris and throw them in your direction.

3. Stay Away From Cars With Loose Loads

It's mandatory to secure loads on a car. But sometimes, it is done loosely, posing risks to the nearby vehicles. Avoid trucks or cars with light loads that can easily be thrown back toward you by the wind. Ensure that you maintain a safe distance behind or get in front of the truck.

Stone chips are not only a pain to your car's aesthetics, but also, if they happen on a metal component, the metal may begin to rust. Eventually, stone chips can escalate to a bigger problem that will cost you more on repairs. Reduce stone chip repair costs by letting a specialist rectify the problem as soon as you notice paint damages.

For more information on stone chip repair, contact a local auto shop. 


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