One of the most common services requested of auto body shops is paint restoration and repair. Many car owners find themselves surprised by the things that can damage their car's paint, and that initial lack of understanding can lead to mistakes that contribute to flaking, peeling, and fading car paint. If you want to be sure that your car's paint stays in the best possible condition, you should take steps to avoid the most common hazards. Here's a look at some of the things you should watch for that can lead to paint damage.

Natural Elements

Nature can be a beautiful thing, but when it comes to your car, it can be destructive. For example, things like bird waste, tree leaves, and sap can all be destructive to your car's paint finish. The acidic nature of these things can actually cause the clearcoat to deteriorate, exposing the paint layers underneath. 

When those paint layers are exposed to animal waste and other natural elements, the paint may flake and bubble, causing costly damage. You can minimize this by washing your car regularly so that you don't have any bird waste, tree sap, or leaves left behind on the surface of your car for prolonged periods of time. 

Auto Fluids

Your car's fluids, including gasoline, antifreeze, and oil, can all be damaging to your car's paint finish. Brake fluid can cause your car's paint to streak and strip. Gasoline can leave stains and discoloration behind. You'll want to make sure that your car is washed and waxed on a regular basis if you wish to avoid this kind of damage. Otherwise, you'll have to have your local auto body shop restore the paint.

Coffee, Soda, And Juices

You may not think of coffee, soda, or juice as being particularly caustic, but the acidic nature of these fluids can be destructive to your car's paint. If you have a habit of putting your coffee on the roof or the hood in the morning, and then you inadvertently spill it, you'll want to make sure that you wash your car as often as possible and talk with an auto body shop about creating a protective barrier with the right wax or clear coat.

When it comes to keeping your car looking its best, the right auto body shop is a great resource. Your local auto body shop can help you with restoring your paint job with a properly matched paint color if it has suffered damage, and can also offer you tips like these to help you avoid damage in the first place.