Month: September 2020

The Pros and Cons of Traditional vs. Innovative Car Bras

Posted on by European Collision Center

Nobody wants their car to be harmed by the onslaught of pebbles, road grit, and random debris that slams into your paint every time you cruise down the roadway.

Pros and Cons

But many hate the appearance of the traditional car bra. Though some think the look of black leather or vinyl across the bumper, grille, and hood makes their car look sporty and sleek, others think it is like the vinyl cover on Grandma’s living room couch. An unnecessary accessory that, even IF it provides longer life, detracts from the look and feel of the car as it is meant to be.

There are, though, some other reasons why a traditional car bra may not be as helpful as intended. Sure, it will protect from chips, dings, and scratches, but the surface beneath the bra needs to be cleaned and preferably waxed since debris and dust can act as an abrasive over time. This can be a hassle due to all the hooks that must be removed every time you wash your car. If not secured tightly, the bra can also damage the paint by flapping and vibrating.

However, a BodyGuard clear auto bra can give you the protection you want without the loss of aesthetics or an increase in maintenance. It’s an innovative film that protects your paint from minor chips, scratches, and chemical and environmental stains. It can be custom designed to shield as much or little as you want—from just the front fender and hood to the entire vehicle!

There are some questionable car films out there, but BodyGuard really works, which is why we use it on our own vehicles. Benefits include:

  • Virtually invisible to the eye.
  • Highly effective protecting your car from chips or minor scratches in the paint commonly caused by road debris.
  • Will not peel or crack.
  • Backed by a 10-year warranty.
  • Simple 2-day installation.
  • Can be removed and replaced without harming your paint.

One thing is for sure. The front of your car is exposed to high-speed damage from flying shards, fragments, and objects, and sometimes this harm is greater than even a BodyGuard bra can protect you from. If you suffer dents or dings to your vehicle, bring it to the pros at European Collision Center. We adhere to all factory repair procedures and have the right tools, equipment, and methodology for flawless cosmetic paint restoration, detailing, minor or major collision repair, and lease return repair. For European autobody repair done right, call us at 415-551-9700 or contact us online today!

How to Care for Your BMW’s Paint

Posted on by European Collision Center
How To Care For Your BMWs Paint

There’s nothing quite like the shine of a pristine new BMW, which may have you wondering if it’s possible to keep it looking that way forever. Believe it or not, maintain your glossy new-car shine isn’t as difficult as you’d think! By following these easy tips and keeping up with a proper routine, you can keep your BMW looking as good as the day you drove it off the lot.

  1. Wash your car regularly
    Many things in the environment can ruin your paint if they aren’t washed off soon enough. Bird droppings and other types of animal excrement are corrosive – so the longer they stay on your car the more damage they cause. Other things that can corrode your paint the longer they sit are dead insects, pollen, dirt, and other types of debris. Once the paint has begun to corrode, the damage becomes permanent and needs to be repaired professionally.

    To prevent this, it’s recommended that you wash your car at least once a week. Hand washing will allow you to get more detailed, although taking your car through a carwash is better than nothing. If once a week doesn’t work well for your schedule, try to wash your car by hand at least once a month. When it comes to automated car washes, some use brushes, and others use cloths. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but it IS important that the car wash is clean and well-maintained. Brushes that are tattered and worn at the ends can collect dirt – which can be abrasive on your paint. High water pressure can also damage the paint, so avoid pressure washing stations.
  1. Wash your car regularly – and correctly!
    Washing your car by hand is the most economical way to keep your car’s paint maintained, but it’s important to make sure you’re doing it correctly. You should always wash your BMW in a cool, shady spot. It’s also best to use soft water, as the minerals in hard water can leave behind water spots on the paint.

    Although many DIY tips suggest using household cleaners, laundry soap, or dish soap, these should never be used because they can strip away the finish. It’s best to use a soap designed for vehicles and to wash your car from the top down. When it comes time to dry your car, use clean microfiber cloths. These are significantly more gentle on the finish than terry cloth or cotton towels, which can actually make the finish dull – or scratch it. Your microfiber towels should be laundered in hot water (without fabric softener) separately from clothing and other items.
  1. Treat matte finishes differently
    Cars with a matte finish require different care than the standard glossy finish. Car wash brushes can be abrasive and have a smoothing effect on matte finishes over time. They should always be hand-washed. Likewise, polishes, which have micro-abrasives that gently clean the surface of glossy vehicles, can remove the distinct rough surface of matte paint.
  1. Apply polish and wax
    Once your car is clean and dry, it’s time to polish and wax it. Polish helps to restore the luster of the finish and smooths out minor scratches. It cleans the surface, preserves the paint, and adds a level of weather-proofing. Although you shouldn’t use polish on matte finishes, it’s safe to use on all other types of auto paint, including metallic or effect paint.

    After you’ve polished your BMW, follow up with wax. The wax will seal in the topcoat and keep the paint protected. In general, waxing should be done every three months, but it’s also dependent on the weather and how you store your vehicle. If you keep it in a garage, the wax will last for longer than if it’s parked outside or under a carport.

    Some experts recommend waxing your car after every wash, just to add an extra level of protection to the paint. If every three months or after every wash doesn’t work for you, aim for doing it twice a year in the spring and fall. Paste and liquid waxes tend to last the longest, but spray-on waxes work fine on newer vehicles.

While washing and detailing your car is the most affordable route, sometimes it can be difficult to keep a regular schedule. If you find yourself pressed for time, schedule an appointment with European Collision Center. We offer everything from simple washes to complete interior and exterior detailing. Keeping your BMW clean will ensure you continue to have a beautiful, glossy car for many years – and preserve the resell value!