Most vehicles with Paint Protection Film are typically covered in specific areas, such as the front bumper, hood, fenders, rocker panels, and more. These are the parts of the vehicle that are most vulnerable to rock chips and damage caused by road debris.
However, some vehicle owners prefer complete peace of mind, not just for the vulnerable parts of their car but for the entire vehicle. They want assurance that every inch of the exterior is protected from preventable damage. These owners opt to have Paint Protection Film applied to the entire vehicle.
1. Rock chips may happen nearly anywhere on your vehicle
While it’s true that most rock chips occur on the front of the vehicle, rocker panels, or rear wheel arches, small rocks and road debris can also hit other areas of your car. For instance, a passing car might kick up a rock that strikes the rear door or rear quarter panels. If those areas aren’t protected by Paint Protection Film, that rock is likely to cause an unsightly mark.
2. Birds don’t only target the front end
Bird droppings pose a significant risk to your vehicle’s paint. If not removed promptly, they can quickly etch into the clear coat of your car’s finish, leaving behind chemical stains, especially on hot days when the sun bakes the droppings into the clear coat.
While rock chips are less likely to appear on the roof of your vehicle, chemical stains from bird droppings are more common in this area than anywhere else.
3. Tree sap can land anywhere on your vehicle
Many people underestimate the damage that tree sap can inflict on a vehicle. Like bird droppings, tree sap is acidic and can etch into your car’s clear coat if not removed promptly. When your vehicle is parked under a tree, every surface is vulnerable to damage from tree sap.
You will want to remove it properly with a sap remover and follow up with a quick detail spray to make sure that the vehicle is completely clean and no acidic residue is left behind.
4. Acid rain
Acid rain, which is caused by air pollutants, can also harm your vehicle’s paint, particularly in areas like Southern California. If rainwater is allowed to dry on your car’s surface, the acidic deposits left behind can begin to etch into the clear coat. Any part of your vehicle’s paint that is exposed to rainwater, or essentially the entire vehicle, is at risk of damage from acid rain. Additionally, if you live near the ocean, the salt in the dew and rain can further contribute to the deterioration of your vehicle’s paint.
5. Your car is exposed to UV rays
When the rain stops and the sun comes out, the situation for your car may not improve. Just like it can damage your skin, direct sunlight can harm your vehicle’s paint. Prolonged exposure to UV rays causes the paint to oxidize, leading to a dull or faded appearance. Any part of the vehicle exposed to sunlight is vulnerable to oxidation.
6. Careless people in parking lots
When your car is parked, scratches and dings can easily occur on the side doors or rear bumper. It’s common to see someone accidentally scrape another vehicle when opening their door. Without Paint Protection Film, these small marks can turn into unsightly blemishes that are hard to ignore.
7. Added value of flawless paint when selling the vehicle
The added benefit of a full car wrap is that in 7 or 10 years, when you go to sell your vehicle, it will have a flawless paint job underneath the film. Perfect paint can help you get a better price for your vehicle, as it will be in amazing condition.
It is also beneficial if you plan on keeping the vehicle. If you plan on holding onto the car forever, then a full car wrap will keep the paint in top condition. Protected from road debris, swirls, UV damage, and etching.
8. Keeping the vehicle clean is easier than ever
The hydrophobic quality of the paint protection film means that the film sheds dirt and water easier than just the paint would. It will also help in cleaning off bird droppings, bugs, and tree sap. The top coat on the film makes washing the car easier. You won’t have to worry about swirl marks or scratches. And you don’t have to worry about waxing the vehicle. A spray detailer or a silica spray will help keep the film maintained and hydrophobic.
Get a full car wrap for complete peace of mind
While Paint Protection Film (PPF) is often recognized for its ability to guard against rock chips, its benefits extend far beyond that. A high-quality PPF provides a protective layer against various environmental hazards, such as chemical stains from bird droppings or tree sap. Acidic rainwater deposits won’t be able to damage your vehicle’s clear coat when protected by PPF. It also reduces the risk of UV damage and prevents small dings and scratches from careless parking lot drivers. These threats affect every painted surface on your vehicle, not just the hood, front bumper, and rocker panels. For these reasons, a full-coverage PPF installation by an expert significantly enhances the value of your vehicle.
If you’re buying a new or pre-owned vehicle and are concerned about potential damage to your car’s exterior, consider opting for a Full Wrap of high-quality Paint Protection Film. This investment will give you peace of mind that every painted surface of your vehicle is protected, offering the best defense that you won’t even notice.