How to protect your car's paint from salt and sun in Marbella

Living by the sea has plenty of perks, but your car's paint disagrees. In and around Marbella, cars deal with two enemies every day: salt carried by the sea air and a sun that is strong almost all year round.

What salt does to paint

Air near the coast carries tiny salt particles that settle on the bodywork. Night-time humidity makes them stick and the daytime sun dries them out. Week after week, that cycle leaves a rough layer that dulls the shine and that a normal wash does not always remove.

If you run your hand over a clean bonnet and it feels rough, that is bonded contamination: salt, dust and road grime.

What the sun does

UV radiation slowly breaks down the clear coat that protects the colour. First the car loses its shine; over the years dark and red colours look duller and exterior plastics fade.

A car that sleeps on the street or in an open car park shows it much sooner than one kept in a garage.

What you can do

• Wash regularly, every 2 to 4 weeks, so salt does not build up.

• Once or twice a year, decontaminate the paint with a clay bar to remove what washing leaves behind.

• After decontaminating, seal the paint: a protective layer makes salt and water slide off.

• When you can, park in the shade or a garage during the sunniest hours.

Our exterior detailing does exactly that: clay bar decontamination and a 3 to 6 month ceramic sealant, at your home. For upkeep in between, the eco car wash with carnauba wax keeps the protection going.

How often

As a guide, a maintenance wash every 2 to 4 weeks and a decontamination with sealant before summer. If the car lives right by the beach, shorten the intervals.

Not sure what your car needs? Message us or book and we'll tell you.