A car’s paint finish is exposed to harsh conditions, including corrosive bird droppings, acid rain, and the sun’s UV rays. Debris from car collisions, gravel, and concrete chips can chip or crack your paint job.

Body shop workers see this sort of damage every day. Here are the most common parts of a car where chips and cracks happen:

• Quarter and side panels, the sections of a vehicle between the door and the trunk or between the door and the hood, become chipped and cracked by road debris.
• Rocker panels, the area of the car located below the car doors and between the tires, are constantly hit by grime, slush, and road debris.
• Door edges become chipped and cracked when they hit a curb or other vehicle.
• Car hood paint gets damaged by gravel and road debris tossed from passing vehicles.
• Bumpers are near the debris that kicked up from roadways. They can also be damaged when they strike other vehicles and objects.
  
  

Tips on preventing chips and cracks

While avoiding all chipping and cracking on the surface of your car may not be possible, here are some things you can do to help prevent damage to your auto paint:

• Use a high-quality paint sealant.
• Wax your car regularly.
• Install plastic door-edge protectors and apply bumper and door rubber strips.

Taking these steps can help prevent paint chips and cracks.