My car's paint is already fading after just one year, need to change my habits

  • February 20, 2026 11:38 PM PST

    I've only had my car for about a year and I'm already noticing the paint on the hood and roof looking less vibrant than when it was new. I think I've been too casual about parking in the sun and not protecting the surface properly. A friend who's been here much longer shared what he called some must-read car care tips that completely opened my eyes. It explained how the combination of UV and fine dust creates a kind of sandpaper effect over time, especially if you're not washing correctly. I realized I've been making basic mistakes like wiping dust off with a dry cloth, which probably scratched the clear coat. Now I'm trying to learn the right way to wash and protect the paint going forward. For those who have kept their cars looking good for years here, what's the single most important habit you developed? I'm trying to prioritize what to change first.