Do Dirt & Grass Damage Car Paint?

Although most vehicle owners worry about the appearance of scratches and chips on their paintwork, very few stop to consider the effects of natural materials. Dirt and grass in particular can easily find their way onto car bodywork, and if left unattended, they can compromise the integrity of the paint itself. Understanding why grass and dirt can damage auto paint will give vehicle owners insight into chemical reactions and encourage them to be proactive in keeping their cars free of potentially harmful materials.

Dirt on Auto Paint

Dirt represents one of the biggest threats to paint integrity. During the winter months, roads are prone to holding mud, slush and other dirt deposits, and vehicle owners should pay careful attention to their paintwork as conditions worsen. Dirt contains high levels of grit that are naturally abrasive, and wiping down an auto body panel with a cloth will inevitably cause scratches and swirl marks. Dirt also contains high levels of salt, and if it is left on a vehicle that hasn't been sufficiently waxed with a protective polish, it can cause corrosion.

Removing Dirt From Paint

Use a pressure washer to remove dirt from your vehicle but avoid using cloths and sponges wherever possible; this simply spreads the gritty properties across your paintwork and causes unsightly scratches. Copious amount of water should nearly always be sufficient. Start at the highest point of your vehicle and work down so dirt falls to the floor. Take particular care to ensure dirt is removed from wheel arches and sills. Dirt tends to accumulate more on the bottom of cars, which is why these areas corrode more quickly.

Grass on Auto Paint

Although grass doesn't present as many problems as dirt, it can still affect the integrity of paint if left unattended. Although grass won't cause too many problems on vehicles with a dark color, it can easily stain white or light-colored vehicles because of the chlorophyll content. If grass is left on a vehicle, external influences such as sunlight can cause it to sweat, and this results in green stains. Grass can be particularly troublesome on white vinyl roofs because it has strong binding properties that make stains difficult to remove.

Removing Grass Stains From Auto Paint

Wash the grass off with a pressure washer until the panels are completely clean. Dry them thoroughly with a leather cloth and visually inspect to see where staining has occurred. Apply a small amount of cutting compound to a clean microfiber cloth and rub gently over the affected area. The abrasive qualities of the compound will break down the binding qualities of the grass and remove the stain.