The Acid Rain of L.A. May Mean the Death of Your Cars Paint Job
As any Angelino can attest, Los Angeles is not a city accustomed to rain. Oh, we know the basics, like not to wash our cars before it rains and that as far as driving is concerned, the first day of rainfall is the most dangerous, but there are also serious misconceptions about the way rain affects the paint on a car. It is obvious that rain can never replace a commercial car wash as far as efficiency, but it’s not uncommon to hear someone remark cavalierly that they’ll opt to let the rain rinse off his or her car rather than get the car washed after the rain has abated. The idea is that the rain will at least rinse a light layer of dust off of the car, giving the automobile a dust-free shine. But all water is not created equal, and rain in Los Angeles is a particularly inferior brand of that life-preserving liquid. If you are under the impression that allowing the rain to wash the grime off your car is a reasonable alternative to washing your car commercially, think again. In fact, that rain settling on your car may actually be irreparably damaging your paint job.
Acid rain is a term that sounds decidedly dramatic. Though it conjures horrific images of B-movie horror films in which characters are doused in corrosive acids, the reality is much more pedestrian. Because we live in an area of heavy smog and pollution, our rain potentially contains the components necessary to classify it as “acid rain.” And once this type of rain gets on our cars, the acid concentrates on the paint as the water dries. According to the EPA, studies show that acid rain can scar automotive coatings. Not only that, but after the acid concentrates onto the coating of your car and the liquid evaporates, the dried acid is reactivated every time your car gets wet, causing more damage.
What are the best ways to combat the Los Angeles acid rain problem?
First, try and keep your vehicle out of the rain as much as possible. Either park it inside your garage, or if that’s not possible, purchase a protective cover for your automobile. The best option is investing in an eco-friendly commercial wash to keep your car clean, as well as paying the extra money for a protective coating post-wash that can defend your car’s original finish.
If you’re looking for a conveniently located eco-friendly car wash on the west side, Beach Cities Car Wash is the car wash for you. We offer protective coating as well as various waxes post-wash to ensure that your car is protected while looking its best.
The effects of acid rain can force you to invest in a whole new coat of paint for your vehicle. Save yourself the trouble by keeping your car clean the right way. Stop by Beach Cities Car Wash on your way home today.
