Top 10 paint destroyer

To achieve the purpose of preserving your car, you must first learn how to destroy it. Then protecting it would be simply doing otherwise.

1. The sun

In a tropical country such as Malaysia, the sun's fury can never be overrated. Not to mention global warming and el-nino. The sun is only our friend up to 10 a.m

2. Bird or animal droppings

Bird and animal droppings are acidic. Treating it late can cause etching into the clear coat, leaving a permanent mark.

3. Tree, flower and fruit saps

The raw material of bird droppings are also acidic

4. Acid rain

Normal rain has a pH of 5.5 - 6. This is fine. Acid rain has a pH of around 4-5. Extreme cases of pH less than 4 can be found in heavily industrialised areas or metropolitans. The Klang Valley in Kuala Lumpur is one example to name.

These are acid rain etching and not the regular dried water spots

5. Dirt

Dust, oil, grime, traffic film from daily driving. Besides making cars look dull and unattractive, it contains various contaminants that will speed up paint oxidation.

6. Mud

Mud and dirt stuck on the paint and the undercarriage traps moisture and contaminants. Mud in the undercarriage can insulate heat dissipating parts making a vehicle more susceptible to overheating.

7. Civilian & Car Parks

Ignorant or just plain inconsiderate. Delivery workers unloading packages and conveniently pacing it on top of a nearby vehicle. Human traffic brushing against the door of a parked car.

Based on the depth and location, this is probably deliberately inflicted

8. Combo

What was listed is just individual factors. The amplified effect comes when two or more of the paint destroyers work together.

9. Not washing a vehicle

With all the dirt accumulated over a week's use, not washing a car will leave contaminants on the surface of the paint. Dust, traffic film, oil, residual acid rain, acidic bird poop all on the surface of the paint.

10. Visiting a cheap and fast car wash
What is used - Harsh chemicals and laundry detergents are used instead of premium, paint-safe products. These aggressive chemicals harms the paint layer as well as the environment.


Who does it - Workers who do not have proper training uses illegitimate techniques that harms the paint.


How is it done - Time and money saving practices such as not replacing washing cloths even after they have worn out. This will definitely install washing marks.


Where is it done - road side or in an uncontrolled environment where dust and contaminants are abundant.


Why - Profit driven 

Swirls and scratches from bad washing technique and a worn cloth

Notice the paint on these two photos? Dull and unattractive. The later even have some white patches on it. These are signs of clear coat oxidisation/failure caused by aggressive laundry detergent/dish washing liquid used to wash cars.