How to catch paint problems in time

The paint finish on a vehicle can make or break its appearance. Nothing makes a ride look ready to retire, long before it should, than a problem with its paint.

Automotive paint processes have improved to provide a more durable and trouble-free finish than in the past, but problems can occur. Most carmakers provide warranty coverage for paint only for the duration of the basic warranty, which for many vehicles is only three years or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

Many paint issues are caused by harsh environments.

The cost of repainting a car can run very high. If you don't want to miss out on factory coverage by letting things lapse, first check the time and distance limits on your vehicle's paint warranty. Then at least a month before it expires, get your auto's exterior thoroughly washed. Make sure it's a clear, bright day, or go inside a well-lit garage, and do a complete paint inspection.

If your eyes don't hurt after completing it, you didn't look close enough and long enough. You're looking for some of the following problems.

BUBBLES

Paint bubbles, or small raised areas, usually indicate a paint adhesion problem. Leave them long enough, and the paint will eventually break and start to come off, exposing bare metal underneath. If you find any, don't pick at them or break them, lest a dealership service inspection rate them as externally caused and not warrantable. Bubbles often occur at panel edges.

CRACKS

These are often small — less than a centimetre or half inch in length — and are more likely to appear on areas exposed to a lot of body flex, such as the upper or lower ends of body panels. However, like bubbles, they can pop up anywhere. And as with bubbles, if you find one, don't disturb it until it's inspected by the dealership.

OTHER ISSUES

There are several other paint problems not listed here. Industry analysts say about 25 per cent of vehicles roll off the assembly line needing some type of finish repair. You may see “orange peel,” which is a rough, pebbly finish, or runs, or dirt trapped under the paint. These don't suddenly develop; they're problems that occurred during the original painting process. You or your dealership should have picked up on them before taking delivery. You may also see swirls or “spider webbing,” which are usually caused by poor washing and maintenance techniques.