{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"How to Shield Your Car’s Exterior from Sun, Rain and Tree Sap","text":"Protect your car’s exterior year-round. Find out how to guard against sun, acid rain, and tree sap with simple cleaning tips and lasting protection methods.","links":[{"name":"How to keep your car’s exterior in good condition","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1748247482103/battling-the-elements.png","alt":"White van driving in the rain at night","width":3816,"height":2148},"date":"2025-05-15T12:30:00Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"How to keep your car’s exterior in good condition","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"How to keep your car’s exterior in good condition","text":"\u003Cp\u003EYour car battles the elements daily. Here’s how to protect your car’s exterior against rain, sun and tree sap.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy/page_header.shellimg.png/1748247471030/battling-the-elements-header.png","alt":"White van driving in the rain at night","width":3834,"height":957},"date":"2025-05-15T12:30:00Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy/page_header"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy/simple_copy_copy/author","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on May 15, 2025"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy/simple_copy_copy/author.shellimg.png/1748015131306/shell-pecten.png","alt":"shell pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy/simple_copy_copy/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EYour car’s exterior faces a daily battle against the elements, from harsh sun all day long to sudden downpours or falling tree sap. Over time, exposure to harsh weather can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s paintwork, finish and even underlying materials. Understanding the threats and taking simple, regular steps can help preserve your car’s appearance and value for years to come. Here are some simple ways to protect your car’s longevity.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe problem: Sun damage\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EProlonged exposure to sunlight is one of the most common causes of exterior wear for vehicles. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can oxidise paint, causing it to fade, dull and crack over time. Clear coats can also degrade, leaving the paint underneath vulnerable to further damage.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe solution: Easy protective measures\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EIt might seem obvious, but park in the shade whenever possible or use a car cover to shield against direct sunlight. Prevention is the easiest way to protect against sun damage.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EApply a quality wax or paint sealant to your car’s exterior every few months. These create a protective layer that reflects UV rays and prevents oxidation.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EConsider ceramic coatings for long-term protection. Ceramic coatings offer exceptional resistance to sun damage and chemical contaminants.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe problem: Rain\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIThe thing about rainwater is that when it mixes with pollutants in the atmosphere, it can become acidic enough to etch into a car’s paintwork. Even if the rain dries off, the residue left behind can continue to harm the finish.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe solution: Easy protective measures\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EIt might feel counterintuitive, but it’s not: wash your car regularly, especially after rainstorms, to remove acidic residues before they can cause permanent damage.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EUse a pH-balanced car shampoo to avoid introducing further chemicals that could weaken the paint.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EApply a protective automotive wax layer to act as a barrier against acid rain.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EAgain, preventative protection is key: invest in a waterproof car cover if your vehicle isn’t usually parked in a garage or undercover spot.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe problem: Tree sap\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n \u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EParking under a tree might keep your car cool, but it also exposes it to sticky sap that can be extremely difficult to remove. Left untreated, sap hardens and bonds to the paint, potentially causing staining and surface damage. \u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe solution: 3 easy cleaning tips\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ERemove the sap quickly: the longer it sits, the harder it becomes to clean. A simple solution of soap and hot water should do the trick.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EUse isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated sap remover, applying it gently with a microfibre cloth.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EAfter removal, wash and wax the area to restore the protective layer that might have been stripped away.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ol\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMaintain your car’s exterior regularly\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EYou don’t have to wait for your car to suffer elemental damage before you do something about it; there are measures you can take year-round to ensure your vehicle keeps clean and pristine.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFrequent washing: \u003C/b\u003ERegular cleaning removes contaminants like bird droppings, pollen, and road salt, all of which can corrode paint if ignored. To minimise the risk of scratching your car’s surface while washing, use the two-bucket method: one bucket holds clean, soapy water while the other is filled with plain water for rinsing your sponge or wash mitt. After each pass on the car, rinse the mitt in the plain water bucket before dipping it back into the soap. This keeps dirt and grit out of your clean water and reduces the chance of dragging debris across your paintwork. Always use a soft sponge or mitt designed for cars, and avoid household detergents, which can strip protective wax layers.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDry thoroughly: \u003C/b\u003EAfter washing, use a clean microfibre towel to dry your car. This prevents water spots, especially in sunny or hard-water areas.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EInvest in paint protection film: \u003C/b\u003EFor those who want an extra layer of defence, professionally installed paint protection film (PPF) can guard high-impact areas such as hoods, bumpers, and side mirrors.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMind seasonal changes: \u003C/b\u003EIn winter, salt and de-icing chemicals can be just as damaging as summer sun. Rinse the undercarriage and wheel wells often to prevent rust.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBy staying proactive and incorporating a few simple habits into your routine, you can protect your car’s exterior from the elements and keep it looking its best. A little care today can go a long way in preserving your vehicle’s appearance, and its value, for years to come.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fdrive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy/simple_copy_copy/page_tags_copy"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-your-cars-exterior-in-good-condition/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy/simple_copy_copy/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csub\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sub\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 9.75px; vertical-align: sub;\"\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. 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