Does Alcohol Damage Car Paint?
2 Answers
Alcohol can cause some damage to car paint. As alcohol is a strong solvent, it can make the paint surface appear matte, thereby diminishing the gloss of the paint. It is recommended to dilute alcohol with water when washing the car to avoid harming the paint. Here are some car cleaning precautions: 1. The longer substances like salt, dust, insects, and bird droppings remain on the car, the more damage they can cause. Clean them off promptly. 2. Prolonged exposure to substances such as asphalt, oil stains, and industrial dirt can damage the paint. Use asphalt remover, insect remover, etc., to clean stains promptly. 3. When cleaning the car's painted surfaces, avoid using brushes or coarse cloths to prevent leaving scratches.
Of course I know alcohol is harmful to car paint. Once when I was washing my car at home, I accidentally used alcohol-based disinfectant wipes to clean the hood, and I noticed that the gloss in that area diminished, and it felt slightly rough to the touch. The components in alcohol can dissolve the protective layer on the car's paint surface, especially the clear coat, causing the originally vibrant paint to lose its shine. Many people, like me, might think that alcohol is strong at removing stains and use it to clean bird droppings or dirt, but this is as dangerous as sanding the surface. It's recommended to always use dedicated car cleaners or mild soapy water when washing your car, and not to cut corners for convenience. Regular waxing can also create a barrier to protect against alcohol or other chemical damage. If alcohol is accidentally used, rinse it off with water as soon as possible and apply car wax to repair the damage.