How Long Does Engine Hood Paint Last?
2 Answers
Engine hood paint can last for 5 years. Before this period, if the vehicle's paint damage is not severe, it is not recommended to perform a full-body repaint because it will no longer be the original factory paint. No matter how it's done, it's difficult to achieve the same effect as the original factory paint. The methods for dealing with scratches on the car are as follows: 1. Hairline scratches: Hairline scratches can usually be removed by polishing or applying a rubbing compound. Simply wiping gently will make the hairline scratches disappear. 2. Light scratches: For light scratches, just prepare a tube of toothpaste. Toothpaste is very effective for shallow scratches that haven't damaged the car's primer. It can especially clean off residue from other vehicles' paint or marks left by sticky products like adhesive tapes, most of which can be wiped away completely. 3. Moderate to deep scratches: Moderate and deep scratches cannot be repaired by polishing. If the dent area is small and does not exceed 5mm, it can be leveled with filler putty before performing touch-up paint.
From my personal driving experience, the paint on the hood can last quite a long time—at least 5 to 10 years—provided it's applied well and properly maintained. Take my eight-year-old car for example: the hood's paint still looks shiny with no peeling or fading. The key is that I wax the body every quarter, avoid using strong alkaline cleaners when washing, and park it in a garage to prevent sun exposure. Environmental factors also play a big role. Living in a coastal city with high salt levels that can cause corrosion, I make sure to regularly check for cracks and promptly fix any minor flaws. In short, diligent maintenance keeps the paint durable, so avoid frequent scratches and contact with dirt.