Why Does New Car Paint Get Chipped by Small Stones?

[Roberto]

It is quite common for car paint to be chipped by small stones, possibly due to driving through roads with a lot of sand and dust or being hit by stones kicked up by the vehicle ahead. Additional Information: Below is an introduction to new car maintenance: 1. Paint Maintenance: An important part of "automotive surface maintenance." 2. Air Conditioning Maintenance: It is essential to clean the car air conditioning system periodically because the ducts accumulate many fine dust particles. Over time, mold can grow, and bacteria can be blown into the cabin through the ducts. Drivers often sit in the car for hours, breathing in such toxic air, which can be very harmful to health.

[BraxtonAnn]

Shortly after I bought the car, several small paint chips appeared on the front bumper. I asked a car-savvy friend, and he said it was mainly caused by small stones being kicked up by the wheels and hitting the car at high speed. New car paint is usually thinner and softer, lacking the protective layer that older cars develop, making it more susceptible to damage from small stones. Especially on expressways or highways, the faster the speed, the greater the impact force of the stones, hitting the car body like bullets. I tried installing a clear protective film myself—it’s a bit expensive, but the effect is noticeable, as it absorbs the impact and reduces damage. Paying more attention to road conditions while driving and avoiding construction areas with many potholes can also help prevent this issue. After all, the appearance of a new car is important, so putting in some effort to maintain it is worth it.

[JayceLee]

I've been driving for over twenty years and often see new cars with chipped paint. Simply put, it's caused by stones flying up and hitting the surface. At high speeds, stones act like projectiles with enough force to chip the paint layer. New car paint might be slightly softer, and since it's fresh from the factory without weathering, it's more prone to marks. From a driving perspective, the preventive method is to maintain a safe distance, especially not following large vehicles too closely, as their tires tend to kick up gravel. I've also seen people regularly washing and waxing their cars for added protection, but the most effective solution is applying a professional paint protection film. Over time, these small damages can accumulate and look unsightly, affecting the resale value, so it's advisable to address them early.

[MacMorgan]

The paint on the front hood of my new car was also chipped by a stone. The main reason is the high-speed impact of stones during driving, as the paint surface of a new car is smooth and fragile, making it prone to damage. The risk is higher on highways or gravel roads. Be sure to slow down and avoid areas with many loose stones to reduce the chance of them being kicked up. Regularly check for damage when washing the car, and small chips can be repaired with a touch-up pen. Although this is common, it does not affect safety, so maintaining good driving habits is sufficient.