Manchester's notoriously unpredictable weather can make keeping your car looking sharp a bit of a challenge, to say the least.

At JR Automotive, we are experts in car maintenance and repair, and we understand the importance of keeping your pride and joy in perfect condition. Whether you need help tackling scratches, swirl marks or oxidation, our team of professionals can guide you through the common paint problems you might be facing and offer solutions to get it back in good nick. We know how relentless the rain can be in introducing harmful chemicals from the atmosphere onto your car and the challenge of UV exposure causing fading and discolouration damage over time when the sun does decide to show up. Not to mention the cold weather bringing salt, sand and grit.

Although these car paint problems are common, they can significantly reduce the value and condition of your vehicle if left untreated. In this blog, we'll share the most common problems, advice on how to fix them, and some tips on how to proactively protect your investment.

Common car paint problems

Manchester's environment can be tough on your car's exteriors, but you can take several protective measures to keep your vehicle in top form. Here are a few of the most common car paint problems we see and how you can fix and prevent them:

Scratches

Scratches are a familiar concern for most car owners. They can happen for many different reasons, from sharp objects that accidentally nick your car to quick-turnaround car washes that cause unintentional damage through dirty sponges and rough techniques. Scratches significantly affect your car's aesthetics as soon as they occur, but they can also lead to rust if left untreated.

Swirl marks

Swirl marks can be especially prominent in modern paint and clear-coated layers, as they're softer and show imperfections more easily. They are a real pain as they usually happen unintentionally—and often, it's due to improper washing techniques or grit in sponges, which leaves fine marks and a dull finish.

Oxidation

This happens when your car's paintwork is exposed to oxygen and UV light over time, leaving you with a dull, chalky, aged finish. Generally, this is caused by environmental pollution and a lack of regular maintenance, but some colour tones and types of paint are more susceptible than others. Rust is also a type of oxidisation that can affect the non-painted or compromised metal surfaces of your vehicle.

Fading

Prolonged sunlight exposure or chemical contact with paintwork can cause uneven colouring and a tired, faded finish. Fading is especially bad news for your car's resale value, as it makes a vehicle appear poorly maintained and dated.

Chipping

Chipping is incredibly common and often unavoidable. It usually occurs when debris on the road surface hits your car's bodywork.

How can I fix these paint problems?

Dealing with car paint issues can be daunting, but knowing your options (both professional and DIY) can give you some peace of mind.

DIY methods for fixing car paint issues

Several decent DIY methods are available in kit form at most motoring and hardware outlets. For minor scratches and swirl marks, you can grab scratch removal kits from most auto stores. These include a rubbing and polishing compound and applicator pads so you can easily buff out small or less significant imperfections. Polishing compounds work well with a soft cloth or dual-action polisher in circular motions to buff out superficial scuffs and scratches.

Touch-up paint can be applied to fix deeper scratches that have gone through the paintwork. Make sure you clean the area well, colour match precisely, and apply in thin layers.

For minor oxidation, car polish can be a low-cost (but relatively high-effort) intermediate fix to prevent further discolouration. It should be applied to a clean, dry surface and rubbed in circular motions to ensure even coverage.

When should I seek professional help?

If your scratches or imperfections are particularly deep or your vehicle features specialist paintwork or wrapping, it's best to seek professional help. This ensures you don't cause further damage, and the remedy doesn't cause you more issues down the line. For major oxidation and fading, your car will need professional-grade tools to correct it successfully, and for stubborn swirl marks that don't respond to the DIY approach, specialist detailing might be needed. If you need more clarification, it's always worth asking for professional advice before you take action to ensure you're working with the best solution.

What professional help is available?

For more severe issues, it's best to enlist professional help from a specialist with the tools and knowledge necessary to carry out the required remedial work. At JR Automotive, we offer comprehensive paint correction using advanced techniques to remove deeper scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation and restore your car's original shine. We also provide professional paint protection film (PPF) installation, a transparent, durable layer that resists chips, environmental damage, and scratches, providing long-term protection for your investment.

How much will professional help cost?

Choosing the right method for your car's paintwork problems depends on the severity of the issue and your budget. DIY solutions can be great for minor issues and tend to be the lowest-cost option, but professional services guarantee high-quality results and long-term preventative solutions that save money in the long run.

DIY scratch kits can range from £10 - £50, with professional services between £50-£150. Paint correction generally starts around the £200 mark and can increase to £1000 or more depending on the extent of the damage and the size of your vehicle. Ceramic coatings and PPF can vary widely in price, with PPF between £500 - £2000, and ceramic coatings from £300 - £1500. You can chat with an expert team member today to understand the options for your unique paint issue.

How can I protect my car paint?

Prevention is better than cure, and it's a lot easier (and usually less expensive) to protect your car paint than to fix it. Here are a few practical tips to help keep your car in pristine condition.

What you do (or don't do) on a regular basis matters, as good maintenance and cleaning habits will significantly extend the lifespan of your paint. Washing your car weekly with a gentle pH-balanced solution and microfibre cloth to remove grime and contaminants will make a big difference to your paintwork's lasting power and overall look. Parking out of direct sunlight will help avoid UV damage, and if this can't be avoided, investing in a car cover is the next best thing. Cleaning off bird droppings and leaves as soon as you notice them is also good practice, as they are acidic and can damage the paint.

We recommend a range of products to support the durability of your car paint. Along with PPF and ceramic coatings, investing in a wax or sealant every few months can provide a protective layer against the elements. PPF is also self-healing, meaning minor scratches disappear with the heat, maintaining a glossy, polished finish. Applying anti-corrosion treatments during winter can help reduce the damage grit causes. We also advise customers to schedule professional detailing every few months, as this ensures that your car stays shiny and has regular protective products applied to it at appropriate intervals.

We understand that your car is your pride and joy – so keeping it in good shape is important. Getting into good daily habits is crucial for maintaining the quality of your paint, and investing in preventative care like waxes, ceramic coatings, and PPF is a no-brainer to prevent common paintwork issues and damage. For professional advice, paint correction, or protection packages, don't hesitate to contact our friendly team of experts today to keep your vehicle in perfect condition.

Common car paint problems and how to fix them