Paint Protection

[mridude]

I park my X1 under a car port. It is protected from the sun except the front grill and some of the hood. What is the best way to protect the paint from the sun? I dont want to use a bra. I was told just place a large terry cloth towel on the front when it is parked...

[Our03z4]

What about a clear bra wrap? I've had tons of issues with the sun destroying paint so I'm shedding 3 cars to be able to fit most in the garage.

[apexscholar]

If you're looking an unparalleled level of protection your only option should be paint protection film, XPEL (a industry leading PPF brand) offers a 10 year warranty on their product. It is UV stable and will also protect against minor stone chips.

I have my entire vehicle done in XPEL Stealth.

I own a business in the industry that provides this service. I could shed some light on paint protection film - if you have any questions just shoot me a PM.

[M8Bimmer]

Originally Posted by apexscholar

If you're looking an unparalleled level of protection your only option should be paint protection film, XPEL (a industry leading PPF brand) offers a 10 year warranty on their product. It is UV stable and will also protect against minor stone chips.

I have my entire vehicle done in XPEL Stealth.

I own a business in the industry that provides this service. I could shed some light on paint protection film - if you have any questions just shoot me a PM.

Ditto

[airboss]

I just had my entire 2022 X4MC wrapped in Suntek Ultra $7500 and it looks great. No worries about the paint now.

[Opie55]

I live in a place as sunny or sunnier than Dallas, and I have owned several cars that have sat 24/7/365 outside, and never had a sun issue on paint. Sun will damage your rubber gaskets and black trim parts, like the tray under where your wipers sit, but it would be a long time before it damages paint. The much bigger issue, which PPF does address well, is small stone chips, etc.

[Glen e]

Paint protection film is protection against rocks and such, not really UV. If you’re really worried about it, I put a Suntek car cover over it.

[bmw1racer]

My car is garaged at home, but when I'm at work I've got on a car cover. It saves the finish from any industrial fallout and keeps the sun from beating the interior to death.

[BobBMWX3]

A good routine paint maintenance of washing and waxing with high quality materials will protect your paint and plastic over the long run from sun, weather, and chemical damage. It will also keep your car looking great. Using sites like Detailed Image can help you pick the right products and have give you pointers.

The Xpel and Suntek Ultra are products similar to the Bra. They have the ability to protect against chips and is also an option.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by mridude

I park my X1 under a car port. It is protected from the sun except the front grill and some of the hood. What is the best way to protect the paint from the sun? I dont want to use a bra. I was told just place a large terry cloth towel on the front when it is parked...

I live in South Florida and my car is subjected to extremely warm temperature and strong direct sun. My Z4 is parked in a space that is 2/3rds covered by my building and the rear 1/3 is exposed to the elements. It also is subjected to large amounts of water coming down the side of the building that hits the trunk. I had Xpel PPF put on the entire vehicle to protect the front front from rocks and other road debris and the rear from all of the stagnant water that stays on the car when it rains.

I spent $4k on the Xpel PPF and am really pleased with my investment.

[mridude]

Thanks for all the insights. My car is in Cozumel, so no access to paint protection film. I have ordered a car cover and will use it when possible.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by mridude

Thanks for all the insights. My car is in Cozumel, so no access to paint protection film. I have ordered a car cover and will use it when possible.

Just remember that if there is any dirt on the vehicle a car cover can cause micro scratches on the paint. As you can't install PPF and/ or ceramic I recommend you apply a good wax product to protect the paint before using a cover.

[Milne]

Originally Posted by mridude

Thanks for all the insights. My car is in Cozumel, so no access to paint protection film. I have ordered a car cover and will use it when possible.

I am using a car cover and i'm quite happy with it. It is easy to fit and it has UV protection from sun and heat. Mine has soft inner layer that protects vehicle finish from the elements like dirt or debris.

[Westside Guy]

I used a expensive California Car Cover which had a soft inner layer on my old Mercedes and unless the car is totally clean when you cover it you could still will get micro scratches in the paint.

Also you need to wash the cover on a regular basis or it will accumulate dirt around the wheel wells.

[The Libertine]

Car cover if you are really concerned.

[Project_F87]

Originally Posted by Glen e

Paint protection film is protection against rocks and such, not really UV. If you’re really worried about it, I put a Suntek car cover over it.

False. It absolutely protects against UV as well

[Maxmil982]

Originally Posted by mridude

I park my X1 under a car port. It is protected from the sun except the front grill and some of the hood. What is the best way to protect the paint from the sun? I dont want to use a bra. I was told just place a large terry cloth towel on the front when it is parked...

Good quality ceramic coat

[Glen e]

Originally Posted by Project_F87

False. It absolutely protects against UV as well

It’s not false, but I probably didn’t state it correctly. It will protect the paint from UV, but spend a couple seasons in direct sun and the paint protection film itself will be subject to UV degradation.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Glen e

It’s not false, but I probably didn’t state it correctly. It will protect the paint from UV, but spend a couple seasons in direct sun and the paint protection film itself will be subject to UV degradation.

My understanding is that the newer generation of PPF products from the better manufacturers do not have this issue.

[Project_F87]

Originally Posted by Glen e

It’s not false, but I probably didn’t state it correctly. It will protect the paint from UV, but spend a couple seasons in direct sun and the paint protection film itself will be subject to UV degradation.

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

My understanding is that the newer generation of PPF products from the better manufacturers do not have this issue.

Correct! The recent releases are all good on the UV degradation front. I was parking my M2 in the sun every single day for over 2 years and the paint and PPF was still brand new over 2 years later

[Ianb281]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

Just remember that if there is any dirt on the vehicle a car cover can cause micro scratches on the paint. As you can't install PPF and/ or ceramic I recommend you apply a good wax product to protect the paint before using a cover.

Good tip and well noted.

[Yakub]

Originally Posted by Maxmil982

Good quality ceramic coat

Agree, also for the perfect look!