You’re driving along, just minding your own business and probably rocking out to your favourite tunes in your vehicle when suddenly, a loud “CRACK!” is heard and you see the effect of “stone meets windscreen at high velocity.” The sinking feeling in your chest and gut is palpable. Your mind starts racing.

“OH MY GAWD!!! My windscreen is cracked! What do I do now?” Well, fret not and read on.

Chipped vs. Cracked

In the best-case scenario, your vehicle’s windscreen may merely be chipped. In this case, count yourself lucky for in most instances, it can be repaired instead of needing to replace the entire glass panel. However, there are caveats.

First, the chip needs to be located at least 7cm from the edge of the windscreen. Next, if the chip is in the driver’s line of sight, it needs to be 10mm or less in size to be deemed repairable. Otherwise, chips of up to 25mm may be repairable if they’re not in the driver’s line of sight. All of this can be professionally assessed.

Once ascertained that the chip can indeed be repaired, the process starts with a potentially gut-wrenching but professionally executed micro-drilling of the chip in preparation for the next step.

Next, a special resin is injected into the drilled chip, and allowed to cure over a short period of time.

The repaired chip will then be virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the glass on the windscreen and life can proceed as normal. So, the question then is when should a chipped windscreen ideally be repaired? The answer is “as soon as possible.”

While a vehicle is in motion, the windscreen can and does flex in minute amounts, and this flex can cause an unattended chip to expand further and crack, thereby rendering repair out of the equation and replacement a necessity.

Replacement Windscreens

Assuming that the windscreen has been professionally assessed to require a replacement, it is now time to remove the old windscreen. This requires the trim around the glass to be removed, and the polyurethane adhesive beneath the glass to be carefully and methodically cut using specialised tools. Then, the old cracked windscreen can be removed.

Next, before the new windscreen goes on, some clean-up and prep work to the frame and dashboard needs to be undertaken. Any untreated corrosion or debris on the frame where the glass will sit will eventually allow water to seep through, so all of this needs to be thoroughly addressed at this stage.

A new layer of polyurethane adhesive is then laid down on the frame and the new windscreen is then carefully lifted and offered up to the vehicle. Once the installation is deemed correct, any previously-removed trim around the frame is reinstalled.

After letting it sit for a while for the adhesive to set, the windscreen is then tested for water-tightness, after which, it can be driven away. However, it will take a while longer for the adhesive to fully cure, so avoid washing the vehicle for a couple of days.

Original vs. Aftermarket Windscreens

Not all windscreens are created equal. Original windscreens can cost a pretty penny, while aftermarket windscreens may offer a more cost-effective option, possibly with the omission of a feature or two that the original had. Which option to go for will primarily come down to budget.

If your insurance policy has windscreen-replacement coverage, then the verbiage of the policy needs to be studied as to whether original replacements can be done or aftermarket windscreens are specified. If an out-of-pocket payment for the entire cost of the replacement windscreen is needed, then the aftermarket option may be more attractive depending on the situation.

Got some windscreen issues? AutoApp can help to take the hassle out of the process of windscreen repairs and replacements. Our experienced team will work with you and our panel of windscreen experts to assess the damage, study your vehicle’s insurance policy coverage and recommend the best option(s) available.

Better yet, you don’t have to leave home to get the fix done, since our Service Ambassadors will pick up your vehicle, bring it to get the repair or replacement done, and return it to you. So you can sit back, relax, and let us do the work.

Drop us a message to get the hassle-free process started!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

This thought of repainting or a car wrap might have crossed your mind before. You may have bought a second-hand car and did not like the colour it came in, or rash decisions made you choose a different colour instead in the showroom when spec-ing your new ride. On paper you picked blue, but deep down you know you wanted that sleek, bright red…

In the past, you were stuck with only one option if you wished to upgrade the look of your car: repainting. However, in recent years car wrapping has started to gain global traction, with the service offering the same benefits as repainting but with the added benefits of shorter downtimes and more competitive costs.

The affordability of car wrapping has propelled its popularity, but this begs the question: Which should you go for?

AutoApp is here to help, and here are the pros and cons of both methods to help you make an informed decision between the two.

Costs

This is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing either service, as the budget may make or break your decision to go ahead with the service. In most applications, spray painting your car is the more expensive option.

Spray paint is permanent, and once your car changes color, it’s almost impossible to undo. In Singapore, most workshops will charge between $180-$200 for a single panel to anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 for the entire car depending on your car model as well as the overall complexity of the job. 

While there are cheaper options that exist on the market, do note that it could lead to a poorer finish overall!

On the other hand, car wrapping is a lot more affordable, where a basic color wrap starts in the ballpark of around $1,800. If you’re tight on funds or don’t wish to wrap the entire car, you could also opt for a partial application, which brings the cost down further!  

Plus, wrapping a car does not alter the original paintwork underneath. So, if at any point in time you wish to convert your car back to its original color, you can just let it rip and the wrap comes right off! But, please remove your wrap with the guidance of experts, as improper removal methods may result in your original paint being ripped off too.

Quality and variety

While it is more expensive, a good repaint can offer an overall better look for your car. Proper application can make your car look brand new with a deep shine, and you have the added bonus of mitigating any potential rust problems.

If you were intending to sell your car as well, repainting may be way to go. Repainting essentially gives a car a new lease on life, and that may help you with future sales.

Car wrapping is ideal if you have complex or complicated designs that would otherwise be very expensive to replicate with paint. Flexibility is another solid point for choosing wraps, as you can mix and match different swatches to your heart’s desire!

Car wraps do vary a lot in terms of quality. For the best possible finish, we would recommend doing proper research prior to committing, so you can rest easy knowing that your wrap is done by a reputable professional who has an extensive clientele list. If you are unsure of who to pick, our AutoApp services can point you to a partner workshop!

However, if you have a car with rust spots, dents or cracked paint, car wrapping may not be a suitable option. In order to apply a wrap, the car’s surface has to be in pristine condition to ensure proper application. Not heeding this advice may result in excess air bubbles, tears, or even pre-mature peeling of the wrap.

Downtime

Before heading into the spray booth for a fresh coat of paint, a car needs to go through preparation work. In some cases, it can take up to a few days of preparation. The process includes stripping off the old paint, fixing any defects such as dings and dents, and priming the car for its new coat.

After receiving its new coat, the paint also needs to be oven-baked and polished before the car can be delivered back to the customer. Hence, repaint jobs can take up to 3 weeks to complete.

Car wrapping, in most applications, takes far less time to complete compared to repaint jobs. Once you are satisfied with your decision, workshops can apply your wrap in a matter of days. All they have to do is clean the surfaces, dry them, and apply the vinyl. Job done.

Lifespan

This really depends on the quality of paint or workshop you decide on. Cheaper paint jobs may be more susceptible to environmental wear and tear such as stone chips. Without high-quality paints, your car may look worn and faded just after a few years. Also be wary of paint shops that offer really low quotes. Either the job will likely end up being shoddy with lots of orange peel in the colour coat and improperly-applied clearcoat that looks like it is barely there, or the low quotes could actually be part of a bait-and-switch exercise to get the car owner to cough up more cash.

However, an expensive paint job done by a reputable workshop can last a long time, contingent upon upkeep meaning how often it is cleaned and groomed – something AutoApp can definitely help with. If you want something that is made to last, repainting is definitely the better option.

Vinyl wraps on average can last between 3-5 years, depending on the owner and the environment the car is kept in. Some vinyl wraps even come finished with UV-resistant coatings which will help sustain their color under harsh sun exposure.

If you’re someone who just wants a short-term solution to changing the look of your car, then wrapping may not be a bad idea.

At the end of the day…

… there really isn’t a clear winner between repainting versus wrapping your car. Both offer unique positives, and both also come with their own caveats. It really comes down to the individual, and what your needs are.

If you just want to try out a new color for a while, wrapping is an efficient way to go. On the other hand, if you want the best possible quality that lasts for years, then repainting will be the go-to option.

If you’re intending to get either a repaint or car wrap, let AutoApp arrange this service for you! Click here to make a booking by email, or download the app.

Read more car maintenance tips and tricks here.

Car care can look very different from one car owner to another. Regular maintenance and essential repairs aside, some car owners are happy with the bare minimum — a car wash every once in a while, and maybe a polish/wax job once a year. For others, cars are more than just a hunk of metal that brings them from point A to B, and these owners often spare no expense when it comes to making sure their ride is in tip-top condition, both inside and out.

At AutoApp, we have a variety of detailing and grooming options for every driver, and more recently, we’ve begun rolling out a full car clean-up service using Stjärnagloss products. As Scandinavian as the name sounds, the little-known brand (outside of enthusiast circles, anyway) hails from the United Kingdom. 

Luckily for us in Singapore, Strada Performance is the sole distributor of these detailing products in Singapore and Southeast Asia. We caught up with Joel Tam of Strada Performance to learn more about the products that look as photogenic as the cars they’ve been used on. (I mean, these products are super ‘grammable and this is a hill I’m willing to die on.) 

AutoApp (AA): Could you briefly introduce Strada Performance to us — what do you focus on, and what do you bring to your target audience and consumers?

Joel Tam (JT): Previously known as the retail arm of my marketing agency, Interpage, Strada Performance is a rebranding of the automotive parts and accessories division I used to run.

Back then, we were only carrying Borla Exhausts from the USA, but with the addition of new brands like Riaction Coilovers and EliteDrive Throttle Boosters in 2021, it made sense to start afresh and create a new company that focused on bringing quality parts and upgrades to the industry.

AA: Strada Performance is the exclusive distributor of Stjärnagloss in Singapore. What can you tell us about Stjärnagloss?

JT: Founded by Jack Cavanagh in the UK, Stjärnagloss is also a rebranding of a classic detailing brand that Jack enhanced and expanded upon. His range of products looks good, smells great and works miracles on vehicle bodywork. It made sense for us to reach out to him and see if he was keen to have Stjärnagloss in Singapore and Southeast Asia. With his blessing, Strada Performance is the sole distributor for Stjärnagloss here and rest of SEA.

AA: What do you think sets Stjärnagloss apart from other car detailing products?

JT: Products that really, really work. That’s the most important. The positive results from cars we’ve worked on and the feedback from customers have been overwhelming. The deep and glossy shine that you can see with your own eyes don’t lie. On top of that, the products smell awesome. The snow foam for instance has a coconut fragrance and the citrus pre-wash has a whiff of fruitiness to it. To top it all off, the branding is hip, current and modern, making it the perfect add-on to any driver’s arsenal of grooming products in his/her car boot or trunk.

AA: Strada Performance is also partnering with AutoApp to provide a new car detailing service using Stjärnagloss products. What can AutoApp customers expect from this service?

JT: As with all AutoApp services, we’re here for you when you’re simply too busy (or lazy) to do the work yourself. With the full range of wash, polish, wax, and maintenance products all readily available here in Singapore, our groomers and detailing partners will pamper your car and give it the car spa it needs from the inside and out.

AA: Who would you recommend Stjärnagloss to, and are there any restrictions? For example, the products might not be suitable for wrapped cars, cars with oxidised paintwork, cars with ceramic or glass coatings etc.

JT: Quite simply, we have a product for everyone. We even have a range of products for matte, frozen, and satin finishes. Be it a paintjob or wrap, we can get it looking as good as new again. We also have different kinds of polishes and waxes to treat and enhance various conditions of paintwork.

AA: On to something a bit more personal and fun — have you tried using Stjärnagloss products yourself? Tell us which is your favourite part of the grooming and detailing process, and also your favourite Stjärnagloss product and why.

JT: It was the very first thing I did even before I brought the brand and its products in. If I wasn’t convinced myself, it would have been impossible to share it with anyone else.

I’m particularly fond of the intricate steps and methodology of grooming the brand has. The approach of a two-bucket wash process, with the pre-wash and decontamination steps before shampooing the car (to avoid fine scratches on the paintwork), it’s all very OCD-like! 

Recently we groomed an 8-year old Aston Martin Vantage with our 18-step car spa, which included the application of our Fantastisk Hybrid Wax, and the results were jaw-droppingly amazing!

AA: Strada Performance also sells Stjärnagloss products. What advice do you have for car owners who would like to have a go at using Stjärnagloss products themselves?

JT: Just buy and try! Like many of our customers, if you’re a DIY person, you would’ve already heard about Stjärnagloss. Now you can save on all the hefty shipping costs and get your supplies from us. One particular product that has been flying off the shelves is the Torstig Microfibre cloth (60 cm X 60 cm), you can dry your whole entire car with one wipe without having to wring the cloth at all!

AA: Last but not least, in what ways do you hope to see the Strada Performance and AutoApp partnership grow?

JT: It already has, our other products like the EliteDrive Throttle Boosters have been finding many happy customers and we’ve got some Riaction coilover jobs lined up in the coming weeks too.

Ready to book your very first (or your next) Stjärnagloss service? Download the app and book directly, or WhatsApp 91-028-028 for more details!

When it comes to maintaining a car, people typically fall into one of two camps.

In one camp are the purists, who believe that their cars’ designers and engineers know best. They choose to replace parts with original items, enjoying the car as designed. In the other camp, however, are the enthusiastic modifiers — those that believe that anything and everything can be improved further. Lighter parts, larger wheels, stiffer suspension; the list goes on.

Certainly, car modification isn’t a binary thing. There are some car owners more, uh, enthusiastic than others. If you’re just starting out on the car modification process, you would probably want to take it nice and easy. So, to help you along, we’ve put together this list of what we consider basic car modifications; things that can be done in a few hours, without additional approval from the authorities.

Wheels and tyres

Swapping out your wheels and/or tyres are the most basic of car modifications in Singapore. Whether it’s to make your car look better with larger wheels, or to fit more performance-oriented rubber, new ‘shoes’ are a must for most drivers.

Before going out and buying the largest wheels that’ll fit, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Larger wheels equate to a larger contact patch; while generally a good idea, there are pros and cons to them.

First, the good. With larger & wider wheels, you’ll experience better road-holding and enhanced grip, bringing with it better handling. However, the increased tyre width and wheel weight might negatively impact fuel consumption and ride comfort.

For a comprehensive guide on swapping out your wheels and tyres, check out our Tyre Basics 101 guide!

Suspension

So you’ve fitted sporty performance tyres that offer more grip, but they’re being let down by your car’s roly-poly suspension. Time to get a suspension system that matches your tyres’ performance…

If you’re on a bit of a budget, lowering springs reduce your car’s ride height by a preset amount. As their name suggests, these suspension springs primarily serve to reduce the gap between the tyres and wheel well. However, they reduce your car’s centre of gravity as a nice bonus, which should mitigate the annoying roly-polyness.

Feeling a bit spendy? Replacing your car’s factory suspension with a set of coilovers will do wonders to the way it handles. They’re a customisable (and often adjustable) suspension setup that provides a lower ride height, stiffer damping, and even increased camber.

Waiting to get the most out of your factory suspension before upgrading? Our suspension guide shows you five telltale signs that your suspension components are at the end of their lifespan.

Brakes

Now you’ve gotten the basics sorted, it’s time to look at how efficiently you come to a stop. How fast your car slows down is just as important – if not more important – than how quickly your car accelerates.

There are many components to a brake system, including the calipers, pads, and hoses. Typically, the latter two are where you should start if you’re after better stopping performance and brake feel. Common upgrades include high-performance brake pads with a metallic or ceramic compound, together with stainless-steel brake hoses that minimise expansion under pressure.

What if you want even more braking performance? You’ll need to start looking at aftermarket packages that swap the caliper and discs out for larger units. With larger calipers come more pistons (typically 4 or more), increasing the clamping force of your pads against your discs.

Air Filter / Intake

With your wheels/tyres, suspension, and brakes done, it’s time for a bit of fiddling about in the engine bay. Swapping an air filter or installing an air intake is such a beginner-friendly task, you could simply do it yourself at home!

The simplest way to extract a bit of extra performance is with an aftermarket drop-in air filter. These filters are the exact same dimensions as your factory paper air filter, but are of a different material; typically cotton gauze or stainless steel mesh. As an added benefit, these filters can be washed and reused.

If you’re after a bit more performance, an open pod filter or aftermarket air intake system might be more suitable. Typically eliminating your factory air intake, these aftermarket air intake systems are redesigned. The goal? To draw larger amounts of cool air from outside the engine bay into your combustion chamber.

As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to avoid purportedly ‘universal’ air filter or intake systems, and instead go for something that’s been specifically designed for your car.

Not ready to zhng your car, and prefer to keep things as-is? Read our other maintenance articles to help keep your car in tip-top shape!

Just like how one single person can cause the creation of a new COVID-19 cluster — as we’ve recently discovered — the tiniest of stones can cause pretty severe windscreen damage. Windscreens not only keep rain out, but they also ensure that your field of vision remains clear.

Exposed to the elements, this hard-wearing piece of windscreen glass certainly takes a beating. Road debris, falling branches, and even bird strikes can very easily put a windscreen out of service. Windscreens are typically one of two types of safety glass — laminated glass or toughened (tempered) glass.

If you drive a newer vehicle, you will most likely have a laminated glass windscreen. However, older vehicles may have toughened glass windscreens. Toughened glass windscreens have been discontinued, as cracks immediately spread throughout the glass. On the contrary, laminated glass windscreens will not immediately shatter, instead creating localised damage with the possibility of repair.

The types of windscreen damage

Windscreen damage typically falls into two major types — impact damage and stress damage. The most commonly experienced type of damage is impact damage, caused by an external object striking the glass. Stress damage is less common in Singapore, caused by temperature changes or a structural weakness in a car’s chassis.

Stones and rocks kicked up by other vehicles are the main cause of sudden impact damage occurring on Singapore roads. Whenever possible, avoid travelling on roads near industrial areas to minimise the likelihood of damage. Depending on the velocity and shape of the offending debris, you might notice these common variations of windscreen damage:

Short Crack

Short cracks, as the name suggests, are a straight-line breach in the glass approximately 10mm in length. If located near the edge of the windscreen, short cracks may grow in length if left unrepaired.

Bullseye

Bullseye cracks are a large, circular spot of damage, named after the bullseye on a dartboard. Pebbles and other circular objects might cause this damage, but is repairable if addressed early.

Crater

Crater cracks typically resemble a bottle cap, with the middle area usually missing a small chunk of glass. A high-velocity impact might cause this damage, and is likely to require a windscreen replacement.

Star

Star cracks have a starburst pattern, and feature small cracks leading away from the point of impact. No glass is chipped off on a star crack. However, leaving the damage unattended can result in numerous long cracks appearing.

Combination

Combination cracks are the worst kind of damage. They typically leave a mix of bullseye and star cracks, with small missing pieces of glass. This type of damage is difficult to repair, and is likely to require a windscreen replacement.

The location matters

Not all windscreen damage is repairable. The reparability of damage not only depends on its type, but also its size, depth, and location. Yes, you read that right — location. Windscreen specialist shops commonly segregate a windscreen into two zones, A and B.

Zone A is the area directly in front of you, spanning 110mm from the centre of your steering wheel, considered a critical zone in the driver’s line of vision. Regardless of severity, damage in this area is thus deemed unrepairable.

Zone B covers the rest of the windscreen outside of Zone A. For cracks <150mm in length and chips <25mm in diameter, damage in Zone B can usually be repaired. However, if a crack reaches an edge of the windscreen, a replacement is required.

Repair, or replace?

Wherever possible, repairing a windscreen is always more time-efficient and cost-effective than replacing it. Repairing a windscreen typically takes 30 minutes and costs under $100; replacing a windscreen takes several hours and costs upwards of $300.

The repair process starts with removing moisture, broken glass, and debris from the damaged area. Next, they create a vacuum in preparation of the repair. Finally, they inject a liquid resin into the damaged area, which seals the gaps and prevents the damage from spreading further.

In most instances, the windscreen repair process is able to restore a large percentage of clarity. However, if the damage is too severe to repair, a replacement windscreen is necessary. Your insurer will typically cover the cost of replacement if insured under a comprehensive policy. However, a nominal damage excess may apply. If your car is under a third party insurance policy, the entire cost of replacement will unfortunately need to come out of pocket.

Have a damaged windscreen that could do with a repair? AutoApp’s panel of workshops include glass repair specialists that will have you seeing clearly in a jiffy. WhatsApp us at 91-028-028 for a quote!

Any car owner will appreciate their four-wheeled pride and joy looking its best, and the biggest contributor to that is probably the paintwork, seeing as it literally covers the whole car. 

Unfortunately, many factors inherent in car ownership and usage conspire against that, especially in our hot climate. UV rays, rain, bird poo, dirt, and even the effects of washing, all eat away at the paint’s finish, leaving it dull and faded over time.

So how does one prevent that? A polish and wax has long been the established wisdom for protecting your paint, but a new method has come to market recently claiming superior results: car coatings.

Wax vs coatings: the practical difference

Glass, ceramic, and more recently, graphene coatings — these are the main varieties of a new generation of paint protection products. Unlike wax, which mixed with solvents and oils to make it suitable for its intended application, these coatings are silica-based liquid polymers, hence the glass or ceramic part of their names.

At their core, wax and coatings do the same job, forming an impregnable layer on top of your paint to shield it from the elements, while also leaving it with a deep glossy shine that’ll make your paint look like new again. Additionally, both are water-repellant, which basically makes it harder for grime to accumulate on your car. 

Where waxes and coatings differ is primarily in their longevity. An application of wax merely sits on top of your paint’s surface, which usually lasts no more than a few months. Coatings on the other hand, chemically bond with your paintwork after a drying and curing period, leaving a hard, semi-permanent layer that can last up to a year or more for a DIY product, or as much as two to five years for a professionally-done job.

As a result, getting your car coated is generally more expensive. Not only because of the base cost of the product, but also the amount of prep work involved (i.e. labour costs) before applying the actual coating — especially if done by a professional detailer. 

Due to a coating’s durability, any scratches, imperfections, or foreign contaminants in the paint will get sealed in until it wears off. So if you want your car looking spick and span, a thorough cleaning and paint correction process would usually need to be carried out first. Combine that with a coating’s need to be properly cured in a controlled environment — the entire process can take a few days from start to finish — and it’s easy to see how labour fees can add to the expense of a professional coating service.

Coating your car with benefits

In return for your extra dollars, there are a number of advantages to a coating.

First is that durability; not only does a coating last longer, its hardness also gives it a certain amount of resistance against light impact damage.

Additionally, coatings also give some protection against UV rays, which means your paint is less likely to oxidise and fade over time.

Finally, coatings are even more hydrophobic than wax, which not only means water will slide right off and have less opportunity to develop into ugly water spots, but it also makes it harder for dust, bugs and grime to find purchase. Quite often, a quick rinse with a hose is all it takes to make a coated car look clean again.

Glass vs Ceramic vs Graphene: which to choose?

Here is where things get a bit tricky. By and large all three are very similar, and quite often it’s more of a branding or marketing difference rather than anything technical.

This is especially so in the case of glass and ceramic coatings, with online sources presenting conflicting info about the two, particularly with regards to their relative costs. But what is generally agreed upon is that glass coatings tend to be a bit harder, a bit thicker, and a bit simpler to apply, although its chemical composition might leave it more susceptible to acidity and alkalinity in the environment, such as from bird droppings, acid rain, or even some car shampoos.

Compared to that, ceramic coatings are usually a lot smoother and hydrophobic, giving a shinier “wet” look while also being more difficult for dirt to adhere to, thus making your car easier to wash. On the flipside, the curing process means ceramic coatings will take longer to install, although it’ll last longer too.

The newest kid on the block is graphene, or more specifically, coatings infused with graphene, which is the name for an atom-thick sheet of carbon arranged in a honeycomb pattern, and apparently the hardest substance known to man.

Being new to the market, the jury’s still out on graphene, but it’s claimed to be even more durable, hydrophobic, and heat resistant than ceramic coating, but is also more expensive. Unlike when glass/ceramic coating debuted though, graphene coatings aren’t revolutionary, offering at best incremental improvements in certain attributes for an incremental cost increase, but still being fundamentally the same product. Therefore, it might be better to wait a while until more real-world user feedback appears. Either way though, a little coating goes a long way to helping your car look its best.

Want to give your car that lustre and protection it deserves? AutoApp is partnered with reputable car detailing shops that offer a range of car grooming options to suit various budgets, including coatings. Check it out now, and enjoy a waiver of our Collection & Delivery service charge (worth S$68) if you’re new to AutoApp!

Given how expensive cars cost here in Singapore, we’re often keen to preserve the beauty of its paintwork. When it comes to selling your car, too, you’ll often notice that cars with original paint jobs command a slight premium.

Unfortunately, after owning a car, you’ll soon realise that the odds are all stacked against you. Environmental hazards, wear and tear, and even improper car washes can damage your paintwork! All these factors work together to eat away at the gleam of your paint, leaving it dull and marred.

What makes up a car’s paintwork?

Before thinking of restoring your car’s paintwork, it’s a good idea to first understand its components. A typical paint job comprises of three distinct layers on the car’s bare metal bodywork — primer, colour coat, and lacquer.

Primer is essentially a bonding agent that helps the paint bind to your car’s metal surface. Typically, primers are boring colours like grey, black, or white, as they’ll be covered by a brightly-coloured paint anyway. Without primer, the minutest of paint chips will expose metal to the elements, allowing rust to form quickly.

Colour coat, or basecoat, is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s what we know as paint itself, which provides the car with a colourful and vibrant look. In modern cars, there are three main types of paint; solid, metallic, and pearlescent.

Lacquer, or clearcoat, is what gives the paintwork its glossiness and shine. It also protects the delicate paint layer to a certain extent, against damage like scratches and scuffs. Modern cars typically have much thicker lacquer layers, in order to preserve that showroom-fresh shine.

What causes paint damage?          

Now that you’ve understood the components of your paintwork, it’ll be easier to understand the types of paint damage. Most damage such as minor scratches only damage the topmost layer lacquer. However, in more serious cases, damage can penetrate the top two layers — exposing the primer, or even down to the metal in extreme cases.

Wear and tear is the most common cause of paint damage. You and your passengers might’ve inadvertently caused damage, with minor scratches from fingernails, wedding rings, or keys. It could also be due to inconsiderate drivers next to you, who cause paint chips by violently opening their car door into yours.

Improper car washes are also a cause of paint damage. Ever sent your car through an automatic car wash, or gotten it washed at a place where the cloths are only washed at the end of the day? Always ensure that your car is washed with separate buckets for soap and water, with separate cloths for everything. Else you’ll risk having circular swirls on your paint…

Environmental hazards are a gradual but compounding cause of paint damage. Regularly parking your car in unsheltered carparks exposes it to UV light, breaking down chemical bonds and causing paint fade. To make matters worse, you’ll also get acid spots, which are caused by bird droppings and tree sap.

Is there hope for my paintwork to be restored?

While paintwork can be restored, there is unfortunately a limit to the amount of damage that can be reversed.

For damage that has occurred to the lacquer layer, it’s highly likely that a paint restoration effort will significantly eliminate many of these defects. With a restoration, the lacquer will be smoothened out, giving it that shine once more. Do note, however, that this is for damage considered relatively minor — such as dull paintwork, small scratches, and minor marks.

For damage that has cut through the lacquer into the colour coat, a paint restoration effort may make the damage less noticeable. However, it cannot completely eradicate the damage; it simply negates the aftereffects. Examples of such damage include minor carpark scuffs and light paint chips.

How do I know that my paintwork is beyond saving?

For paint that has been damaged beyond repair, getting a respray will likely be more time- and cost-effective. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the look of a fresh new paint job!

The easiest way to identify un-restorable paintwork is the trace of grey primer or silver metal at the damaged site. With both the topmost lacquer layer and paint layer gone, it’s nigh on impossible to fix the damage — for rather obvious reasons.

However, in some instances of environmental damage, your paint might be beyond saving even though the lacquer is still present. This situation is known as lacquer failure. This happens when UV rays have chemically broken it down, to the point where blotchy white patches form. By the time it gets to this stage, no amount of polishing will reverse the damage.

How can I avoid paint damage?

The easiest way to avoid long-term paint damage is the keep your car parked away from the elements whenever possible. This could be inside a sheltered basement or multi-storey carpark, or parked outdoors with a car cover or umbrella.

Paint chips are a bit trickier to avoid. Short of placing a bubble wrap around your car each time you park, paint chips almost inevitable. However, you can reduce the chances of paint chips by parking further away from mall lift lobbies with less footfall. Personally, I go one step further by parking in an individual lot whenever possible, to completely eliminate the possibility of door dings.

Just got a new car and want to protect it from the elements? Check out our comparison of paint coatings currently on the market! If your car’s already battle- or weather-scarred, we can help make it better. Check out the spray painting and body repair services available right here on AutoApp.

Let AutoApp arrange this service for you. Click here to make an online booking, or download the app below.

The look and feel of a car speaks volumes of a car owner. Do you prefer a sleek, fire-engine red finish on a sporty coupe that projects confidence? How about a matte-black sedan that couples class with mystery? Whatever your tastes, gone are the days of relying solely on a spray paint job to get your car in your preferred colour.

Many drivers today opt for wrapping since the colour change is not permanent. But when is it OK to wrap your car, and when is it ill-advised? How can you do it without inciting some petty jealousy and getting into trouble?

If you’ve been debating between a spray paint job or a wrap job, here are some pointers to help you decide.

How does car wrap work?

You might have noticed the viral car wrap video below floating around on social media. As the video demonstrates, wrapping involves adding a layer of vinyl or foil with a special adhesive to your car.

The added layer comes in a great variety of colours, textures and patterns, so don’t be afraid to go bit wild with your design!

How much does it cost?

Well, that depends on quite a few things, so there’s no straight answer to this question.

Car wrapping is labour intensive and requires meticulous work. There’s also the question of brand of the wrap you choose, and the type of finish. Depending on the workshop you approach, they may be more than happy to quote you a set price instead of a surface-area-based charge.

One way is to do some background research, or better yet, ask AutoApp for a price!

How long does it last?

A well-done car wrap should last a good three to five years, but that also depends on the condition of your vehicle when you get the job done. We’ll cover a little more of that in the coming sections.

How is a wrap installed?

There are three main steps in the entire wrapping process. First, your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned and detailed to remove any dirt.

Before applying the wrap, the workshop may remove the bumper, headlights and taillights. This allows application of the wrap as close to the edges as possible. However, if you prefer, the workshop can skip this step and instead use a tool to cut the wrap the edges.

Finally, the wrap is applied, using tools such as a heat gun to ensure a tight fit to the car’s contours, and a squeegee to remove any air pockets.

Car Wrap Do’s and Don’ts

Car wrapping is great if you are looking to refresh the look of your car without changing it permanently. It’s also an option if you plan to use your car as a moving billboard. Ultimately, a uniquely-you car would be a stand-out amongst the many on the road.

Before sending your car for a wrap job, make sure to have any surface imperfections fixed. Have dings, light scratches or small dents? Get them sorted first. Even seemingly small issues like a spot of rust will affect the longevity of your car wrap. Having your car in optimum condition is key to a good and enduring wrap job.

Caring for your wrapped car

Wrapping your car also changes the way you care for it. For starters, you won’t be able to enjoy those high-pressure hose-downs at car washes. Hand washing may be the way to go, but the devil is in the details. Here are some things to avoid.

• Harsh cleaners
• Buffing the wrapped surface
• Rough cloths
• Waxing and polishing
• Long-term heat exposure

Using the wrong materials and reagents can cause the wrap surface to wear out physically or chemically, or cause discolouration. Long-term exposure to the elements could also wear down the wrap, so parking in a covered carpark or investing in a car cover is a plus.

To be absolutely sure, always consult the workshop on ways to maintain your wrap.

Removing the wrap

A well-maintained wrap is typically easy to remove, and can be done quickly. Some workshops might give you detailed instructions if you’re into DIY, but are otherwise happy to do it for you at a fee.

Let AutoApp arrange this service for you. Click here to make an online booking, or download the app below.

Prefer a good old paint job instead? Here’s how you can maintain it!