Now that the fires are starting to wind down it is time to think about some preventative maintenance for the paint on your cars.

A fire not only deposits visible ash. It also deposits microscopic particles all over everything. These deposits are acidic and can attack automotive paints in a pretty dramatic fashion. Paint is actually fairly porous and the molecular contamination from the fires will get into the surface of the paint. If left untreated it can cause the paint to oxidize much faster then normal. After the Laguna fires I saw cars that appeared clean but 6 months later there were holes burned completely through the clearcoat and they required an expensive repaint. Remember that even cars sealed in a garage can be effected!

To neutralize the acids it is important to thoroughly wash the car at least twice and then wax it with what is known as a "cleaner wax". Most automotive waxes are "cleaner waxes". If the label lists that it will polish the car then it is a cleaner wax. Additionally if your car was covered with a heavy layer of ash it would be a good idea to rinse the car with a bucket of water mixed with a couple teaspoons of baking soda before the final wash of the car. Do not scrub the car with the water/soda mix. Just pour it over the car to rinse it and then hose it off.

This should remove any lasting effects from the fires.

Any questions feel free to ask me.

 

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Safely clean and neutralize fire ash- http://www.detailuniversity.com/foru....html#post6629