It's a well-known fact that prolonged sun exposure is harmful to our health. While we all need some sun to produce Vitamin D, basking in it without sunscreen is dangerous for it eventually damages skin.

Whenever it's not raining heavily, harsh sunlight and high temperatures are our constant companions in Singapore. For most motorists who drive to and from work daily, that means 'tanning' two to three hours a day, five days a week.

And if prolonged exposure to the sun is unhealthy for unprotected skin, it's just as detrimental to your vehicle.

Paint protection film

When a car rolls out of a factory, its paintwork is pristine. But unprotected, it will not stay that way for long. The sun, as well as environmental pollutants such acid rain and bird droppings, will erode the clear coat and eventually damage the paint itself.

Applying waxes and coatings can help mitigate this. But let's be honest: Many of us are too busy and/or too tired to detail our car. Sending it to a groomer is a possible solution, but regular trips to them require time and scheduling.

There is a hardier and more efficient solution to this problem: Paint protection film, often referred to as PPF.

What is PPF?

PPF is a clear film that is applied over your paintwork. According to Autoshield, it is best to have PPF applied on a new car or on a vehicle with relatively well-maintained paintwork.

Since PPF is clear, any flaws such as scratches or swirl marks will still be visible. Thus, prior to application, your car's paintwork will be prepped first. At Autoshield, this means the car will be cleaned, so that the paint is in its best possible condition. You may opt to have your car washed or even polished before sending it for a PPF application.

Following this, Autoshield will cut the PPF into different sizes to fit the various panels of your vehicle. An expert in this field, Autoshield also carries the 3M brand of paint protection film.

The application of PPF takes two to three days. Now, while that seems long, remember that apart from ensuring that the different body panels are precisely covered, the film needs time to cure. This ensures proper adhesion to paintwork, so that the film remains fixed for years to come.

Once the PPF has properly cured, the exterior body panels of the car will take on a glossy finish, just as if a ceramic coating has been applied. However, unlike a ceramic coating, PPF does not need to be 'topped up' with special products. Maintaining it merely requires you to wash your car regularly.

The application and curing processes might take long, but in return, keeping your car shiny will now only take a fraction of your time. That's a convenience worth considering.

PPF is scratch-resistant and superficial marks will either self-heal or can be 'healed' with a heat gun. PPF also helps protect the car against stone chips (cracked head lights are costly to replace!) and of course, UV rays that would otherwise cause the paint to oxidise and fade.

Shielding people

Apart from PPF, Autoshield is also an expert when it comes to window film. Autoshield's window film or tint, which blocks 100% of UV rays, is the best way to block harmful UV rays from reaching and damaging our skin and eyes. The 3M brand window film is also available at Autoshield.

Window film guards against the sun damaging your car's interior, especially leather upholstery, as prolonged sun exposure will cause the leather to eventually dry out and crack.

There's another great advantage that window film conveys: With a 99% heat rejection rate, it also reduces the build-up of heat, helping to keep the interior cool.

Since your car's air-con doesn't need to work as hard to cool it down, the engine's load is reduced, thereby helping to minimise fuel consumption as well. If you regularly park in unsheltered carparks, this is definitely for you.

When it comes to safeguarding your loved ones and maintaining your ride, click here to find out which of Autoshield's paint protection film and window film packages best suits your needs.

Autoshield is located at 68 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545569.