Motoring mildew: the acne of automobiles

I call it motoring mildew.

This less-than-scientific term applies to the condition of many paint jobs on cars running around Merced. There are funny white-rimmed splotches seen all over the roofs, hoods and trunks of many cars--and it's not a flattering appearance. Cars with this "condition" generally are at least 10 years old, I'd guess.

Years ago, it seemed as though factory paint jobs only lasted a year or two at best, particularly if they weren't waxed regularly. In the mid-1960s the manufacturers boasted about "never-wax" paint finishes on some of their products. Contemporary paint jobs now include primer, a color coat and several coats of clear paint. When the sun burns off the clear coat, it eats into the color, and the mangy-appearing "crop circles" appear all over the vehicle. Getting stuck in traffic along G Street today, I couldn't help but spot a forlorn-looking Acura four-door sedan that could be a poster boy for splotchy paint. I would guess all this old paint would need to be stripped off before new colors are applied, and that's not cheap.

The only thing that looks worse than this mildew-like condition are a few vehicles I've spotted where the paint is flaking off in large pieces. This is carrying "shabby chic" to the extreme. I've always been very appearance-conscious when it comes to cars, and it's disturbing to see cars and trucks looking this way. Style points do count with me.

With these notable exceptions, paint jobs on most modern cars and trucks are pretty remarkable and keep their shine for years and years without a lot of care. That sure beats motoring mildew.