Coconut oil has been all the rage lately, but it’s not something you want to use on your cars. It can make paintwork look dull or cause small scratches to spread. You should be careful if you use it on anything other than cooking. So, will coconut oil damage car paint?
Coconut oil can be used to clean the dashboard but not for car paint, as it can damage the clear coat layer.
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Will Coconut Oil Damage Car Paint?
Coconut oil is designed to be used on your skin, but using it for something else might lead to some unpleasant consequences. Whatever you do, don’t use coconut oil on your car.
Whether it is true or not, some people say that if you use coconut oil on cars, it can cause the paintwork to become dull and change color. They also say that it can lead to small scratches becoming noticeable on your car’s paint or clear coat.
How to Use Coconut Oil to Clean Your Dashboard
Now that we know the answer to the question, “Will coconut oil damage car paint?”. Let’s see how we can use it to clean the car interior: the dashboard.
Coconut oil or any other natural oil will protect and shine up the surface of your dashboard. By doing this, you can cut down on the cracking and fading that happens when UV rays hit your dashboard over and over again.
Simply dab a little bit of it onto a soft, clean cloth and wipe your dashboard down.
Test this first on a small, barely noticeable area to make sure there won’t be any color change and that you’re happy with the results.
The Use of Coconut Oil in Car Care
Coconut oil can be used in car detailing for specific purposes, but it’s important to understand its limitations and potential risks. Here are some common uses of coconut oil in car detailing:
Interior Cleaning and Conditioning
Coconut oil can be applied to vinyl or leather surfaces to provide a natural, non-toxic conditioning effect. It helps moisturize and restore the appearance of seats, dashboard, and other interior components. However, it’s crucial to use coconut oil sparingly to avoid leaving behind a greasy residue or attracting dust.
Plastic Trim Restoration
Coconut oil can be used to revitalize faded or dull plastic trim. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it onto the trim. This can help restore some luster and temporarily improve the appearance. However, keep in mind that excessive application can lead to a greasy finish and potential attraction of dust and debris.
Lubricating Door Seals and Hinges
Coconut oil’s lubricating properties make it suitable for maintaining door seals and hinges. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to a cloth or cotton swab, and then wipe it along the rubber door seals or hinges to help prevent squeaking and keep them functioning smoothly. However, avoid applying too much oil, as it can attract dirt and affect the performance of the seals.
What Oil Can You Use On Cars?
The sun is the greatest enemy of cars. When it comes to car paint, certain oils, waxes, and liquids can help protect them from the elements. If you want to use these products on your car, you need to choose ones that are specifically designed for this purpose.
So, if you want to use any of these products on your car, it is best to purchase them at a place where you know what they are and how they will affect the paintwork. These products are designed with the knowledge that they will be used on cars, so you can be sure they won’t cause any problems.
Using your own concoction of products on your car could have disastrous effects, mainly if you use something like coconut oil, unless you know how it can react with car paint. Although a clear cover protects car paint, it is not immune to scratches and dents.
Related: Will vinegar damage car paint? Another beloved household item!
How to Use Coconut Oil and White Vinegar for Car Scratches?
Coconut oil and vinegar are two common household ingredients that can be used to reduce the appearance of scratches on your car. Here’s how to use them:
- Clean the Scratched Area: Use gentle soap and warm water to clean the area around the scratch. Rinse with clean water and dry the area thoroughly.
- Apply Coconut Oil: Put a small amount of coconut oil on a soft cloth and rub it into the scratched area. Apply more coconut oil if necessary and continue rubbing until the scratch begins to fade.
- Apply Vinegar: Next, put a small amount of vinegar on a separate clean cloth and rub it into the scratched area. This will help remove any remaining dirt or debris that may be making the scratch more noticeable.
- Buff and Wipe: Use a clean, dry cloth to buff the area and wipe away any excess coconut oil or vinegar.
It’s important to note that while coconut oil and vinegar can help reduce the appearance of scratches, they may not completely remove them. If the scratch is deep or severe, it’s best to take your car to a professional for repair.
Besides, if you have any concerns about using coconut oil and vinegar on your car’s paint, it’s always best to test a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to a larger scratch.
Can I Use Coconut Oil on Leather?
Do the leather seats of your automobile have crinkles, stains, or scratches? In this case, you can apply some coconut oil. The smooth appearance of leather and faux leather seats can be restored by letting this natural oil seep into the cracks. With a delicate cloth dampened with oil, softly rub the surface of the leather.
Do Essential Oils Damage the Paint on a Car?
When automotive paint is put into the car, glycol ether esters added to the paint cause it to evaporate, allowing it to harden. The paint will once again dissolve if you use another solvent that can dissolve it.
Neroli and lemongrass are two essential oils with a high acidity and alcohol content. The acid and alcohol in these oils help remove hard water stains and make things less sticky.
The problem with putting essential oils on car paint is that the alcohol and acid in oils could damage the paint in a way that can’t be fixed.
Although it is not advised, adding diluted essential oil and letting it sit on the paint for a short while will help remove tar and sticky stains.
It’s vital to remember that essential oils, especially in concentrated form, might damage your car’s paint.
Essential oils shouldn’t be your first choice because there are other items designed expressly to care for and protect automotive paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can coconut oil remove car scratches?
Coconut oil may help reduce the appearance of scratches on your car, but it is unlikely to completely remove them. This is because coconut oil is not a specialized car care product and may not have the necessary ingredients or abrasives to effectively remove deep or severe scratches.
However, coconut oil can be a useful temporary solution for minor scratches, such as surface-level scratches or swirl marks. This is because coconut oil contains fatty acids that can help fill in small scratches and create a smoother surface.
To use coconut oil for car scratches, you can apply a small amount of it onto a soft cloth and gently rub it into the scratched area. Continue to rub until the scratch begins to fade, and then wipe away any excess coconut oil with a clean, dry cloth.
It’s important to note that while coconut oil may help reduce the appearance of scratches, it is not a permanent solution and may not be suitable for all types of scratches. Also, suppose you have any concerns about using coconut oil on your car’s paint. In that case, it’s always best to test a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to a larger scratch.
What are the benefits of using coconut oil on car paint?
Coconut oil has been a popular choice for car enthusiasts to maintain and protect the paint on their cars. Some of the benefits of using coconut oil on car paint are:
- Protection from UV rays: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which acts as a natural UV protectant. Applying coconut oil to car paint can help protect it from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays.
- Prevents rust: Coconut oil has anti-corrosive properties that can prevent rust and other forms of oxidation from forming on the car’s surface.
- Enhances shine: Coconut oil can add a natural shine to car paint and make it look like new.
- Easy to apply: Coconut oil is easy to apply and does not require any special tools or equipment. All you need is a clean cloth to apply it.
How does coconut oil protect car paint?
Coconut oil protects car paint by forming a barrier between the paint and the elements. This barrier helps to prevent water, dust, and other contaminants from adhering to the paint surface.
Coconut oil also helps to fill in small scratches and imperfections, giving the paint a smoother appearance.
What are some of the best coconut oils for car paint?
When choosing coconut oil for car paint, it’s important to look for an organic, virgin, and unrefined product. Some of the best coconut oils for car paint are:
- Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
- Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Dr. Bronner’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Before applying coconut oil to your car’s paint, make sure to wash and dry the car thoroughly. Apply the coconut oil with a clean cloth, and then buff it off with a separate clean cloth to remove any excess oil.
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In conclusion, coconut oil can be quite useful. It can help many health conditions, and if you want to use it on your car, it is best to choose a product designed for that purpose.
However, if you just want to use it for cleaning, go ahead and use it but don’t go overboard with coconut oil. Overusing this harmless thing can also cause some damage to your car’s paint and clear coat, so better be careful while using the unrefined form of coconut oil.
References:
- How to clean a car: Eight eco-friendly items you can use – and they’re found at home
- How to Safely Remove Fine Scratches from Your Car’s Paint
Hi everyone, My name is Ollie Barker.
As a seasoned auto expert I have 25 years of experience working in repair and detailing shops. I love to share my tips & tricks to all car lovers, so that’s why I’m here at Automotive Gearz publishing my content, sharing my passion. Also, I’ve been giving my recommendations on which products are the best to have on the market. I always thought it was hard to pick the right part, so hopefully I can make that a bit easier for you.
Hope you enjoy your time on my little blog!
