Not a die hard, just know who will really end up paying for your paint job.
If you were in an environment that was hard on shoes, that wouldn`t be the mfg. fault either...
Maybe a bra would slow the damage.

 

At least you people's cars don't die on you repeatedly.

 

Hillsdale, I have had my black HHR for over a year now and it looks like it is stilll new. Paint has never faded. No chipping because I have running boards and mud flaps front and back. Sounds like you have a manufactured defect in the paint job. I would go back to the dealer and demand a new paint job. If it is something other than road rash?

 

 

I have had both Fords and Chevy's over the last few years and paint quality from both has worsened over the last 10 years. I have noticed on Ford Mustangs particuarly on black cars paint chipsvery easily. The front after three years and only 20,000 miles looks like they have been driving behind a rock hauler. Our HHR has over 18000 and only a few small chips. Basically I think the clear is so thin that it doesn't protect as it should.

PS I don't think you will find many if any manufacturers that will jump at your slightest problem. I wrote Ford customer service and it took 4 months to get a response.

 

the problem is that the "paved roads" there are still nasty and have a lot of flaking/chipping asphalt, and without proper protection, running boards or mud flaps/splash guards, as Chevy calls them, you will get chips in your paint no matter the road conditions.

 

Didn't someone say that the HHR paint is water versus a petroleum based paint? Maybe that has something to do with it? My Daytona Blue is holding up quite well. I had a Mazda before this and THAT chipped really easy.

 

Just about all of the base coats are water based, but the clears are still urethane. All paints (aotumotive)(clears included) will be going to water based in the next few years. Federal rgulations.

 

Holmes, I do agree with you that I probably do have a manufacturer paint defect. Even the new car salesman stated he thought something was wrong with the paint, though he states there is nothing he can do without Chevy/GM approval. Also, I do have running boards and front and rear mudflaps. But this only protects the side of your car from your own tires (which i've never needed on any other vehicle).
BlackBeauty, I do not see the need or have the desire to spend even more money to buy a product that is going to protect a section of my car. If thats the case maybe I should just wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap. As far as responses from manufacturers on anything I have had the most luck with Chrysler, Toyota, and Infiniti.

 

I too have black.....first black car I've ever owned. After a month of ownership I gave it a good cleaner wax / wax Friday night. I've got about 4 years paint & body experience and the problems I have seen on mine is overspray inside the gas tank filler door, on the left rear quarter and a spot on the rear door and bumper top side where it appears like something got on it while the paint was still wet leaving a trash in it. Now wheather it has been painted since built I don't know but, I'm still searching for clues and if it has the dealership will get notified and ask many questions.