Car care tips for those magnetic ribbons

Magnetic ribbons showing support for our troops overseas are very popular. But more and more people are finding those ribbons could lead to problems with your car's paint job. <br/><br/>News on 6

Tuesday, December 14th 2004, 2:31 pm

By: News On 6

Magnetic ribbons showing support for our troops overseas are very popular. But more and more people are finding those ribbons could lead to problems with your car's paint job.

News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson explains why and has some simple ways folks can prevent the problem. Lots of people buy magnets for their vehicles because they think they'll be safer on their paint than stickers. But paint and body experts we talked to say unless you perform proper "magnet maintenance", they can cause just as many problems as stickers.

They say that moisture can build up behind the magnets and depending on what time of year it is, can mess up your paint's finish. If it stays wet, the moisture can loosen up the finish and cause rust problems.

And if moisture is trapped behind the magnet in the summertime, it can actually steam the finish right off your car. Paul McCarthy with Danny Myers Paint & Body: "We would have to bring the car in, and we would have to sand it and we would have to recoat it or refinish it, and that is not a minor process. There is some expenditure that is far beyond the cost of the magnets or the maintenance of those magnets themselves."

So what do experts recommend? Move your magnet every once in awhile and wipe off the back with a dry paper towel when it gets wet.