Drivers warned Euros mistake could cause 'long term damage' to car paintwork
As the UEFA Euros get underway, a motoring expert has suggested motorists be careful with their drinks to prevent damaging their vehicle's paintwork.
The vehicle financing firm Select Car Leasing has warned motorists that celebrating the UEFA Euro 2024 with a drink could cause significant damage to their vehicle's paintwork.
Many football fans across Europe are gearing up for a month of matches in Germany, with some meeting friends and family to watch each game outside.
However, Graham Conway, motoring expert at Select Car Leasing, suggested that those drinking during the matches should keep away from any vehicles to prevent damaging the paintwork.
He explained: "Football fans often get carried away in the moment and hurl their drinks into the air in celebration. But alcohol and vehicle paintwork is not a winning mix.
"And if your car does happen to get a boozy drenching, my advice would be to wash it off as soon as you can to avoid any long term damage."
Select Car Leasing highlighted that drinks with a high alcohol content can deteriorate the paintwork on a vehicle in a similar manner to tree sap or bird droppings.
Over time, exposure to alcohol and sunlight can cause the paint to fade at a much faster rate and, in extreme cases, bubble, which can ultimately lead to rust forming.
Whilst small patches of damage can be treated for a low price, more extensive damage could require a driver to get the vehicle professionally resprayed, costing an average of £2,000.
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Graham noted that the worst damage is caused by drinks that have a particularly high alcohol or sugar content, suggesting that spills should be cleaned as soon as possible.
He added: "Pub tipples that have a much higher alcohol content, like spirits and wine, might be even more damaging should you get it on your car's paintwork.
"Ciders with a high sugar content could also leave a mark if left for too long. If your car does get a soaking, make sure you give it a post-match wash."
Similarly, motorists who are planning to enjoy a drink whilst seeing loved ones during the Euros have been advised to leave their vehicle behind.
In England, Northern Ireland and Wales, motorists must have no more than 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, whereas in Scotland the limit is just 50 milligrammes.
Motorists who are caught driving a vehicle whilst they are over the legal limit can receive an unlimited fine, a driving ban of at least one year and up to six months in prison.
