How to Protect Your Car From the Sun

July 9th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

Direct sunlight can inadvertently damage your car’s exterior and interior. But, with the right approach, you can limit sun damage on your car.

A Closer Look at the Impact of Sun Damage on a Car

The sun and heat can harm many areas of your car, including:

• Dashboard
• Seat upholstery
• Tires
• Engine
• A/C system

Excessive amounts of sunlight and heat can damage your car’s finish as well.

Can the Sun Damage Car Paint?

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause your car’s paint to peel and fade over time. They can break down the molecules found in your car’s paint, which can make it appear dull.

Some car paint colors are more susceptible to damage from UV rays. For instance, red cars may be more prone to fading, due to the fact that UV rays break down the molecules in red paint faster than those in other car paint colors.

Regardless of a car’s paint color, it is crucial to take steps to guard against UV rays. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to protect your car from extreme heat and sunlight consistently.

How to Protect a Car from Extreme Heat and Sunlight

Some of the best ways to protect your car from extreme heat and sunlight include:

1. Park Your Car in the Shade

Whenever possible, park your car in the shade, as this allows you to avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and sunlight. You can also open a car window when you park; this enables you to lower your vehicle’s interior temperature.

2. Wash and Wax Your Car

Wash your car and hand-dry it often. This helps remove dirt, dust, and other debris from your car’s exterior and may lower the risk of fading and cracking of your vehicle’s paint caused by extended exposure to heat and sunlight. You can also apply a coat of wax to your car’s exterior for additional protection against the sun’s UV rays.

3. Protect Your Car’s Windshield

Use a windshield protector to help cool your car and minimize the risk of extreme heat and sunlight damage. You can carry your windshield protector with you in your vehicle and use it any time you park your car.   

What Is the Best Way to Protect a Car Dashboard?

Heat and sunlight can quickly damage your car’s dashboard, so you need to plan accordingly.

Oftentimes, a windshield protector offers a terrific option to safeguard your dashboard against cracks caused by UV rays. You can also wipe down your car’s dashboard with a microfiber cloth regularly to keep it clean and minimize the risk of long-lasting damage.

How to Protect Leather Car Seats from the Sun 

Let’s not forget about the importance of protecting your car’s seats from heat and sunlight, either.

To limit the risk of damage to your car seats’ upholstery, you can install seat covers. Available for all types of upholstery, car seat covers help protect your seats’ upholstery against heat and sunlight. They also help keep your car seats cool.

Finally, if you have leather seats in your car, you may want to apply a leather conditioner to them. A leather conditioner helps prevent cracks and tears from heat and sunlight. Meanwhile, you should always follow a leather conditioner’s instructions to apply it correctly and keep your car’s leather seats clean.

Get Car Repairs from Fix Auto

At Fix Auto, we can help you address damage to your car caused by excessive exposure to heat or sunlight. Our team can immediately diagnose and alleviate any car issues and offer tips and recommendations to prevent them from recurring. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 1-800-INFO-FIX.

 

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Chico, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing customers in Chico and Butte County neighborhood n California