The summer sun can be tough on your car. The intense heat and UV rays can fade paint, damage the interior, and wreak havoc on the engine. But there are some simple things you can do to protect your car from the damaging effects of sun and heat.
By taking a few precautions, you can keep your car looking and running great all summer long.
Here are some tips to help you avoid heat damage on your vehicle…
Tips to Protect your Car from Sun and Heat Exposure
Interior Protection
- Park in the shade: Whenever possible, park your car in a shady spot. This will help protect the paint from fading and prevent the interior from getting too hot. The heat can cause leather seats and the dashboard to fade and crack over time.
- Use a sunshade: A sunshade is a must in the summer. It helps keep the interior of your car cool and protects the dash and upholstery from fading.
- Keep the dashboard clean: Dirt and dust can small scratches that get worse with age and sun exposure. To avoid this, wipe down your dashboard frequently with a microfiber towel or use Armor All wipes.
- Seat covers: Seat covers not will protect the upholstery from stains and fading.
- Leather conditioner: If your car has leather seats, use a leather conditioner to keep them from cracking and drying out.
Exterior Protection
- Wash and wax regularly: Washing and waxing will help protect your paint from sun damage. Use a non-abrasive shammy and a car soap that doesn’t strip away the wax. For how to wash a car properly, read this.
- Park in the garage: If you have a garage, use it! Parking your car in the shade or under a tree is better than parking in the sun. This will protect your paint and prevent debris like bird droppings or tree sap from baking into your clear coat.
- Use a car cover: If you don’t have a garage, a car cover is the next best thing. It will help protect your paint from fading and prevent dents and scratches.
- Check the tire Pressure: Hot weather can cause the air in your tires to expand, resulting in a blowout. Heat exposure also increases the rate at which they dry rot.
Engine Protection
- Change the oil: Be sure to change your oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Dirty oil can cause the engine to overheat.
- Check the coolant level: The coolant helps keep the engine cool and operating efficiently.
- Battery: When temperatures are high and you use the air conditioning in your car often, it can put extra strain on the system and cause it to fail faster.
- Air Conditioner: Be sure to get your air conditioner serviced regularly. This will help it run more efficiently and prevent it from breaking down when you need it the most.
- Check the hoses: The hoses in your cooling system are under a lot of pressure. They can weaken over time and develop leaks. Be sure to check them regularly.
Tips to Protect your Car from Sun and Heat Exposure – Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can protect your car from the damaging effects of sun and heat exposure. Taking a few extra precautions will help keep your car looking and running great all summer long.