How to Protect Your Car From Sun and Heat Damage
You know you need sunscreen and layers to protect you from the sun so you don’t get a bad sunburn . It goes without saying that if UV rays can be harmful to you, they can be harmful to other things as well – even things not covered in leather. Your cars, for example, can be damaged by the sun, but just as you can intervene on behalf of your body, you can intervene on behalf of your possessions.
Can the sun damage your car?
The sun can damage the look of your car by oxidizing the paint and even make the interior look dry and old, especially if it’s made from leather. What’s more, heat can affect your cooling system, fluids, battery, and air conditioning. Issues range from vanity to the actual impact on your safety, so it’s important to address the sun’s exposure to your car from multiple angles.
How to protect your car from the sun
According to State Farm , you should make sure your vehicle is in good working order, check belts, and drain antifreeze or coolant regularly. Overheating is more likely when your fluid level drops below the recommended level, so check your engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid regularly.
High temperatures and using extra loads like air conditioning can also affect your battery, so check it regularly. And if the air conditioner itself isn’t working, which could be a sign of a more serious problem, that’s something to look out for too. And finally, don’t forget about tire pressure: hot asphalt is especially dangerous for under-inflated tires and can even lead to blowouts.
How to protect your car’s exterior from the sun
Obviously, the safety and functionality of your car is more important than its aesthetics, but that doesn’t mean that the look and feel of one of your most expensive purchases isn’t important either. Here are tips for protecting your car’s interior and exterior from sun exposure:
- Park in the shade so the dashboard doesn’t dry out or crack, and consider opening a window to let in air if it’s safe to do so where you’re parked.
- Use a windshield sun shield to keep the cabin cool and further protect the dashboard.
- Wipe down the dashboard with a microfiber cloth, as dirt can lead to more scratches and you’re bound to get more dust and grime inside when you open the windows for cooling. Also look for detailing products that can protect your dashboard.
- Use seat covers to keep them protected and cool, or consider a product like Fibrenew , which protects leather seats from the sun.
- Wash and dry your car frequently because the sun and heat can burn and crack the paint, which is made worse by dirt and dust scratching it.
- Wax your car to provide a layer of protection between the finish and the UV rays.
These are simple steps that will help your car not look older than its true age, overheat or blow a tire.