How to Protect Your Car from the Sun

A coat of UV resistant wax

Coating your vehicle with UV resistant wax is an easy and inexpensive way to protect car from sun. Over time, UV exposure can deteriorate the protective clear coat on your car and cause the colour to fade, flake or develop a white crust. Even an annual coat of UV resistant wax can make a huge difference when it comes to the lifespan of your paintwork.

Wash regularly

Foreign materials like pollen, dust, bird droppings, dead bugs can start to corrode your paintwork if they’re left on for too long. The last two are particularly nasty as they’re acid-rich which can accelerate corrosion. The process is fast tracked in the summer when the sun beats down on your car. A regular wash will get rid of debris and help prevent damage to your paint.

Use a windscreen shield

Investing in a windscreen shield is an easy and affordable way to protect your car from sun. You’re probably already familiar with these accordion-style shields that cover your windscreen and are held in place by your driver and passenger visors. They take a matter of minutes to put up but can drastically reduce the temperature of your car when parked. Not only do windscreen shields make it more comfortable to return to your car but they minimise wear and tear on the interior.

In particular, a windscreen shield can significantly increase the lifespan of your dashboard. Usually made from vinyl or leather, dashboards are often blasted by the sun. A windscreen shield provides a first line of defence and helps prevent issues like cracking and flaking. Installing temporary sun shields on your passenger windows can also be a good way to protect cars from sun. They’re usually made from a mesh-like material and shouldn’t affect visibility.

Condition and protect your interior

Heat exposure can dry out your interior upholstery and interior components over time. Specially made car conditioners are a great way to rehydrate your interior materials and restore shine. They also smell amazing and help give your car that fresh new scent. Finish with a protectant designed to repel UV rays, as well as impurities like dirt and dust.

Park in the shade

Good parking habits are one of the best ways to protect a car from sun. In summer the closest spot isn’t always the best spot. If you have to walk a little further to get to your destination but can park in the shade the payoff is worth it.

Take care of your engine

The sun doesn’t just affect exterior components like your paintwork and upholstery. It can also cause trouble under the hood. Pay close attention to your fluids throughout the summer, especially your coolant. This is one of the best ways to protect your car from sun and prevent it from overheating. It’s best to stash a spare bottle of coolant in the boot for emergencies. The same goes for fluids like oil, which can also run dry in the hot summer months.

Leave your windows open

Depending on where you’re parked, it can be a good idea to leave your windows open a crack as long as it’s safe to do so. This can increase airflow on scorching hot days and help lower the internal temperature of your car by a few degrees. In the height of summer, this can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your upholstery and returning to a car that doesn’t feel like a sauna!

With regular maintenance and a good understanding of the risks, it’s easy to protect cars from sun.

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