How To Protect Your Car From The Sun And UV Damage This Summer

The sun can be extremely damaging to your used car. It can destroy the interior over time, causing volatile plastics to delaminate, and causing the fading of your vehicle’s upholstery and interior. In addition, it can harm the exterior, as well as damage some mechanical systems if things get too hot.

In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the best ways you can protect your car from the sun and UV damage this summer.

Protecting The Exterior

The exterior of your car is typically able to stand up to the summer heat better than the interior, but still should be protected. Here’s how.

• Wash your car often – Sun and heat can cause paint to crack and fade, particularly if your car is dirty or scratched because of dirt and dust particles. You should wash your car about every 2-3 weeks in the summer, to minimize the risk of paint damage.

• Consider waxing your vehicle – A layer of wax can help protect your car’s paint from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Consider having your vehicle waxed every 3 months for the best results.

• Check your tire pressure regularly – Underinflated tires can be very dangerous in hot conditions. They’re more likely to weaken and blow out. Check your tires often when it’s hot outside.

Protecting The Interior

Your car’s interior takes the brunt of abuse from the UV rays of the sun. So to prevent fading, cracking, and damage, here are some tips for protecting it.

• Park in a garage or carport if you can – Parking in a garage or a carport is the best way to prevent direct sun contact with your car, and preserve the interior. If you can only park on the street, you should consider using a vehicle cover if you do not drive often, or if you do not use your car for multiple days at a time.

• Park in the shade – Parking in the shade prevents direct UV contact with your car. This keeps it much cooler, and mitigates the risk of damage to interior upholstery by the sun.

• Wipe down your dash regularly – Your dash can become damaged by small dirt and dust particles, which increases the risk of damage. A low-gloss detailing wipe helps remove these particles,and reduce glare on your dash.

• Use a windshield sun protector – Windshield sun protectors help reflect the majority of UV rays, keeping your interior cooler and protecting it from the rays of the sun.

• Consider seat covers – Seat covers prevent your original seats from being damaged or faded due to the sun and heat, so they can help preserve your car’s resale value, and keep it in better condition.

Protecting Mechanical Systems

Your car’s mechanical systems also have to work harder when it gets hot and steamy outside. Here are some tips for ensuring your car doesn’t overheat.

• Check your engine’s cooling system – Have your antifreeze and coolant drained and replaced, and have all of your belts and other mechanical systems checked by a mechanic to ensure your engine does not overheat in the summer.

• Ensure proper fluid levels – Your car is much more likely to overheat if you do not have proper fluid levels, such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, oil, and transmission fluid. Get all of your fluids checked and replaced, if necessary.

• Get your battery checked – Heavy A/C use can strain the battery in hot weather, causing it to wear out and fail more quickly. Get your battery checked to make sure it’s running at the proper voltage.

Protect Your Car From The Sun – Stay Safe This Summer!

With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your car in great shape no matter how hot it gets outside.

Need help checking your car’s mechanical systems? Drop by the Ride Time service centre in Winnipeg today. We’d be happy to give your car a thorough inspection, refill your fluids, and make sure you’re ready for the summer heat!