Have you ever wondered how much energy you should give to protecting your car from the elements? As the weather heats up, there are a few tricks you can do to help prolong the longevity of your car’s appearance.
In fact, if you don’t take the proper precautions, the sun can severely damage key components of your vehicle. It’s not uncommon for the exterior of cars to reach 90◦ C when exposed to direct sunlight in the summer. This amount of heat can not only wreak havoc on your car’s finish, but its interior as well.
There are a few easy steps you can take to minimize damage and protect your car against the heat.
Keep in mind the following tips:
- Park in the shade. This is the best way to avoid direct sunlight, which will keep your interior and exterior from drying and cracking.
- Use a windshield sun protector. These affordable products keep the inside of your car cool and help prevent sun damage.
- Install seat covers. Seat covers are a great way to protect leather and fabric seats. Better still, these covers can help keep your seats cool.
- Wash and dry your exterior often. Sun and heat can fade and crack the paint of your car. Frequent washing and hand drying help remove dirt and dust particles that can cause issues with a vehicle’s finish.
- Wax your car. Waxing your car adds an extra layer of protection from ultraviolet rays. How often a car needs a wax job varies, but it is best to do it on a regular basis.
- Check your tire pressure. Hot pavement and under-inflated tires can easily lead to blowouts, which can be expensive to fix. Even good tires can lose about one pound of air pressure a month, so it’s important to check them often. Be sure to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure.
These are pretty simple and easy-to-follow tips… but as they say, every little bit helps. Be sure to check out our Resource Centre for other tips, tricks and checklists.
