No matter where you live, when summer arrives and heats things up, it can slowly cause damage not only to the exterior paint but to the inside of your car. The rays of the sun can oxidize and fade the paint, and can they can also cause the plastics inside to become brittle or even warped. Here are some ways to protect your vehicle from the hot summer sun.
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Find the Shade
When you can, park your car in the shade. It can be up to 20 degrees cooler inside the car if you park it in the shade instead of in the direct sun, and the barrier will block 100% of the rays. If you don’t have a garage, you can put up a pop-up canopy during the summer to park under when you’re at home.
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Keep the Interior Temperature Down
You can also protect the interior of your vehicle by cracking the windows. This will help to keep the temperature inside the vehicle down. Using a sunshade will also help keep the temperature inside from rising. Keep a foldable windshield sun protector in your car and put it up whenever you have to park your car outside during the day.
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Use Seat Covers
The sun beating down through the windows can heat up the fabric on your seats and cause damage over time. Using seat covers not only protect the upholstery, but it can also keep them cool so you don’t sit down on a scorching hot seat when you get in.
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Wash and Wax
To protect your paint, make sure to wash and wax your car often. Wash with a high-quality automotive soap or take it to the car wash to make sure all the small dirt particles come off. Removing all the road grime will help to keep micro scratches from forming that can dull the paint. You also want to dry the car with a cotton or microfiber rag. While this step might seem time consuming and unnecessary, it makes a difference. Drying the paint keeps the minerals from the water evaporation process from building up and damaging the paint. It is also important to wax your car. Wax can serve a sunscreen for the paint and provides a layer of protection.
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Don’t Forget the Tires
The sun can also damage rubber tires. The hot sun heats up the pavement, and if you don’t keep the tires properly inflated, it can lead to a blowout. Tires lose pressure as you drive, so making sure you check the pressure regularly is important. You can protect the tires by making sure they are inflated, and by applying a protectant. A protectant will provide a layer of protection from the sun and make them last longer.
Summer is a great time of year for getting out and enjoying the warm weather, but the heat can do a number on your vehicle. Follow these tips for protecting your car for the hot summer sun, and you’ll have it looking good for a long time.
Image via jeep.com | Cropped from original