Top 4 Ways to Protect Your Car From Sun Damage

Believe it or not, sun damage doesn’t happen exclusively to skin. When you leave your car in the sun for extended periods of time, the temperature inside can reach as high as 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while the surface of the car’s exterior can reach much higher – up to nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit! Keep reading to see the top 4 ways to protect your car from sun damage.

1. Seek the Shade

The summer’s UVC, UVA and UVB rays can wreak havoc on your paint job. Parking in a shady spot is one of the best ways to reduce sun damage to the exterior of your vehicle. Besides protecting the paint from UV rays, this can also decrease interior heat, reduce heat damage to electronics, headlights, trim and interior.

2. Wash Your Vehicle Regularly

To prevent paint damage and oxidation, you should wash your vehicle often and thoroughly. That way, you won’t have to worry as much about the dirt and residue that usually collects on your vehicle’s exterior over the summer months.

Skip the hand-washing. Visit your local Valley Car Wash to ensure that you drive away dry, as water evaporation and surface heating are disastrous side effects of washing in the sun.

3. Wax It!

Keep your vehicle waxed during the summer to create a barrier against sun damage, bug residue and dirt. Since wax reflects UV rays (rather than absorb them), you can prevent paint oxidation from ever occurring! Waxing will also prevent dirt and grit from sticking to your vehicle, which can protect your paint from pit damage.

4. Utilize Window Shades or Window Tint

They aren’t just for looks! UVA rays penetrate glass, so when you use window shades or tint, you’re actually preventing the bleaching effect the sun has on your interior surfaces and upholstery.

Despite all the elements that can affect the beauty of your car paint, you can still maintain its value with regular washing, drying and waxing. Remember that even with your car, there is nothing that tender loving care could not prevent.

See YourMechanic’s blog post for 6 more ways to protect your car from sun damage.