How To Protect Your Car Against The Sun’s UV Rays

If your car spends a substantial amount of time under the sun, the UV rays can potentially cause damage to both its exterior and interior. And this implies that you need to take great care of your vehicle to ensure it doesn’t get damaged by the sun’s UV rays.

According to particular research, it was established that car interior temperatures can reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can attain up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, it’s worth noting that it’s not just your car’s seats and a dashboard that you should protect from the sun’s harmful rays. If you didn’t know, your vehicle’s engine system, as well as the paint or finish, equally need adequate protection. So, whether you reside in a warm climate, or just need to protect your car against the summer’s sweltering heat, it is often a great idea to be safe and prepared.

Car interior protection tips:

• Always park in the shade: This is arguably the most affordable and easiest way to protect your car from the sun’s UV rays. By parking your vehicle in a safe place out of direct sunlight, you’ll practically prevent your dash from both dryness and cracks. And if it’s possible, open your car windows to allow cool air inside and help balance the air pressure.

• Use the air conditioner to protect fabric or leather seats: The sun’s UV rays, as well as heat, can really do some damage to the interior components of your car. Thankfully, you can prevent any potential damage to your seats by applying leather condition regularly.

• Take advantage of windshield sun protectors: This will not only help keep your car from potential sun damage, but will also help keep your car’s interior cool.

• Install seat covers: Seat covers are highly versatile devices that not only keep your fabric or leather cool at all times, but also offer protection against the sun’s damaging UV rays.

• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the dash: Over time, dirt, debris, and dust can cause small scratches. Regularly wipe down the dash to eliminate any unwanted particles. You can use a low-gloss detailing product on the dash and minimize glare.

Car exterior protection tips:

• Regularly wash and dry your vehicle. With consistent exposure to the sun’s UV rays and intense heat, your car’s paint will inevitably fade and crack. But with routine washing and drying, you can hopefully remove any dust and dirt particles that can cause scratches and impact your car’s finish.

• Examine tire pressure: A heated pavement can easily damage underinflated car wheels, usually resulting in a blowout. However, it’s worth noting that even functioning tires can potentially lose at least a pound of air pressure monthly, so it’s vital to always examine tire pressure during the hot season. As always, stick to your car manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure.

• Wax your vehicle: By creating a protective layer of wax between your car’s paint and the sun’s dangerous UV rays, you can effectively enhance its lifespan and prevent unnecessary damage. It is highly recommended that you wax your car more regularly.

Other key components:

• A little proactive vehicle maintenance, as well as simple upkeep, can ensure your car remains on the road without any problem for an extended period.

• Cooling unit: Always ensure your car’s engine is in tip-top condition to curb overheating incidences. In this regard, drain the coolant as needed and examine the belts.

• The battery: It has been shown that high temperatures, as well as increased accessory loads, can make your vehicle wear out fairly fast and impact its overall performance over time. Have your car’s battery as well as the entire charging system regularly examined by a professional to guarantee their working condition.

• HVAC unit: It is also important to have your car’s air conditioning unit professionally examined by an experienced technician.

• Fluids: It is imperative to note that the likelihood of overheating significantly increases when fluid levels are below the required levels. It is highly recommended that you routinely check your vehicle’s transmission fluid, motor oil, brake fluid as well as power steering fluid. And always take your owner’s manual into account when topping up any car fluid.

Time to Visit Your Fraser, MI Auto Repair Shop?

Feel free to stop in and visit Car Guys Auto Center today or give us a call at (586) 285-4444!  We would be happy to answer any auto-related questions you may have.  We are located at :

Car Guys Auto Center
32639 Groesbeck Hwy
Fraser, MI 48026