You take great care of your car. You ensure regular washing to prevent dirt buildup, and you have a garage to shield it from winter’s snow, ice, salt, and other damages. However, it’s important to note that summer can also be tough on your car. The intense sunlight, high temperatures, and hot asphalt can strain different parts of your vehicle.
In this blog, we will explore tips to protect your car from heat and the sun, even without a garage, before summer arrives.
What Are The Effects of Heat And Sun On My Car?
The sun’s rays can cause various damages to your vehicle. They can oxidize the paint and age the interiors, especially if they’re made of leather. Additionally, the summer heat affects your car’s cooling system, fluids, battery, and air conditioning.
While some issues may be purely cosmetic, others can impact your safety and the safety of your car. Therefore, it’s important to regularly check your car and take necessary action to prevent any potential problems. Here are some tips to protect your car from heat and the Sun.
Before The Arrival Of Summer:
Before the arrival of summer, there are several steps you can take to ensure both you and your car are ready for the season ahead.
- Mechanical tune-up
Winter can take a toll on your vehicle, so it’s a good idea to schedule a mechanical tune-up at a body shop of your choice. They’ll thoroughly inspect your car, address any issues that have arisen, and ensure you’re ready for summer by checking fluids and potentially replacing cracked rubber parts.
- Thorough Interior Car Detailing
Car detailing is not just about making your car look better, it’s also about protecting it from the sun and other summer damage. By thoroughly cleaning your car and applying wax or other protective layers like ceramic coating, you can shield your vehicle’s paint from all kinds of elements.
The same applies to the interior of your car. If you have leather seats, you might be wondering how to protect them from the sun. Interior car detailing can help by conditioning and safeguarding your leather interior.
During The Summer Months: Protect Your Car From Heat And The Sun
Now that your car is prepared for summer, here are some useful tips to Protect Your Car From Heat And The Sun and maintain its good condition during the hot season.
- Inspect your tires.
When air heats up, it expands. This can lead to increased air pressure in your tires, increasing the risk of air escaping. Conversely, underinflated tires have a higher chance of blowing out. It is important to check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure it is at a proper level.
Additionally, inspect for weak areas, uneven wear, or punctures to address any issues before they pose a safety concern.
- Battery Inspection
Your car battery is not only at risk in winter but also during summer. The heat can cause fluids to evaporate faster, leading to corrosion of battery terminals and clamps.
Moreover, using the air conditioning system extensively increases the battery load, potentially resulting in faster wear-out. Therefore, regularly checking your battery is a wise precaution to prevent future issues.
- Ensure fluids are checked.
It’s important to regularly check the fluids of your car, especially during summer to prevent engine overheating. Heat causes fluids to evaporate faster, so it’s crucial to maintain proper fluid levels. The three main fluids to check are as follows:
- Coolant: Ensuring your engine doesn’t overheat is paramount, for self-evident reasons. Take a moment to examine the coolant level and condition in the reservoir. Should it appear cloudy or rusty, it’s advisable to replace it. Otherwise, simply replenishing it to the indicated level will suffice.
- Motor oil: Proper lubrication is crucial for the optimal performance of any engine, especially during the summer months. It is essential to regularly monitor the oil levels, check them at least once a month, and adhere to the recommended intervals for changing your motor oil as specified in your owner’s manual. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your engine.
- Transmission fluid: Driving your car with low transmission fluid levels can pose serious risks. If the fluid level drops too low, take caution and use a small funnel in the dipstick tube to refill the reservoir. It is important to avoid spillage, so it is recommended to add a small amount at a time. By following these steps, you can ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.
- Give your car a good Exterior Car Detailing
Your car’s paint and windows are exposed to dirt, debris, and dead bugs. If left untreated, these contaminants can react with the sun’s heat and release chemicals that damage the paint, causing cracks, chips, and fading. To protect your car, wash it regularly and hand-dry it with microfiber cloths or trust exterior car detailing professionals for a top-notch result and added protection.
If you want more protection, think about getting your car waxed too. It not only makes your car look shiny but also adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.
- Preserve and safeguard the paintwork of your car.
For enhanced and long-lasting protection, you may want to consider getting a ceramic coating. It’s a layer of fiberglass nano-particles that forms a strong and transparent barrier between your car’s coat and the environment.
This will shield your car from heat, UV rays, contaminants, and acidic environmental factors like bird droppings and acid rain. It offers the best protection against both sun and rain.
- Refrain from parking in direct sunlight.
To Protect Your Car From Heat And The Sun, the simplest and most efficient way is to park in the shade. It keeps the car comfortable and shields it from harmful UV rays. Whether it’s under a tree, a building, or in an indoor parkade, it makes a huge difference, even if it takes a bit more time or costs a little extra. This way you can protect your Car From Heat And The Sun.
- Utilize protective devices or employ a car cover for enhanced safeguarding.
If you can’t park in the shade, there are other efficient ways to Protect Your Car From Heat And The Sun in open parking. Consider investing in easy-to-use and inexpensive protective devices to keep surfaces protected. Dashboard covers, windshield protectors, and seat covers can help keep the heat out, protect plastic or leather from cracking, and make your steering wheel and seat more comfortable.
- Install window tints.
Window tints are a highly effective method to reduce heat and UV rays in your car. They enhance interior comfort, protect plastic and leather surfaces from UV damage, and can even help save on gas by reducing the need for excessive air conditioning.
Beat The Heat: Protect Your Car From Heat And The Sun
By following these simple and effective tips, you can Protect Your Car From Heat And The Sun. This will not only enhance your comfort but also safeguard your car and save you money. At Mobile Car Detailing Vancouver, we offer professional full car detailing services, interior detailing, and ceramic coating services to help you keep your car protected.
We also provide mobile detailing services, where we come to your location to wash or clean your car! We offer package deals and have flexible time slots to fit your schedule.
Do you own a specialty vehicle or multiple vehicles? Our team has extensive experience in detailing car fleets, including electric cars and boats. Electric cars, in particular, require special attention and are best handled by experienced detailers.
FAQs:
What measures can I take to protect my car from harmful UV damage?
To protect your car from exposure, it’s advisable to park in shaded areas. Additionally, it is important to regularly wash and dry your car, and you may also want to consider applying wax or ceramic coating for enhanced protection.
What can I do to prevent the sun from entering my car through the window?
To protect your parked vehicle, consider using reflective windshield covers. Additionally, you may want to invest in window tints to block specific wavelengths from entering your car. Ensure to comply with local regulations regarding the permissible level of tinting.