The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to your car’s paint and interior upholstery. The obvious solution to prevent this is to keep your vehicle in a covered area when not in use. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible or practical, so the best you can do is adopt measures to limit the damage. Here are some practical steps you can take.
Wash your car regularly
Regularly washing your car reduces the damage caused by sun exposure. The sun will bake on a build-up of dirt and grime, making it harder to remove. And, when you do come to remove it, you can cause damage to the paintwork without the proper cleaning equipment.If you keep your car outdoors, our best advice is to give it a good wash once a week.
Wax your car
Aside from making your car look like a million bucks, a coat of wax (post-wash) will help protect your car’s exterior from the sun’s damaging rays.
Use a windscreen sunshield
A windscreen shield is an excellent way to protect your car’s interior upholstery. You can pick up a decent and inexpensive shield at most major retailers.
Park in the shade
Whenever possible, park your car in a shady spot or undercover in a home garage or carport. Parking out of direct sunlight protects the exterior and interior of your vehicle from damage caused by the sun and the heat.
If your car is exposed to the elements or out of use for long periods, it may be worth investing in a car cover.
Use seat covers
Your car’s upholstery can take a hammering from the sun. Especially the front seats. Seat covers protect from the sun and the burn of overheated leather upholstery.
Check your tyre pressure
Hot tar seal can cause under-inflated tyres to blow out or sustain damage. Check your tyre pressure regularly to ensure the pressure is at the correct levels.
The bottom line
Taking the above measures to protect your car from the damaging effects of the sun is a worthwhile investment. Replacing car interiors and tyres or getting a new paint job can be costly and adversely affect the resale value of your car.
The Kiwi summer sun is harsh! So, each time you reach for your hat or sun cream, turn your thoughts to your car’s sun safety too!