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How to Protect Your Car from Sun Damage – The Tips and Tricks

ByTsukasa Azuma-October 25, 2024

People avoid going out in the sun for their skin may tan. Though nonliving, cars need sun protection too. If you want your car to feel cool and look good, keeping it away from the sun rays becomes essential. You may be confused about how to protect your car from sun damage.

Prevent the damage while you can, because curing may cost you a fortune. Read on to find out how to avoid the adverse consequences.

How to Protect Your Car from Sun Damage – A 4 Step Process

Be it the exteriors or the interiors; sun can lead to damage you may find difficult to overcome.

Studies indicate that sun exposure can lead to heating up of exteriors and interiors to as much as 2000 F and 1450 F, respectively.

Follow the 4 step process to help your cars stay cool even in the summers.

1. Keep a Check on Fluid Levels

Maintaining the appropriate coolant levels becomes necessary in summers. It is not the only fluid though that needs to be checked upon.

Scrutinizing engine oil and transmission fluids also become a must job as far as hot weathers are concerned.

Keeping optimal levels of the mentioned fluids can help avert overheating of parts and the subsequent wear and tear of your car.

Longevity is the key objective when how to protect your car from sun damage is in question. Remember to feed your car with optimal fluid levels.

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2. Shade Parking

This is the primary step that can help you save the day. Shade parking is one of the smartest moves you could take. Park your cars in roofed parking when going to work or a shopping mall. 

When back home, prefer parking your car in a garage. If you don’t have garage space look for a tree shade, you could park your cars under.

How to protect your car from sun damage by shade parking. (Photo Source: amazon)

By relying on shade parking, you can certainly help car’s exteriors and interiors from getting hot. When you come back to your car, you would notice the change for yourself.

3. Car Rinsing

If not on a regular basis, weekly washing of cars can help it maintain its cool in summers. You could do it yourself rather than adding up to cost by taking it to wash centers. 

If you have a busy schedule, just splashing water would be more than enough every alternate day or so.

In case you have some time during the weekends, sponge the exteriors with special car wash detergent. Wash every possible part such as tires, windows, exteriors, and windshield. 

As far as interiors are concerned, use cleaners applied on a soft cloth to get rid of accumulated dust and dirt. Refer to maintenance tips when you wish to know the tips for a proper car wash.

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4. Wax Your Car

Waxing your car is a task to be undertaken at least twice a year. Remember to use good-quality car wax as it can even last ten months in a row. 

Wax provides a protective film that locks-in the car paint’s natural oil. This protection coat battles the exterior factors that may ruin your car’s exterior.

Polishing the car to protect it from sun damage. (Photo Source: auto)

Be it dust, scratches or sun rays damage; wax can help you avoid everything. Your car would shine bright and would look unaffected by anything that may hamper the exteriors.

FAQs

  • Can polarized window film reduce sun damage inside my car?

Polarized window films can significantly reduce sun damage inside your vehicle. These films not only block harmful UV rays that can fade and crack interior surfaces but also reduce glare for safer driving. 

When applied professionally, they can preserve your car’s interior while enhancing comfort and protection.

  • Does the color of my car affect its susceptibility to sun damage?

Interestingly, the color of your car can influence how much sun damage it sustains. 

Darker colors tend to absorb more sunlight, potentially leading to faster paint degradation and interior heating compared to lighter colors. 

However, regardless of color, all cars benefit from regular waxing and protection measures.

  • Can regular waxing prevent sun damage to my car’s exterior?

Regular waxing provides a protective layer on your car’s paint, acting as a barrier against UV rays, dirt, and pollutants. 

High-quality car wax or paint sealant can help maintain the gloss and color of your paint, extending its life and reducing the risk of sun-induced fading and oxidation.

  • How effective are car covers in preventing sun damage, and what type should I use?

Car covers are highly effective in preventing sun damage, especially those designed with UV protection.

Opt for a breathable, lightweight cover that reflects sunlight while preventing moisture buildup. Ensure the cover fits snugly to avoid abrasion from wind movement.

  • Is it necessary to protect the tires from sun damage, and how can I do it?

Tires are susceptible to sun damage, which can lead to dry rot and cracking, compromising safety. 

Protect your tires by applying a tire protectant that blocks UV rays and keeps the rubber conditioned. Parking in shaded areas and using tire covers for prolonged stationary periods can also help.

  • Can the sun damage my car’s battery, and what preventive measures can I take?

Extreme heat can accelerate the chemical reaction inside a car battery, leading to overcharging and shortened battery life. 

To mitigate this, ensure your car’s cooling system is functioning properly, keep the battery clean and free of corrosion, and consider insulating the battery if it’s exposed to direct sunlight.

  • How does sun damage impact the resale value of a car, and what can be done to minimize this impact?

Sun damage can significantly reduce a car’s resale value by affecting its appearance and the condition of its interior and exterior.

Maintaining your car with regular cleaning, waxing, and using protective accessories can preserve its condition and appeal, thereby minimizing the impact on its resale value.

Check out this video from CNET Cars to learn more about how to protect your car from the sun!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to protect your car from sun damage, the economical way; try and retain your car’s performance and shine in summers. A little prevention can help you beat the summers like a pro.

Tsukasa Azuma is an awesome car blogger of Car From Japan. He owns a car repair shop at downtown Osaka, and he put all that experience to good use in his sharing posts. Tsukasa’s blog is one of the best resources for information about keeping your favorite imported car running smoothly. Moreover, because of being passionate to learn about the recent happenings in auto industry, he doesn’t only provide great car maintenance tips, he also always updates latest trends in among car brands and share them in his own interesting viewpoint.

Comments

Jaime Jacky12:37 August 04, 2019
Reply

Hi, Tsukasa Azuma! I have read your article, it is very useful! thank you!!! I have a more economical way and apply to places where there is no parking lot that is used to cover the car.

George01:08 May 06, 2019
Reply

I hate sun damage as much as I hate bird poop damage.
Thanks for making us aware

Mark James18:31 April 17, 2019
Reply

This is the best guide to Protect Car from Sun Damage . You shared an informative article i was seeking this tips.

John09:28 November 21, 2018
Reply

I live in a very hot place and I see especially old cars having sun damage.
Most people are not aware potential effects of the sun.
Thank you for this informative post!

Kelvin12:29 July 08, 2018
Reply

Very helpful information. Thanks.