Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause intense skin damage. There is no doubt that these rays can damage even your car, which can receive damage on its paint.
It leads to an old and worn out look, especially if your vehicle is in the sunlight for extended periods.
The sunrays oxidize the paint, which causes it to wear off early and exposes the car body to further damage. Many drivers often wonder about how to protect car paint from sun damage.
Contents
- Know Here – How To Protect Car Pain From Sun
- FAQs on Protecting Car Paint From Sun
- Can ceramic coating actually reflect UV rays, or is that a myth?
- Why does car paint fade faster on the roof and hood than the sides?
- Can regular waxing actually block UV rays?
- Can windshield sunshades actually help protect exterior paint?
- Can parking under trees be worse than sun exposure for paint?
- Can apply sunscreen (for humans) to paint helps prevent sun damage?
- Summary
Know Here – How To Protect Car Pain From Sun
Most car owners wonder how they can find the best UV protection for car paint. A standard solution is parking the car indoors, most preferably in a covered area away from the sun.
However, we all know that it is not possible all the time, as you might need to travel in the summer heat, or the office parking might not provide sufficient protection.
Here are some practical tips to help you protect the car paint from sun damage.
Regular wash
When you wash your car, it reduces the oxidization and heat of the sun’s rays. However, you need to park the car in a shady area before the wash. Make sure not to let direct sunlight interact with the car paint, especially during the wash.
Firstly, you need to clean off the collected dust using a dry cloth and spray water from a hose to remove every single speck of dirt.
We recommend you give the car a complete bath using a soft car cleanser and clean cotton. In the case of bird poop, use an automotive cleaner for removing the stain.
Cleaning the car weekly reduces the impact of UV rays. If you keep your car parked outside for the majority of the time, make sure to wash it every week. It is one of the crucial guidelines on how to protect car paint from sun.
See More: How to Recover Car Pain from Damage from Bird Droppings
Hand dry the exterior
Once exposed to the elements, especially sunrays, your car paint begins to disintegrate quickly. Apart from regularly washing the car, you can hand dry the exterior after the wash.
It will ensure that any chemical present in the water does not combine with the UV rays to damage the car paint.
You can also hand dry the car exterior during the rainy season. We recommend that you use a cotton rag to wipe the exterior area of the car.
It will help in preventing the accumulation of chemicals and residue from the water. It is another useful tip to help you find the best UV protection for car paint.
Car Covers
The easiest method to keep your car paint safe from the UV rays of the sun is to cover the vehicle using quality car covers.
Merely placing the car covers even when parked in the hot weather would minimize the impact of the sun’s rays on the car paint.
You should never cover the vehicle when it is wet, as it can lead up to the buildup of mold and other types of bacteria and fungus.
Additionally, ceramic coating, decal stickers, vinyl stickers, or protective coats are the best ways to help car paint colors stay beautiful, shiny, and free from scratches due to environmental impacts and corrosive substances.
These protective layers are resistant to acids, calcium, and magnesium contained in dust, rain, and cleaning solutions, while also preventing negative effects from UV rays, slowing down the oxygen process, and retaining the original paint color.
Besides, this service is not only affordable but also helps the car become more prominent and different.
FAQs on Protecting Car Paint From Sun
Can ceramic coating actually reflect UV rays, or is that a myth?
It’s true. High-quality ceramic coatings contain UV inhibitors that help reflect sunlight and prevent oxidation, although they don’t block 100% of rays.
Why does car paint fade faster on the roof and hood than the sides?
Because horizontal panels get direct UV exposure for longer periods, especially during midday when the sun is strongest, they’re the first to oxidize and dull.
Can regular waxing actually block UV rays?
Good waxes do contain UV blockers that act as a sacrificial layer, absorbing sun damage before it reaches the clear coat, but they wear off within weeks.
Can windshield sunshades actually help protect exterior paint?
Indirectly. By reducing interior heat buildup, they prevent dashboard gassing and pressure changes that can contribute to clear coat delamination over time.
Can parking under trees be worse than sun exposure for paint?
Sometimes. Sap, bird droppings, and fallen debris can etch or stain paint worse than sun exposure if not cleaned promptly.
Can apply sunscreen (for humans) to paint helps prevent sun damage?
It’s a myth and a bad idea.
Human sunscreen contains oils and chemicals that can damage automotive clear coats and attract dirt. Use dedicated UV-protection products instead.
Watch this video from CNET Cars to learn more about how to protect your car from the sun!
Summary
To keep the car looking in good condition, car owners need to pay attention to protecting the car’s paint, clean it regularly, apply protective surface stickers, and be careful when moving.
If possible, car owners should also take their cars to reputable maintenance centers to check or “refurbish” the “coat” of the car.
We hope this article provided the answer to your question on how to protect car paint from sun, especially during the hot summer season.
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