The sun is a wonderful thing, it keeps us warm, provides light, and grows our food, not to mention it feels good to be out enjoying it on a sunny day. Even so, there can be too much of a good thing! In the same way that we humans need to take measures to avoid too much exposure to the sun’s rays, like applying sunscreen or wearing a sun hat, we also need to consider the damaging effects those solar rays can have on our cars!
Cracked and faded upholstery and dashboards, charred and flaking paint can result from too much sun exposure! Fortunately, there are some simple things we can do to protect our cars from the sun and keep them looking their best for years to come.
The sun’s rays penetrate your car’s windows and can heat the interior to temperatures you could bake a cake in! This can cause grievous damage to the dashboard and upholstery, ageing and cracking it badly. An easy way to prevent this is to attach a snap-on car shade to each window to protect your car’s interior while it sits out in the hot sun, which you can quickly and easily remove when you are ready to go for a drive.
In addition to snap-on shades, you can also have a tinted film placed on your car’s glass surfaces that will further protect your car’s interior from harmful rays. These also add to your privacy, and they look sharp, too! Be aware that some states have laws pertaining to window tinting, so make sure you check those in advance.
Cars can get dirty fast! Dust, sand, mud, plant debris, and dead bugs collect on the outer surfaces while you drive, and if frequent action isn’t taken they can react with sunlight to crack and damage your paint job! It’s therefore wise to either visit a professional carwash, or wash it yourself in the backyard at least once a month, or sooner if things get really filthy fast! Wash the car with a light dish soap and warm water, and dry it off with a soft microfibre cloth to finish the job. Your car will look great, and last a lot longer!
While regular washing is good, your car really needs more than that to protect it from those harmful solar rays. It’s good practice to have your car waxed about twice a year, a process that locks in and protects the exterior paint. Waxing creates a protective layer that will also help prevent scratches, as well as sun damage!
Another more permanent option for waxing is to have a ceramic coating applied to the body of your car. This highly durable, heat-resistant ceramic layer provides a strong shield against the elements, and will keep your car looking shiny and new!
The Australian Government Department of Transport has further information on car modifications, so check with them if you have more questions. We hope this helps you and your car stay cool and clean out in that sizzling sunlight!
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