How to Protect Your Vehicle from Sun Damage

The sun can do a number on your car. Both interior and exterior components can be harmed by direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays alike, especially if you live in an especially sunny environment. But don’t worry. There are some simple things you can do to protect your vehicle from sun damage.

Protecting the Exterior

Your car’s exterior is designed to handle direct sunlight more effectively than the interior. Still, you have to take good care of it to limit potential damage. It starts with washing and drying your car regularly. Believe it or not, dirt, road debris, and even the remains of those insects that didn’t get out of the way can be baked into your car’s finish if you let them hang around too long.

Next, be sure to wax your car every time you wash it. A good layer of wax helps to preserve both the paint and clear coat. Regular waxing reduces fading and prevents minor chips and scratches that could lead to bigger problems later.

Finally, be sure to regularly treat your tires with a good tire dressing. This will help stop the rubber from drying out and cracking. Tire dressing is especially important where summer temperatures consistently get above 90 degrees.

Protecting the Interior

The inside of your car is susceptible to sun damage too. The key here is to regularly clean and vacuum so that dirt doesn’t bake into your dashboard and upholstery. You can also use a dressing product – similar to tire dressing – to keep the dashboard and other interior components from drying out. Window shades are a good idea, too.

With a little time and effort you can limit sun damage to your car. It will look better and retain its resale value for longer.