Summer is a well-anticipated season because it brings sunnier skies, ideal for a beach trip or other outdoor activities. As you get ready for some summer adventure, you must ensure to prepare your vehicle as well.
During the summer months, temperatures can climb to very high numbers within a short period. The sweltering heat and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can be detrimental for automobiles, leading to the following defects:
- Paint damage – Harmful UV rays from the sun can break down a car’s exterior coating, causing it to fade or change in color and become brittle or warp. Once the paint chips off, it can expose the layer underneath and make the vehicle prone to rusting.
- Interior fading or discoloration – Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat can also bleach the vehicle’s interior, making it lose aesthetic appeal and comfortability.
- Wearing down rubber parts – Rising temperatures can crack and crumble rubber components in your car – from exterior to interior rubber fixtures and rubber components in the engine. Additionally, extreme heat can also wear out the tires, gradually lowering tire pressure.
- Deterioration of plastic components – The sun’s harmful effects can leave marks and stains on plastic materials and even cause them to lose resiliency over time.
- Mechanism problems – Many car owners might experience fluid leaks, overheating, and other issues occurring in the mechanical systems because of the sun’s negative impact. The engine might also run out of essential fluids and lubricants as the summer heat expedites evaporation.
These problems are a hassle and often expensive to take care of, but they can be avoided by following a few car care tips for the season.
Park In a Shaded Area
This practice is among the simplest ways to protect your car from the sun. Still, many often overlook it, mainly when they are too lazy to find a shaded area. Leaving your vehicle out in the open not only exposes it to direct sunlight but also makes it susceptible to damage caused by other outdoor elements.
Taking the time to find a shady parking spot can do so much to keep your vehicle in good condition. Conversely, when you are at home, it is ideal that you keep your car inside the garage. Besides shielding it from the sun, this also keeps your automobile safe from opportunist thieves.
Invest in Window Tints
Automotive window tints can block out up to 99% of the sun’s harmful rays and reject up to 96% of infrared heat. Tinting your auto glass is an inexpensive yet effective solution to protect the car’s interior and occupants from the harsh effects of the sun. It can also reduce indoor temperature for a cooler and more comfortable driving experience.
However, substandard quality car window tints might not provide the same level of protection and heat rejection that high-quality window film products can. Likewise, shoddy installation work can compromise performance, leading to unnecessary costs.
To ensure optimal performance and make the most of your investment, you must entrust the installation with well-experienced window tinters that use only superior quality products. It is also essential to know if there are window tinting laws in your locality.
Use Coverings to Protect Your Parked Car’s Interior
There are plenty of ways you can keep your automobile’s dashboard, steering wheel, and seats shielded from the sun’s rays. If you want a cheaper option, you may consider draping a blanket or two over your car’s interior parts. When you go with this method, it is recommended to use light-colored blankets or towels.
On the other hand, if you are worried about aesthetic appeal, you can always opt for custom interior covers. This way, you can keep your vehicle stylish while protecting it from the sun’s harmful effects.
In addition, you may want to apply a protective coating or leather conditioner for leather seats to prevent cracks and tears.
Perform Maintenance Checks
As previously mentioned, the sun can also cause detrimental effects to your car’s engine, other mechanical components, and even the tires. Therefore, you must regularly monitor these different parts to ensure they are in good working order. It is also a sound practice to watch fluid levels frequently to prevent them from drying out.
If you want to conduct a more thorough inspection, you can take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a complete summer check-up to ensure its readiness for the season.
Refrain from Putting Off Repairs or Replacement Jobs
When you suspect possible signs of damage in your car, you should take it to a repair shop as soon as possible. Putting off needed repairs or replacements not only worsens damage but also causes safety concerns, especially if the problem lies in the mechanism.
Keep Your Automobile Clean
Maintaining the cleanliness of a car’s exterior and interior brings many benefits to owners. It can further protect the paint job from the sun’s rays and defects caused by other outdoor elements or wildlife.
Furthermore, removing food crumbs, plastics, and other rubbish left inside the vehicle prevents them from sticking to the interior surface. When these debris melt from the summer heat, they can be more difficult and costlier to remove.
Similarly, you should also clean or replace air filters periodically as they play a crucial role, particularly during summer. Using dirty or old air filters can result in problems with the car’s air conditioning system.
Conclusion
Damage stemming from the hot summer sun can negatively affect your automobile’s performance, leading to unnecessary and expensive repairs or replacements. They can also devalue your car and turn it into an unsightly machine.
Fortunately, these problems are avoidable when you implement proper car care. Performing maintenance checks and following sound practices when handling your vehicle are vital in keeping your car summer-ready.
Where to Get Durable and Reliable Window Tints?
KEPLER Window Films and Coatings provides professional-grade window tints built with the latest technologies, enabling you to ride in safety, comfort, and style no matter the season.
Contact us today by filling out an online form on our website. You may also find your nearest KEPLER dealer at this link.
