Good Car Parents Protect Their Vehicular Babies from Sun Damage
Baking in the sun is not only harmful to humans; it can also wreak havoc on a car.
According to YourMechanic.com writer Elan McAfee, cars left to sunbathe for long stretches of time can possess an interior temperature as high as 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and the exterior temperature sizzles even more with a temperature of nearly 200 degrees.
Although nothing can be done to control the day’s heat, there are ways to minimize sun damage to your car.
Starting with the outside, State Farm experts recommend you wash and dry your car frequently in order to consistently rid the car’s paintjob of dust particles and dirt that cause micro scratches in the finish. Regularly waxing your car will also protect your car from sun damage as will making sure your tires maintain the correct air pressure; hot pavement + underinflated tires = potential blowout.
According to McAfee, investing in a paint protection film kit will take a car’s sun protection to the next level, and parking in the shade, whenever possible, is a cheap and easy way to shield your car.
On the inside, State Farm experts recommend drivers use a microfiber cloth to regularly wipe down the dash, which will keep pesky dust and dirt from making little scratches. A windshield sun protector and seat covers are wise investments in lowering the car’s temperature, and to protect leather seats, condition them regularly with a conditioner suitable for leather.
Under the hood, McAfee advises drivers to do some maintenance checks like testing the battery one or two times over the summer, keeping a close eye on fluid levels, and making sure those air filters are clear and working as efficiently as possible.
State Farm experts also recommend having the belts checked, and if the air conditioning doesn’t seem to be working well enough, drivers should seek help from an automotive professional.
With these tips, your car will be protected and better equipped to handle the heat.
News Source: YourMechanic.com, State Farm
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