The sun's rays and heat can be very harmful to a car. Cars need a little defense against the hot weather to ensure that they run optimally and don't end up with cracked upholstery. If the sun's rays take a toll on your auto in the summer, follow these tips on how to shield your car from sun damage.
Park in the shade. Simply keeping your car away from the sun can help keep your car's paint in good condition. While it is not possible to keep your car covered all the time, you can look for ways to keep it out of the direct sun rays whenever possible.
Use a car cover or reflective sunshade to protect your car's interior from excessive heat and sun damage. If you put up a shade every time you use the car, it'll help cut the sun's rays and can reduce a bit of the heat. While you can use just one for the front, a back window shade can also be helpful for some car types.
Check your battery. The heat can drain the life out of a vehicle's battery. Check your car's battery for excessive fluid evaporation, which can deplete the charge decreasing the battery's life. Top off your battery with distilled water when needed, but keep in mind that not all batteries need water.
Check tire pressure. Hot pavement and under inflated tires can be a dangerous combination and may lead to a blowout. Even good tires can lose about one pound of air pressure a month, so it's really important to check often when it's hot. Make sure you follow your vehicle's manufacturer recommended tire pressure.
Wash and wax your car regularly to remove heat absorbing dirt and oxidation. A clean, shiny car will reflect more of the sun's rays and will minimize the radiant heat. Waxing will also protect against dirt and grit from sticking to your vehicle. When you don't wax your car, grime left on your car can damage the paint job.
