How to Protect Your Car From Sun Damage and Hot Weather

By the Mercury Team

Summertime typically means family road trips, sunscreen, and hats. As you take your own personal precautions to beat the heat, it’s also important to do the same for your car.

“Today’s vehicles are engineered to withstand the hottest temperatures summer can throw at them,” Jack R. Nerad, host of the SportsMap Radio Network program ‘America on the Road,’ said. “At the same time, drivers still need to be concerned about the stresses that hot weather can put on batteries, tires, cooling systems, and other critical components.” If you want to keep your ride safe during the summer, then follow these tips on protecting your car in hot weather.

How to Protect Your Car from Sun Damage

When it comes to sun protection for your car, you must focus on the interior, exterior, and under the hood.

Car Interior Protection

Taking steps to protect your car’s interior from the sun can extend the life of your vehicle and keep it looking new for years. Here are some simple ways to shield your car’s interior from sun damage:

• Park in the shade: Whenever possible, park your car in a shaded area. This simple step can reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting your car, keeping the interior cooler and preventing UV rays from causing damage. Understanding how hot a car can get in the sun can motivate you to seek shade more often, as interior temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
• Use seat covers: Invest in high-quality seat covers to protect your seats from the sun. They act as a barrier, preventing the seats from heating up and becoming damaged over time. Seat covers are easy to install, and you can remove and clean them as needed.
• Apply a windshield protector: A windshield protector or sunshade is a cost-effective way to keep the sun’s rays from penetrating your car’s interior. Place it on your windshield whenever you park to block out the sun and keep your car cooler.
• Condition leather seats: If your car has leather seats, regular conditioning is crucial. Use a good leather conditioner to keep the seats moisturized and prevent them from cracking or fading due to the sun’s heat. Conditioning also helps maintain the softness and color of the leather.
• Consider window tinting: Tinting your windows can also help keep the sun at bay. Check your local and state laws to find out the maximum tint level the law allows.

Car Exterior Protection

Protecting your car’s exterior from sun damage is just as important as safeguarding the interior. Here are some effective ways to keep your car’s exterior in top condition:

• Wax your car: Want to know how to protect car paint from the sun? Applying a layer of wax to your car’s exterior creates a protective barrier against the sun’s harmful UV rays, helping prevent the paint from fading and oxidizing. Plus, waxing your car leaves a beautiful shine. Aim to wax your car every few months for the best protection.
• Wash and dry often: Regularly washing and drying your car removes dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can damage the paint. Make sure to use a gentle car wash solution and a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface, and dry your car thoroughly to help prevent water spots and streaks.
• Maintain your tire pressure: The combination of hot pavement and underinflated tires is a dangerous mix that can result in a blowout. Always remember to check your tire pressure frequently during warm weather as the heat can cause tires to lose approximately one pound of air pressure per month.
• Use a car cover: When parking outdoors, using a car cover can provide an extra layer of protection against the sun. Car covers shield your vehicle from UV rays, dust, and other environmental elements, helping to preserve your car’s paint and finish. Look for a cover that is breathable and fits your car well.

Under the Hood

Taking care of what’s under the hood is key for keeping your car running smoothly, especially in hot weather. Here are some car maintenance tips to ensure your car’s engine and neighboring components are working properly:

• Inspect your battery: Heat causes evaporation, and fluid loss can lead to your battery running low on juice. Tools like a multimeter or a power probe can determine a battery’s condition, but mechanics and auto parts stores can typically help you check your battery.
• Check fluids regularly: Before hitting the road, make sure to check and top off your car with oil, transmission, steering, coolant, and brake fluids. These ensure your engine and other critical systems function correctly so you’re not stranded on the road during long, hot drives.
• Pay attention to the cooling system: Your car’s cooling system plays a key role in preventing the engine from overheating. Regularly check the coolant levels and inspect the radiator, hoses, and belts for any signs of wear or leaks. It’s a good idea to have your cooling system flushed and refilled according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
• Check air filter: A clean air filter ensures your engine gets the proper amount of air needed for efficient combustion. Check and replace the air filter as needed to keep your engine running efficiently and improve fuel economy.

Conclusion

A proactive approach to protecting your car from the heat is the best way to enjoy a summer on the road. Before you throw on your shades and hit the highway, use these suggestions to protect your car from the sun and the heat. If you do encounter any issues, knowing how to fix sun damage on your car can save you time and money in the long run.

Don’t forget to speak to a Mercury agent to review your auto insurance coverage. You should consider getting auto insurance quotes online to compare different policies and find the best coverage for your needs. Additionally, if you bundle home and auto insurance, you can save even more on your premiums.

By taking these preventive measures and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage, you can put your worries aside and thoroughly enjoy the summer ride.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!