Summer Car Care: The Best Way to Protect Your Car from Sun Damage

We all know to wear sunscreen in the summer to protect us from the harmful effects of the sun. However, people aren’t the only things that need protection from the sun, it also poses a danger to your car. In today’s blog we will be looking at the best ways to protect your car from sun damage.

How does the sun damage your car?

Prolonged exposure to the sun and its UV rays can cause damage to your car in several ways. One of the most observable forms of damage is to your car’s paintjob, UV rays can pass through the clear coat on your vehicle, triggering paint oxidization and causing the protective layer to weaken. Oxidization of the paint will lead to your paint fading, giving your car a chalky, aged appearance no matter how old it actually is. You can tell oxidization is occurring if your car’s surface feels dry or powdery and its colors appear dull and washed out. Sun exposure can also cause the clear coat to begin to separate from the paint, leading to peeling, flaking or bubbling, exposing the base layer of the paint to potential environmental damage.

How do I protect my car from sun damage?

Frequent Washes

Frequently washing your car with high quality, ph balanced products or having it professionally washed can help keep dirt, grime and dead insects from building up on your car and increasing the damage caused by the sun.

Reduce Sun Exposure

You can reduce the amount of time that your car is exposed to direct sunlight by parking either in the shade or in a garage. Without as much direct sun exposure your car is at lower risk of experiencing the damaging effects of the sun. You could also consider using a car cover which can protect your car from the sun as well as dust, weather and bird droppings.

Use Protective Coatings

High quality waxes, sealants or ceramic coatings can help protect your car’s paint from UV exposure. All these options add an additional layer of protection to your vehicle helping to preserve the cars color and finish.

These quick and easy solutions are the best and easiest way to protect your car from the harmful effects of the sun.

Shine Auto Wash has been serving the Lower Mainland since 2009. With three convenient locations, Shine Auto Wash offers advanced automotive cleaning and protection technology and a service that is quick and efficient. 

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about car washes, we encourage you to call us in Vancouver at (604) 806-0800.