How Sunlight Damages your Vehicle

How excessive sunlight can damage your vehicle

If there’s one thing car owners should be worried about this summer, its protecting their vehicle against the hot sun. Believe it or not, there are a number of ways that sunlight can damage your vehicle and negatively affect its long-term viability.
Read ahead to learn more:
It will fade your paint
Your car’s paint will begin to fade and crack if it’s left out in the hot sun for too long. Your bumper and fender can also begin to fade if they’re exposed to sunlight for too long, so make sure to take the proper preventive measures to keep your car’s exterior in tip-top shape.
It could damage your interior
Not only can the sun harm your car’s exterior, but it can also damage the inside of your vehicle. Your upholstery could begin to fade over time – especially if its leather. When leather is left in the sun for too long, it begins to dry out, causing it to stiffen and crack.
Other parts of your interior could also become damaged, including the dashboard.
It could harm your tires
Tires – especially those that are underinflated – are more likely to blow out in extreme temperatures. If you leave your car out in the sun regularly, it’s a good idea to continually check your tires to ensure they’re properly inflated. Not only could you prevent a potential accident, but you can also save a few bucks on gas with this trick.
Tips for protecting your car
The easiest way to protect your car against the sun is to make sure your vehicle isn’t bathing in the heat for hours on end. This means parking in the shade whenever possible. If there is a parking garage available near your work, it may be a good idea to leave it there during the summer months.
If no parking garage is available, you should consider purchasing a windshield protector and seat covers at the very least. This isn’t a foolproof solution, but it’s better than leaving your car with zero protection while you work for eight-plus hours each weekday.
Regularly washing your vehicle will help remove any dirt that has accumulated since your last rinse. If you fail to wash regularly, any debris could begin to cake into the car from the hot sun. You should also consider adding a layer of wax to help resist cracking or fading.
Finally, make sure your fluids are topped off to lower the risk of your vehicle overheating. Otherwise, you could end up doing some serious damage to your car.