The heat of the summer can wreak havoc on the exterior of your car. As temperature rise and your vehicle sit in the sun, it causes damage and deterioration to the finish. If you want to make sure that your vehicle looks its best all summer and beyond, there are a few things you can do to be proactive. Check out these helpful tips to ensure that your car looks shiny and sleek for a long time to come.
The Sun and Your Car
Any exposure from the sun’s harsh UV rays can cause problems for your vehicle. When the sun hits the clear coat, it can oxidize it and cause it to turn cloudy. As UV rays touch your paint job, they can absorb into the paint pigment, which can make the color of your car look faded or even altered. This hot sun can also mess with any plastic or polymer components of your car making them turn brittle or even warping their shape. The best way to prevent this is to keep your car shaded as much as possible. Park under trees or awnings and if you have a carport or garage, make sure you use it.
Protect Your Vehicle with Sunscreen
Just like humans, a car can be safer when you apply a little bit of “sunscreen.” Use a good, high-quality wax and apply it to your car. This layer of wax will protect the car’s paint job from the harsh rays of the sun, but keep in mind that it should be reapplied every few months for the best results. You can choose any brand and style of wax that you prefer to get the protective effects. Always wash your car after driving in the rain or in muddy conditions. Remove any sap, smushed bugs, and bird droppings since these can damage your clear coat and your paint job.
Fixing the Damage
If you have an older car or your vehicle has just been exposed to the sun for too long already, there are some things you can do to fix it. Remove sun spots from your car’s paint by using a clay bar. This affordable method is easy to do, and it works wonders for removing that nasty hazy layer. A rubbing compound and buffer can also help you remove spots, but it will take a bit of extra time and effort on your part. Once you remove the hazy marks, buff your car and apply a coat of wax. You should also protect any rubber components of your car with a plastic polish or rubber protecting product so it doesn’t dry out and turn brittle.
For all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs, call United Auto Care in Flowery Branch, GA today!
