How to Protect Car Paint from Sun Damage
The battle between your car’s paint job and the sun is definitely a “David versus Goliath” situation. The paint covering your vehicle represents decades of science and engineering. But the sun? It’s much older and much stronger — strong enough to reach a blistering 27 million degrees Fahrenheit at its center and on a hot summer day, heat your car’s exterior to toasty 195 degrees!
Is there any way to protect car paint from such a powerful enemy and help maintain your car’s resale value?
As a matter of fact, there is! Here are four ways.
4 Ways to Protect Car Paint From Sun Damage
1. Hide
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays transmit energy to your car’s paint molecules, which break down over time. When those molecules break down, the paint stops looking as reflective and bright as it once was, writes Superior Sun Solutions.
Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to avoid UV rays. All you have to do is park out of direct sunlight as often as possible to minimize this kind of damage. Shield your car from the sun by parking in shaded parking spots, parking garages, and carports.
2. Cover Up
The sun can be a ferocious, but a good waxing can help defend against an attack by the sun’s UV rays! Applying a protective wax four times per year could help your car retain its color, even if you can’t always find a shady parking spot!
3. Use a Shield
Never underestimate the effectiveness of a good shield. And we’re not talking about S.H.I.E.L.D., the worldwide law enforcement agency Samuel L. Jackson leads in the Marvel movies! We’re talking about a car cover.
Car covers come in a variety of styles and fabrics. Walmart.com sells car covers in a range of prices, many for around $20. Look for one that is “breathable,” which prevents condensation, and fits well to your car so it won’t lead to conditions that may scratch your paint.
4. Stay Sharp
Our nation’s military places a premium on cleanliness and neatness. Why? Because it helps keep troops sharp, common areas clean, and necessary equipment at the ready.
Washing and hand-drying your car can often require a military-grade commitment, but it also removes harmful abrasives like dirt, dead bugs, and bird droppings that can contribute to the slow erosion of your paint’s strength and leave it more vulnerable to the sun’s attack.
While these tips can help protect your car’s exterior from the sun’s harmful rays, Direct Auto Insurance can help protect your wallet from the cost of repairs to your car after a covered accident. Call 1-877-GO-DIRECT, Click, or Come in to see how the right car insurance coverage can make all the difference!
