Summer heat waves can be brutal. For starters, the sweltering sun tends to have a mind of its own, and walking outside makes you feel like you’re in a sauna – an unbearable one at that. Cars are also vulnerable to the effects of extreme temperatures, making it vital to protect your ride when Mother Nature has other ideas.
Not to worry – Automotive Elegance of Weston has you covered. With their expert guide below, you can keep your car cool even when things heat up. Let’s cast some light on the steps you can take to ensure your car is summer-safe.
Table of Contents
1. Install a Paint Protection Film
Consider installing a Paint Protection Film (PPF) to safeguard your car’s paint job. This thin layer of transparent film clings tightly to the surface and helps shield your vehicle from UV rays, dirt, and flying debris.
The film deflects the sun’s rays and prevents them from penetrating your car’s surface. In so doing, it prevents discoloration of your paint, ensuring your ride maintains its luxurious look for years – no more premature fading.
Would you rather pay for an expensive respray or invest in a PPF now? The answer is clear.
2. Clean and Wax Your Car
A good wash and wax job goes a long way in maintaining the quality of your car’s paint. You should definitely do this if you have a luxury car like a Porsche.Start by cleaning your car thoroughly, removing dirt and debris on its surface. Do this in a shaded area or before the sun does its thing to avoid watermarks, and rinse your sponge or cloth regularly for a deeper clean. After that, wax that baby – and let it shine.
Wax forms a protective layer on your car’s surface, shielding it from the harsh summer heat. It also helps repel water, making it easier to clean your car during the long hot days ahead.
3. Park Smartly
Most of us park in the first spot we find without a second thought. Nonetheless, this could be detrimental to your car’s paint job as it exposes it to the baking sun.
Try to park in the shade, preferably away from buildings and trees. If you can’t find a shaded area or your neighbor John has beaten you to it, use reflective mats under your wheels to reduce the temperature in direct sunlight. Alternatively, invest in a car shade and pop it up when you’re at home, work, or anywhere else you park.
While at it, keep at least one of the windows slightly open to allow the car to cool down and avoid heat buildup inside. If you don’t, the pressure in your car can cause stress cracks on your windshield, leading to an expensive replacement.
4. Invest in Quality Window Tint
I bet you know that as the sun’s rays penetrate your car windows, they can leave you and your ride vulnerable to its harmful effects. And while this may not be a significant issue in cooler months, it can have devastating consequences during the summer.
Window tint helps block up to 99% of UV rays, minimizing potential damage to your vehicle’s interior – think your dashboard, upholstery, and other plastic components. Plus, it prevents the buildup of heat in your car, making it easier to cool down once you’re back behind the wheel. Alternatively, use window shades to keep your ride cool when parked.
5. Check Your Fluid Levels
It’s not uncommon for fluid levels to dip during the summer. While this may be due to leaks or other issues; the heat is usually the culprit – causing liquids to evaporate.
Hence, ensure that your coolant, windshield wiper fluid, engine oil, transmission oil, and brake fluid are at their optimal levels to prevent unexpected and costly repairs later. That way, your vehicle can continue running optimally even when the scorching sun is out.
6. Keep It Covered
If you don’t use your ride daily, store it in the garage or cover it with a car cover. Although most people think of a classic mustang with a cover on it in someone’s garage, they make covers for all cars. Covers are great because they not only protect from the beating sun, but also from dust and other debris. It’s important to get a cover that is made specifically for your make and model, or else it won’t fit right and may still allow some dust in. For example, the classic Mustangs you see in garages have covers designed specifically for their make and model. The same goes for other sports cars you will sometimes see covered. A protective covering helps protect your vehicle from the elements – UV rays, dirt, dust, bird droppings, and anything else the environment throws at it. Besides, these elements can lead to premature aging, rusting, discoloration – you name it. And, after all, car covers are cheap – a paint job isn’t.
Undoubtedly, the summer heat can be rough on your car’s paint. This torrid season, don’t let the scorching heat take you by surprise. Be prepared by taking precautionary steps to protect your ride. As such, the tips we’ve shared can keep your prized possession in tip-top shape. And it’ll return the favor by offering you a smooth and stylish ride – even in the hottest summer months.