Summer weather has finally arrived and temperatures are rising. If you are wondering how to protect your car from potential sun and heat damage, Leasing Options has compiled a list of ten tips that could save you up to £2,400.
[top_pitch]
Can hot weather damage a car?
Quite simply, yes. According to Mike Thompson, director at Leasing Options, “When it comes to car damage caused by the weather, most motorists immediately think of damage caused by snow and ice. However, sun and heat can also be a threat to your car.“
UV rays are powerful, and on days with clear skies, they can penetrate molecules in a car’s paintwork, causing it to be less reflective and to appear duller to the human eye.
The less a car is cared for, the greater the risk of it getting damaged by the sun. This is because dirt on the paintwork can speed up the process of UV light penetration.
Thompson explains, “Motorists who fail to protect their car from the sun could risk needing a number of repairs, including a respray, new tyres and a battery replacement.”
How can you protect your car from damage caused by hot weather?
1. Wash and hand dry your car
Hot weather can cause your car’s paint to crack and fade. Regularly washing and hand drying your car helps to remove the dirt and dust particles that can cause scratches and dull your car’s finish.
Ensure that you dry it by hand with a soft cloth so that minerals and grime do not stick to the car’s surface after a rinse.
2. Park in the shade
Parking your car in the shade, away from direct sunlight, will help to protect the paintwork. This will also prevent any damage to the dashboard of the car.
3. Check your tire pressure once a month
Underinflated tyres sitting on a hot surface can be a recipe for disaster. Such tyres are more likely to blow out in high temperatures. Ensure you check your tyre pressure at least once a month to prevent this.
4. Get a windscreen sun protector
Windscreen sun protectors are a great way to reduce the temperature inside your car. They can also help to prevent the interior of your car from becoming dulled and brittle due to UV rays.
5. Clean your car’s interior
Dust combined with the hot sun can result in grime appearing on your dash and other surfaces. Cleaning your car’s interior a couple of times a month can help to prevent this from happening.
Make sure to always use cleaning products designed for use on the surfaces in your car.
[middle_pitch]
6. Protect your car seats
Seat covers can help to protect your upholstery from harmful UV rays. And if your car has leather seats, consider using a leather conditioner to prevent cracks and other sun damage.
7. Check your fluid levels
Your car’s fluids, including engine oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, tend to get used up more quickly during the hot summer months.
If their levels drop below the manufacturer’s recommendations, there is a greater risk of damage. Therefore, make sure that you regularly check your car’s fluid levels and keep them topped up.
8. Get the air filters checked
There is more dust and debris in the air during summer. This can clog up the filters in your car. Checking and replacing your air filters protects the engine, increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
9. Apply a coat of wax after washing
Applying a coat of wax after washing is an important step to prevent damage to your paintwork. Waxing provides a layer of protection between the UV rays and the exterior of your car.
10. Have your battery tested by a professional
Hot weather can place a higher load pressure on your car’s battery due to running things like air conditioning.
In the summer, it’s worth getting your battery tested by a professional to make sure that it is functioning well.
Final word
If you happen to find your car in need of repairs, check out his huge car repair tip that could potentially save you hundreds of pounds. And if you want to take TLC to the next level, here’s how you can increase your car’s value by £1.4k in 8 steps.
