- UV rays from the sun can cause discoloration, fading, and cracking of your car’s exterior.
- Direct sunlight can damage the car’s interior, leading to cracks, splits, or fading of upholstery.
- The heat from direct sunlight can cause the car battery to dry out, leading to malfunctions.
- Exposure to direct sunlight can cause rubber tires to break down, affecting the vehicle’s balance.
- Parking in shaded areas, using window shades, and applying high-quality window tint can mitigate UV damage.
As the country enters the peak of summer, it’s essential to understand how the sun can damage your car. Many people know the sun can damage their skin, but it can also severely affect their cars. The UV rays from the sun can result in discoloration, fading, and cracking of your car’s exterior. This makes it crucial to protect your vehicle from the sun. Read on to learn about the different ways the sun can affect your car and ways to protect it.
What Are UV Rays?
First, it’s important to discuss what UV rays are and why they’re so damaging. Ultra Violet (UV) radiation is ultraviolet light emitted from the sun. It has short and long-wave lengths, which can cause skin damage and materials to fade or discolor over time.
Signs That UV Rays Damage Your Car
There are various signs that UV rays have damaged your car. Here are some of those ways:
Change of Color
The harsh UV rays from the sun can lead to fading and discoloration of your car’s exterior. It has been found that UV rays can make paint discolor over time, and when this happens, the paint will lose its original color and begin to lose its shine. It can result in a dull and lackluster appearance. A simple and effective way to prevent this is to park your car in a shaded area like a garage or a carport. This protects your car from direct sunlight and keeps it cool during the day.
Exterior Damage
The car’s exterior is the first line of defense against UV rays and is the most vulnerable to damage. The intense heat and UV radiation can cause the paint to fade significantly darker colors that absorb more heat. The prolonged exposure leads to oxidation, making the color dull and lackluster. Even the rubber parts like windshield wipers and tires can become brittle and crack over time in the sun. Furthermore, the headlights can become cloudy, reducing their effectiveness.
Interior Damage
Car interiors are much more susceptible to UV damage than the exterior. The sunlight’s damage to the interior is often evident in cracks, splits, or fading of upholstery and leather seats. To prevent damage to your car’s interior, park your car in a shaded area, use particular window shades, and consider getting the windows tinted. However, installing window tint on your car might be better if you use your car a lot. You can install window tint by visiting a local auto XPEL window tinting service. They can install the highest quality window tinting film to protect your car from UV rays. This is a great way to reduce the impact of UV rays on your car’s interior.
Dead Battery
Extreme heat from direct sunlight can cause the battery to malfunction. The heat causes the liquid inside the battery to evaporate, leaving the battery dry. This, in turn, makes the battery unable to hold a full charge, eventually leading to a dead battery when you need it the most. A simple preventative measure would be to try and park your vehicle in shady areas or cover the vehicle with a car cover.
Tire Damage
Rubber tires break down when exposed to too much direct sunlight and heat. The hot tires can also impact the vehicle’s balance, leading to more wear and tear. To avoid tire damage, consider rotating the tires regularly. When parking the car, remove the tires from direct sunlight and use a tire cover if necessary.
Understanding the detrimental effects of UV rays on your car is critical to its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Different parts of your vehicle, from the exterior paint to the interior upholstery to the tires, are all susceptible to damage from UV rays. However, implementing some protective measures, such as parking in shaded areas, using window shades, and applying high-quality window tint, can mitigate this damage. Regular maintenance like tire rotation can further preserve your vehicle’s health. By taking these steps, you can ensure your car remains in top condition, regardless of the intensity of the summer sun. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.