Five ways to protect your car from heat and UV
You wear sunblock but unless you use protection for your car, you could be losing dollars every day of summer. Here's your guide to slip, slop, slap your car.Cars suffer premature aging too. Consistent, strong heat can fade paintwork and interiors, devaluing your ride. But a little UV evasion and protection can help keep your car looking like new. Some of it is as simple as exercising your credit card; some of it requires some good car care habits.
This combination of action is the way to go to protect your investment for years to come.
Find a shady spot to park
It’s worth circling the carpark or the block a couple of times to find shade. While this may sound like a simple thing to do, by making it a habit you’ll drastically reduce the amount of sun that beats down on your car.
True, it may take you a little longer to find a park. But, if you’re a keen shopper, we bet you’ll save thousands of damaging UV hours a year.
Get dashboard protection
Harsh UV penetrating the windscreen takes its toll over time. The answer: buy a dashboard cover for the make and model of your car so that every centimetre is undercover. Or you can get a choice of coloured dash mats from Repco for around $85 that also offer good protection.
A shade that goes on the inside of your windscreen when you are parked will set you back an average of $20 but will help prevent the hot sun cooking the inside of your car including your steering wheel and dash.
Wash and wax
Regular washing removes particles that can age your car prematurely. Waxing post-wash will give your pride and joy a protective coat that helps to reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them.
You can try a specialist product like Optimum Car Spray Wax, $12.99, that combines wax, sealants and UV inhibitors to form a long-term layer on the paintwork. Or you might like to try these eco-friendly products too.
Don’t forget about your car’s interior
Think of your car seats like an outdoor sofa. It’s up against all kinds of challenges to stay looking fresh and new. An eco-friendly fabric protectant spray $39.95, won’t only fend off UV it can repel water and other spills especially if you have children or pets in the car.
For rubber, vinyl and plastic, Armor All, $22.99, is the tried and tested go-to for helping to prevent fading and cracking. Check out these other ways to keep the inside of your car clean too.
Garage your car
If you can put your car undercover, you’ll extend its exterior and interior life.
If you don’t have a garage or a carport, you could try a coverall for around $300 that offers protection from the sun and other elements. They’re reasonably simple to put up yourself and, if you rent your home, you can dismantle them when you change address.
Related: How to keep your car's paint looking good
Related: Top car care tips for street parking
Related: The seven car care sins we’re all guilty of
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