Tips For Protecting Your Car From The Summer Heat

After finally passing the dread of winter, summer gives us some time to relax and enjoy the weather. However, the summer season can be challenging in its own ways. Though vitamin D from the sun benefits us, it has no benefit on our vehicles. . Instead, the heat and UV rays from the sun can cause a lot of damage to our vehicles in several ways. So here are some of the practices that can ensure your vehicle is protected from the summer heat, ensuring vehicle longevity  while maintaining its resale value.

Most of the summer heat damage happens when your vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. So you must make sure to park your car in the shade. However, it is important to avoid parking your car under trees or bushes. This precaution is necessary to prevent bird droppings or tree sap from falling onto the vehicle, as they can cause stains on the paintwork or result in paint chipping due to fallen twigs or branches.. Instead, park your car under sheds, beside tall buildings, in a multistory car park or in a garage. However, you may not always have access to most of these, especially when you are at work where there are open parking lots to park your car.. In such parking spaces you can use a car cover to keep your vehicle guarded against the sun without the need for shade. 

A good quality car cover will not only resist the sun’s harmful UV rays from damaging your car, but it will also prevent water and debris from getting into the vehicle while still allowing the vehicle to breathe and release the built-up air and heat inside the car. Though putting on the cover will require some effort, it will be worth it as you will protect your investment and retain its resale value. So make sure to invest in a quality cover and install it whenever you plan to leave your vehicle out in the open for long.

A cheaper and less effective alternative to car covers is a simple sunshade. These shades are easy to install and can protect the dashboard from direct sunlight exposure by minimizing the overall sunlight entering the vehicle. Since the windshield is the biggest window in the car, covering it with reflective material can help direct the sun’s rays away from the interior and protect the delicate plastic bits and leather seats from cracking and fading.

A more permanent solution of preventing sunlight from damaging the interior of your car cabin is to use window tints. These thin layers of film cover the glass and prevent harmful UV rays from entering the window while restricting sunlight. This makes the cabin cooler. However, there are some laws regarding window tinting that you should be careful of before installing them on your car.

The vehicle’s interior and exterior consist of many rubber, plastic and vinyl bits which are prone to the sun’s heat that accelerates wear and causes drying, cracking and fading leading to premature failure. Apart from the rubber and plastic components, if you have leather seats, then you can expect a lot of deterioration of leather from sun rays. All these parts need to be protected which is why you need to use specialized protectants. 

The dashboard, door panels and other interior trim are made from plastic, as are many exterior body panels like the bumpers and valence panels. The rubber bits include weather stripping, drive belts and most hoses in the engine compartment. In order to protect these components, you first need to clean the surface and then spray some protectant liquid and coat it evenly. Do not use silicone-based liquids on the interior as they leave a residue. 

The heat fades the plastic bits making them look old. To restore such trim pieces like the bumper and window sills, you can use a trim restorer to wish some life back into them. To keep the seats’ leather soft and supple and prevent it from drying you need to apply a conditioner. Alternatively, you can also install seat covers to protect the original seats and also enhance the look of the interior.

The vehicle is exposed to a lot of dust, debris and contaminants like tree sap, bug, bird droppings, acid rain, etc. These contaminants can ruin the paint of the car especially if allowed to sit on the paint for long. Such contaminants can accumulate during the summer season which when exposed to the high heat, causes decomposition that spoils the clear coat on the paint by leaveing stains on it. So a thorough vehicle cleaning is needed during the summer season. Make sure you use a soap especially designed for car use since normal detergent can strip the wax away from the paint. Speaking of wax, you also need to wax the paint to prevent it from fading. The sun’s UV rays can fade the paint on the car making it look older than it actually is. Wax can prevent the UV rays from penetrating the clear coat thereby protecting the paint from damage. Doing this will help your paint stay more resistant to fading and staining and also protecting the resale value. 

Another solution to this problem is to use a ceramic coating on the paint. Ceramic coatings create a layer of chemical polymer that forms a hydrophobic surface over the paint making it more resistant to UV rays, contaminants and water. Ceramic coatings can also provide scratch resistance to the paint, inhibit corrosion and provide a glossy finish. Such coatings can also be applied to non-paint surfaces like windows, wheels, vinyl, plastics, etc. Ceramic coating is a more effective and longer-lasting replacement for waxing.

If the cooling system in the engine is low on coolant or antifreeze, it can cause the engine to overheat. Overheating the engine can be disastrous if prolonged. To avoid this, check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir regularly and add more if necessary. Always use the antifreeze type as recommended by the manufacturer. If the coolant is not available, you can use distilled water as a temporary solution. However, it is important to avoid using tap water as it contains minerals that aren’t good for the engine block. It is also crucial to check the condition of the coolant. One easy way to distinguish between the good coolant and the bad coolant is to check its color. Good coolant is typically bright, almost fluorescent-like whereas old coolant tends to appear dirty and dark. To check if your coolant is in good or bad condition and to carry out a cooling system flush , refer to this article. Having the proper amount of coolant in the system can be the difference between a smooth ride and a sudden breakdown due to overheating. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your coolant level and flush the system, especially during the summer.

Many automotive batteries are flooded or wet cell lead-acid types with their cells immersed in an electrolyte solution. This electrolyte solution is prone to evaporation due to heat in the engine bay. Additionally, during the summer months, the intense sun can further accelerate electrolyte loss, leading to decreased battery efficiency and shortened lifespan. To mitigate this issue, you need to regularly check the electrolyte level in the battery and top it up with distilled water. A battery with a low electrolyte solution will not work properly and can damage the cells. Routinely inspect the fluid levels and properly seal the battery caps to maintain long-lasting performance. To check your car’s battery condition and maintain prolonged battery life, you can refer to this guide.

The last thing you want is a breakdown in the scorching heat. Therefore, regular maintenance and servicing are essential to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition and all mechanical components are functioning properly. Start by checking your brake pad for brake fade as they may wear faster due to increased heat. As said earlier, rubber components are particularly susceptible to the summer heat so, inspect the serpentine belt and radiator hoses for cracks and signs of wear, replacing them if necessary. Check the undercarriage for any rust or corrosion and have it fixed immediately. The humidity and high temperature in the summer will accelerate the rusting process. Replace or clean the air filter as it accumulates more dust and debris during the summer months. Remember, to change the oil and install a new oil filter as part of your routine maintenance.

If you notice a funky smell inside the vehicle, it is likely that you have a contaminated cabin air filter. The warm weather breaks down contaminants within a dirty cabin air filter, releasing them into the cabin when the air conditioning is used. Get the right cabin air filter for your vehicle and replace it immediately. Maintain the tire air pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. It's important to remember that as the temperature rises, tire pressure increases, which can lead to over-inflation. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a tire pressure gauge handy. For more tips on servicing your vehicle during the summer, you can refer to our summer car maintenance guide.