If you live in a hot and sunny area, you know how difficult it can be to keep your car cool during summer. Sun heat can damage the interior and exterior of your vehicle, causing fading, cracking, and warping. Moreover, it can make your ride unbearable, especially if you have leather seats or a black car. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your car from sun heat and maintain its value and appearance. This article will explore some tips and tricks to keep your vehicle cool and comfortable.
Why Protect Your Car from Sun Heat?
Protecting your car from sun heat is a matter of aesthetics, comfort, safety, and value. Here are some reasons why you should take sun protection seriously:
- UV rays can fade and crack your car’s paint, leading to costly repairs and decreased resale value.
- Heat can cause your dashboard and other plastic or vinyl parts to warp or melt, affecting your car’s functionality and appearance.
- Extreme heat inside your car can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and other health issues, especially for young children, pets, and elderly people.
- Sun glare can impair your vision and cause accidents, especially when driving on highways or in bright sunlight.
- Sun protection can help you save money on fuel by reducing the need for air conditioning and improving your car’s aerodynamics.
How Does Sun Heat Affect Your Car?
Sun heat can affect different parts of your car in different ways. Here are some examples:
- Paint: UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in your car’s paint, causing it to fade, discolour, or peel off. This can make your car look old and unattractive and reduce its resale value.
- Upholstery: Leather, vinyl, or fabric seats and panels can crack, dry out, or fade when exposed to sun heat. This can make them uncomfortable to sit on and reduce their durability and appearance.
- Dashboard: The plastic or vinyl parts of your dashboard, door panels, and centre console can warp, bubble, or melt when exposed to high temperatures. This can affect your car’s functionality and make it look shabby and outdated.
- Electronics: Your car’s battery, audio system, GPS, and other electronics can malfunction or even fail when exposed to extreme heat. This can cause inconvenience, repair costs, and safety hazards.
- Tires: Prolonged exposure to sun heat can cause your tires to dry out, crack, or blow out, increasing the risk of accidents and punctures.
Tips to Protect Your Car from Sun Heat
Here are some practical and effective ways to shield your car from sun heat and maintain its quality and comfort:
Park Your Car in the Shade
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to keep your car cool and safe is to park it in the shade. This can be a garage or a covered parking space. By avoiding direct sunlight, the temperature inside the car can be reduced to 15 degrees Celsius. This can make a big difference in hot weather. If you can’t go to a shaded area, park your car under a tree or tall building.
Use a Car Cover
Another option to protect your car from the sun, heat and other environmental factors is a car cover. A car cover is a protective layer you can place over your car indoors or outdoors.
A car cover can block up to 99% of UV rays, dust, dirt, rain, and other pollutants. A car cover can also deter theft and vandalism, as it makes your car less visible and accessible. When choosing a car cover, ensure it fits your car’s size and shape, is breathable, and has reinforced seams and straps.
Install Window Shades
Installing blinds can reduce the amount of sunlight entering your vehicle while driving. A blind is a thin, flexible shade that attaches to your car window with suction cups or clips. Blinds can block up to 80% of UV rays, glare and heat without obstructing vision or air flow. Blinds come in various sizes, shapes and designs and are easily removed and stored when unused.
Tint Your Windows
Another way to reduce sun heat and increase privacy and security is to tint your car’s windows. Window tinting applies a thin film of coloured or transparent material to your car’s windows, blocking UV rays and heating up to 90%.
Window tinting can also reduce glare, improve visibility, and enhance your car’s appearance. However, window tinting may be subject to legal restrictions in some areas, so comply with the local laws and regulations.
Use a Windshield Sunshade
A windshield sunshade is a foldable and portable screen that you can place on your car’s dashboard and windshield when parked. A windshield sunshade can reflect and absorb up to 99% of UV rays and heat, protecting your dashboard from cracking and fading.
A windshield sunshade can also make it easier and faster to cool down your car’s interior when you return. When choosing a windshield sunshade, make sure it fits your car’s model and year, is made of durable and reflective material, and is easy to store and carry.
Use a Dashboard Cover
A dashboard cover is a mat or a sleeve that you can place over your car’s dashboard to protect it from sun heat and dust. A dashboard cover can prevent your dashboard from cracking, fading, or warping and enhance its appearance and comfort.
The dash cover reduces glare and reflections on your windshield to improve visibility and safety. When choosing a dashboard cover, make sure it fits the size and shape of your car’s dashboard, is made of high-quality, non-slip materials, and is easy to clean and maintain.