The summer sun can do a number on your car’s paint job. The sun not only causes your paint to fade, but it can also bake debris like bugs and bird waste into your paint job. This can be damaging to the paint and nearly impossible to remove. The following are some tips that will help you protect your car’s paint from the harsh California sun:
Understand Why This Happens
The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays are damaging to your skin. This is common knowledge. What is not so well known is the fact that these same UV rays can also be damaging to the surface of your car. Sunlight can break down the finish of your paintwork, leaving your paint exposed. With the sun comes the heat. This heat is absorbed by your car’s metal and is stored, another leading cause of discoloration.
Keep Your Car out of the Sun
This may sound obvious, but it is important to park in a garage, covered parking spot or the shade of a tree whenever possible. Keeping your car out of direct sunlight is the best way to avoid damage. Next time you go to the grocery store, take some time to look for a shady spot instead of trying to park closest to the door. Your car will thank you.
Wash Your Car Often
It is important to wash your car frequently. The longer dirt and debris sit on the surface of your car; the more likely it is to penetrate the paint – making it extremely difficult to remove. If you can, keep a rag and spray bottle of water handy so that you can wash off substances like bird waste before they have the chance to cause any damage.
Hand Dry Your Car
It is easy to allow your car to air dry after a wash. However, water spots may leave minerals behind. These minerals can cause your car’s paint job to fade. Your best bet is to use clean, cotton rags to hand dry water spots.
Wax Your Vehicle
When you wax your car, you are placing a layer of protection between your car’s paint and the harmful UV rays of the sun. If this is already an important part of your car maintenance routine, you are ahead of the game. However, if it isn’t, it is something you should consider – especially if you do not always have access to covered parking.
