The scorching hot weather does not only affect humans. Vehicles that are exposed to direct sunlight can also suffer sun damage.
For a tropical country like Malaysia, we are no strangers to typical temperatures ranging from 21 degrees to 32 degrees Celcius.
The UV rays can affect the car’s overall appearance both outside and inside, including the body paint, car interior and components like batteries, tyres and windshield wipers.
But do not worry. Bjak will share some care tips to protect your car from the sun.
Damage from sun exposure
The heat can damage your car severely despite well-maintained servicing. There are many ways that heat can negatively affect a car’s long-term viability.
Here are some possible damages to your car:
- Damaged car interior
The UV rays may fade, discolour, and stiffen your vehicle’s interior surfaces over time. Cracks may start to form in the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel.
The damages can significantly bring down the quality and value of your vehicle.
- Faded auto body paint
Your car paint, including the bumper and fender’s paint, can fade and crack if the car is exposed to hours of scorching heat. Make sure to take proper preventive measures to keep your car exterior in tip-top shape.
- Underinflated tyres
Underinflated tyres are most likely to blow out in extreme temperatures, so be careful.
It is good to always check your tyre air pressure for safety purposes. You could prevent a potential accident.
- Damaged car battery
The heat can cause the liquid electrolyte solution in the battery to evaporate. This can expose the lead plates and cause internal corrosion, limiting or decreasing the batteries ability to hold a charge and produce enough power to start an engine.
Tips for protecting your car from the sun
Your car needs protection from the harmful UV rays that the sun emits.
Read on as we list down some practical ways to protect your car during hot days.
Car interior protection
- Park your car in a shaded area
You may avoid direct sunlight by parking your car in a shaded area to protect your car paint. It also helps reduce any damage to the inside of your vehicle due to heat.
- Get your windows tinted
Tinted mirrors can reduce heat in a vehicle and reflect ultraviolet rays from sunlight. But make sure you follow the visible light transparency rate set by the authorities.
- Use a windshield sun protector
Using a windshield sun protector keeps your car cool and prevents sun damage.
It prevents the heat from penetrating the windshield. It also helps protect the fabric of your car seats and the dashboard from fading.
They may appear complicated, but the visors are easy to unfold and slide into place on your dash.
- Install seat covers
The sun and heat can crack or tear the leather seat over time. Therefore, the seat covers may help keep them cool.
You can also regularly apply leather conditioners to your seats for extra protection.
Car exterior protection
- Wax your car
Car paint can easily crack if exposed to sunlight for a long time.
Therefore, a layer of wax between your car’s finish and the sun’s ultraviolet rays is a great way to help protect it. Car wax can help reduce the occurrence of this condition as it will reflect the UV rays and extend the lifespan of your car paint.
We recommend waxing your car regularly.
- Check your tyre pressure
It is dangerous to drive on hot pavement with underinflated tyres. This combination may even lead to a blowout.
You are advised to regularly check your tyre pressure when the weather is hot. Make sure you follow the tyre pressure recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Protect your car from sun damage
Please take good care of your car, especially during hot days. We hope this article can help you protect your vehicle from heat and sun damage.
It is better to spend a little on prevention and maintenance rather than paying a hefty repair bill for the damage.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison websites, offering policies from over 10 brands. Get your free insurance quote from Bjak today!
