How to Protect Your Car from Sun Exposure in Summer?
4 Answers
Here are some tips for protecting your car from sun exposure during summer: 1. Shaded Parking: Try to park your car in a shaded area as the first choice. Nowadays, many places have underground parking lots, although they might be slightly more expensive than open-air parking. 2. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation inside the car. When safety is confirmed, leave a 1-2 cm gap in each of the four windows to allow air circulation, which helps disperse harmful gases inside the car. Additionally, the interior temperature will be less stuffy due to the airflow, but always prioritize safety. 3. Sunshades: Use sunshades to effectively protect the car's interior from damage caused by sunlight and UV rays. 4. Car Care: Apply protective layers to the car's paint, such as waxing or ceramic coating, to maintain the paint's condition and reduce UV damage to the vehicle.
Dealing with cars being exposed to the scorching summer sun is really a headache. Having driven for many years, I've summarized a few practical tips to protect my beloved car. First, try to find a shaded parking spot, such as under a tree or in an underground garage, to avoid direct sunlight. When that's not possible, I recommend installing a sunshade on the dashboard, which can effectively prevent the interior from cracking and aging, and also lower the temperature inside the car. Applying heat-insulating film to the car windows is also a good idea—choose a light-colored one for better light transmission, less bubbling, and protection for your skin and eyes from UV damage. Additionally, before parking, leave the windows slightly open for ventilation to reduce stuffiness and odor buildup inside the car. Don't forget to regularly wash and wax your car to maintain the paint's shine and prevent fading and corrosion. These small things don't cost much but can significantly improve comfort and safety when using your car in the summer.
As an experienced car enthusiast, the key to sun protection lies in preventive maintenance. Intense summer sunlight can accelerate interior aging, such as cracking on the steering wheel and seats. It's recommended to use specialized care products on surfaces to prevent cracking. Tires are also susceptible to heat expansion and cold contraction, leading to pressure changes. Regularly checking tire pressure and wear condition is crucial to ensure smooth driving. For window protection, avoid using ordinary films; opt for professional heat-insulating films with moderate thickness and a sun protection rate of over 90% to prevent bubbling that could impair visibility. Additionally, after turning on the air conditioning, avoid immediately setting it to maximum speed; allow the system to warm up first to extend the compressor's lifespan. These methods aren't overly complicated but can effectively reduce mechanical wear caused by sun exposure.
I believe protecting your car from sun exposure in summer can be simple and cost-effective without spending a fortune. My personal habit is to park in free shaded areas, such as underground parking lots at shopping malls, to reduce the frequency of air conditioning use and save on fuel costs. When no shade is available, I buy an inexpensive sunshade or reflective car cover to cover the entire vehicle—just a few dollars—protecting the paint from fading. Instead of expensive window films, I use basic heat-resistant stickers, which are practical and eco-friendly. I also pay attention to weather forecasts and try to minimize driving during extreme heat, opting for public transport or cycling instead. This not only protects the car but also promotes health. These small tricks have saved me money and hassle year after year, while also extending my car's lifespan.
