The sun can be extremely damaging to the paint on your car. Just like your skin can burn if it is not protected from the sun, your car’s paint can start to bubble, flake or peel. One of the common misconceptions is that paint damage only occurs on extremely hot days. However, it is ultraviolet rays from the sun that directly lead to fading and degradation of the paint, not heat. As such, if your car is in direct sunlight, paint damage can occur. Here are a few tips that can help you prevent sun damage to your car’s paint.
Try to Park Your Car In Shaded Parking Spots
One of the best ways that you can prevent sun damage to your car’s paint is to try to park your vehicle in shaded parking spots when it is not in use. This includes a garage or a covered parking spot. If you cannot park your vehicle in a shaded spot, consider using a car cover that reflects the sun’s UV rays to protect your car. As you look for a shady place to park, a large, shade tree may seem like a shaded spot. However, bird droppings and sticks falling from the tree can damage your car, so you may want to avoid parking under them.
Wash Your Car Frequently
Another way to minimize sun damage to your car’s paint is to wash your car frequently. Many outdoor elements, including pollutants and contaminants, can eat away at the clear coat on your car. This exposes your paint faster, and leaves you more susceptible to your paint fading or becoming damaged. It is recommended that you wash your car at least once every two weeks. If you live in a city with a lot of smog or it is allergy season and pollen is covering your car, you may need to wash your car more frequently.
Have a Coating Applied to Your Car
The last thing that you can do to help prevent sun damage to your car’s paint is to have a coating applied to your car. There are different types of coatings that can be applied. You can have your car regularly waxed to help cover and coat the car. Or you can have a ceramic coating professionally applied to your vehicle to protect the paint. Both choices add another layer of protection between the sun and your car’s paint, helping to protect your car. Additionally, a coating also helps to protect against other types of paint damage, including damage caused by acidic bird droppings and even minor scratches.
Here at Certified Collision Center Autobody Repair, our autobody repair shop can help you prevent sun damage to your car’s paint job by applying coatings. If damage is already done, our team can help to fix and repair that damage. Visit one of our repair shops to let an expert take a look at your vehicle and determine the best course of action to prevent or correct sun damage to your car’s paint.