July 2, 2020  |    128 Comments

As the peak of summer is approaching, it’s time to start taking some proactive precautions for your car. The Northern Nevada area is known for those harsh, cloudless summer days, and it can have a damaging effect on all aspects of your car. This blog will offer some tips and insights to protect your car from sun heat. 

Interior

The easiest way to protect your car is to simply park inside or in the shade. Avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible will significantly reduce damage. Also, try cracking a couple of windows for airflow and pressure release.

Another simple, cost-effective way to protect your car from sun heat is a windshield protector. They are cheap, easy to use, can be conveniently stored in your car, and are great if you have to park outside or have limited shade. 

Dust and dirt combined with direct sunlight will also have a devastating effect on your interior. Try using a microfiber cloth to wipe down your dashboard, steering wheel, and middle console to remove dirt that contributes to cracking, fading, and discoloration. 

Seat covers can also be a smart investment for sun protection. For leather seats, you can try a leather conditioner for added protection. 

Exterior

Comparable to the interior, parking inside or in the shade will preserve your paint job. Frequent washing and hand drying will also keep dirt and grime from building up and prevent eventual cracking. A layer of wax will also provide your car with extra protection. Combining frequent washing and hand drying along with the occasional wax will protect your car from sun heat damage. 

Don’t forget about your tires; they also experience wear and tear from the sun. Keep an eye on your tire pressure. Scorching hot pavement and neglected tires can lead to quick wear and an unexpected blowout. If you’re making frequent beach trips to the lake make sure you’re checking your tire pressure a couple of times a month!

car mainenance

Under the hood

Not only does the sun damage the aesthetics of your car, but also the performance. Check and make sure your cooling system, belts, and coolant fluid are all in working order. Along with the coolant/antifreeze fluid, check the motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. Fluid upkeep is crucial to maintaining your car during the hot summer months. 

Your battery will take on additional stress from high accessory loads—like your air conditioning system. Get the battery checked so you don’t end up stuck in a parking lot waiting for AAA to arrive. 

A1 Body Shop

Here in the Reno area, we experience the best (and worst) of all four seasons, and A1 Body Shop understands the complications this brings for your car. From snow to sunshine, we want to extend our knowledge of car maintenance to the community. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment contact us today!

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