For most people, their vehicle is their lifeline to the world; without it, they wouldn’t be able to go to work, take their children to school, or get to the store. More than that, a vehicle is also an investment, one that is worth protecting. The sun is a wonderful thing, and is something we as a species need to survive, but that doesn’t mean it is all good. The sun’s rays can cause a good deal of harm to our skin, causing sunburn and potentially even cancer. In a similar fashion, the sun’s rays can also cause a lot of damage to the exterior of our vehicles, which is what we wanted to talk about today.
Ultraviolet Rays
Ultraviolet rays, commonly referred to as UV rays, are a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. UV rays, when they hit your vehicle’s surface, can break down the molecular bonds in the paint and plastic. Over time, these UV rays will cause discoloration, fading, and eventually can even damage the structure of your vehicle. Protecting your vehicle against the sun’s UV rays is imperative if you want to preserve its exterior.
The Sun’s Heat
The rays from the sun carry a good amount of heat with them, and this heat can cause damage to both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. The longer your car is sitting exposed to the sun, the hotter it will become, which is not good. High temperatures will cause cracks and structural damage across your car, and can cause your vehicle’s interior to crack and fade. Plastic pieces on your vehicle can become weak and break.
Sunlight Can Cause Other Problems
It’s not good to allow acidic substances such as tree sap, bird droppings, or any chemicals to build up on your vehicle’s exterior, as these substances themselves can cause damage. When these substances are exposed to sunlight, the problem can compound and the damage to your exterior can become worse. We recommend cleaning your vehicle of any harmful substances when they get on it.
How to Protect Your Exterior
One of the best ways to preserve your vehicle’s exterior is to keep it out of the sun whenever possible. This means when not in use, try to store your vehicle in a garage or park somewhere with overhead coverage whenever possible. The next best way to protect your exterior is to have some paint protection applied to it. Paint protection products, such as ceramic coatings, are specifically designed to protect against the sun’s harmful rays.
Work With an Experienced Vehicle Exterior Specialist
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can protect your car’s exterior, you’ve come to the right place. At Apex Auto Performance, we’ve been helping people maintain their vehicle’s exteriors for many years. To learn more about all of the different ways you can protect the exterior of your vehicle, reach out to our team of auto-exterior specialists. We look forward to working with you and your vehicle!
