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Direct sunlight is your worst enemy if you’re wondering how to protect your car from the heat. Driving during the hotter summer months already wears down your car’s exterior, so you’ll want to protect it as best as possible when parked.

Protect Your Car From Summer Sun: Top 5 Tips

August 23, 20248 min read

How Does the Summer Sun Damage Cars?

The summer sun can damage cars by fading paint, causing the interior to overheat and crack, deteriorating rubber seals, and weakening the car battery. Regular waxing, using sunshades, parking in shaded areas, and maintaining proper tire pressure can help protect your vehicle from these issues.

A red luxury sports car shines brightly after being cleaned, with a glossy finish provided by a paint protection film. The car's sleek, aerodynamic lines and polished chrome accents are highlighted, with light reflecting off its flawless surface. The background is blurred, resembling a garage or showroom, keeping the focus on the car's immaculate condition.

Protect Your Car From Summer Sun

Nothing looks worse than a car with a bad paint job. No matter how nice your rims are or how new a model you’re in, peeling, patchy paint can change the entire image of a car and its driver. Even seasoned car owners sometimes forget how easy it is to reach that point of an irreparable paint job. It could be as simple as moving into a house with street parking or even just getting too comfortable with the ease of driveway parking – a paint job can get ruined much easier than you think. 

If your car is vinyl wrapped or ceramic coating, you should know this struggle all too well. Even though you’ve spent the extra money to keep your vehicle protected, the daily upkeep doesn’t get any easier – if anything, it’s harder. Of course, these types of additional protection are meant to preserve your car’s factory finish in the long run, but you’ll want to keep some maintenance best practices in mind. That’s why we’re giving you all our best tips and tricks for protecting your car from the elements for a long time.

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1. Covered Parking

This should come as a no-brainer (we hope) for preventing exterior damage, which is why it’s placed at number one. If you’ve ever asked yourself the age-old question, “Can sun damage car paint?” The answer is absolutely and unequivocally, YES. Over time, constant exposure to sun and UV light can break down the chemical compound of your car paint, causing it to flake or peel away due to UV exposure. This is why it's important to find covered parking to shield your car from harmful ultraviolet rays.

TIP: Stick to covered parking whenever possible. Hotter temperatures can make your car increasingly susceptible to the adverse effects of sun exposure. If you can’t opt-in for a fully enclosed garage space, try to park where you’ll have shade. 

2. Rinsing Off Salt

If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, your car’s finish is especially susceptible to the combination of sunny skies and salty air. The salt can eat away at your car’s paint job at a much faster rate, leaving it rusted and sometimes irreparable. Vinyl and ceramic coating can help protect you in these scenarios, warding away the effects of salt and UV damage for just a bit longer. However, you should try to wash your car with fresh water as frequently as possible to rinse off any salt and road grime and then apply a protective layer of wax or ceramic coating to further protect your car from the sun.

TIP: If you’re a surfer, beach bum, or even just a beach resident, rinse off your car regularly. Proximity to the beach means your vehicle will naturally accumulate salt deposits through the air/ The less time salt spends on your car’s surface, the better. Try to clean or at least rinse with a freshwater hose about once a week to remove any residue build-up. Consistency in rinsing off salt can go a long way in protecting your car from corrosion and damage, making it a good idea to incorporate this into your car maintenance routine.

3. Car Cover

Direct sunlight is your worst enemy if you’re wondering how to protect your car from the heat. Driving during the hotter summer months already wears down your car’s exterior, so you’ll want to protect it as best as possible when parked. 

TIP: If you don’t have access to a covered garage space, or you don’t have the time for a regular rinse, the least you can do is invest in a light car cover. They’re easy to throw on and take off and provide an added layer of protection if your car spends a lot of time attracting sun on the asphalt or in a parking lot. A car cover achieves multiple things at once, protecting your car from the sun and keeping it clean from dust and debris. Regular car maintenance, including washing and waxing, can also help protect your car from sun damage.

4. Paint Protection Film

This may not be the least expensive option, but it does the most for your vehicle’s exterior. Paint protective film acts as a line of defense against sun and water damage, scratches, and normal wear and tear. While it requires a certain degree of maintenance, proper care results in a longer-lasting and overall more robust finish that last years. 

TIP: Invest in ceramic pro or feynlab coating, as well as a paint protective film. The combination will protect you from a variety of environmental effects, including sun damage. 

Applying tinting foil on a car window in a auto service

5. Don’t forget about the interior

While we’re on the topic of summer, don’t forget to ask yourself how to protect leather car seats from the sun. Leather can crack and wear very quickly if exposed to sun and heat over a long period. While it is recommended as the most durable and attractive interior option, leather seats need proper care and protection to avoid cracks and tears. One way to protect leather seats is by using a conditioner to keep them clean and cool, as well as using sun shields or window shades to reflect UV rays and prevent damage to the leather upholstery. Additionally, investing in seat covers can also help protect against food stains and other potential damages to your car's interior.

TIP: Always close convertible roofs when your car is parked, and use the A/C while driving. Invest where it matters and look into window tinting in San Diego. Less sun will lead to a longer-lasting and better-looking interior, which pays off quickly when you consider how much time you spend inside your car. Additionally, using a windshield sun protector is another effective way to keep your car cool and protect the interior from sun damage. These visors are easy to use and can make a big difference in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside of your car.

The Best Window Tint in SoCal

Enhance your driving experience and elevate your comfort level for you and your passengers with automotive window tinting. Our shop in San Diego has different window tint options that allow you to entirely customize your car tint. Let Modern Image find the perfect darkness and material for your vehicle that fits both your budget and style.

Once you decide upon the specifications of the window tinting, our professionally trained technicians will carefully install the window tint with films that will never bubble, discolor, or peel. Our films at Modern Image provide amazing optical clarity and essential heat protection. Whatever you happen to drive, our dedicated team can provide you with sleek window tinting that will give you protection from the sun's UV rays.

https://modernimage.net/window-tinting/automotive-window-tinting/

Modern Image: Your Go-To for Premier Window Tinting

Modern Image stands out as the premier choice for exceptional window tinting services. Our team is committed to delivering top-notch solutions tailored to meet your needs, whether it's for your vehicle or property. Beyond just enhancing the visual appeal, our window tinting services offer a plethora of practical benefits.

By choosing Modern Image for your window tinting needs, you can expect a significant reduction in heat and glare, protection against harmful UV rays, enhanced privacy, and an overall improvement in comfort levels within your space. We take pride in utilizing high-quality materials and employing skilled professionals to ensure a flawless application every time.

Whether you are looking to upgrade the windows of your car, home, or office, Modern Image is here to exceed your expectations. With a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction, we guarantee a seamless experience from start to finish. Discover the difference with Modern Image - where premium window tinting meets unparalleled service excellence.

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The Origin Story: From Fast n Furious to San Diego

Enrico Del Mar, founder of Modern Image and a key figure in the automotive customization industry. As a first-generation immigrant, Enrico’s story is one of determination, creativity, and a passion that propelled him to work alongside the iconic Paul Walker on the Fast & Furious franchise.

Enrico’s expertise and dedication led him to become a vital part of the Fast & Furious team, where he was entrusted with creating and maintaining some of the most memorable cars in movie history. Living in Malibu during the production of the first film, Enrico not only worked with Paul Walker but also shared a home with him, spending countless hours bringing the high-octane world of street racing to life.

Fast & Furious: Designed by Modern Image

Paul Walker & Enrico Del Mar enjoying dinner together

Enrico and his team worked tirelessly for over six months ensuring every car was ready for real stunts in the film. Despite challenges, including economic struggles, Enrico's dedication never faltered. His quick thinking and skill were vital for the film's success, establishing his legacy in the automotive industry. Enrico's journey from immigrant to industry leader showcases the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work.

Modern Image Can Help Protect Your Car From the Sun

If you’re looking for any and every way to protect your car from the Southern California heat this summer, Modern Image is here to find the best solution. From commercial vinyl wraps to Tesla paint protection, we do it all, and we work with our clients to find the solutions that fit their needs and budgets. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

I monetize attention by telling the stories of the world's BEST companies and cultures, sharing my insights along the way.

Joseph Wilder

I monetize attention by telling the stories of the world's BEST companies and cultures, sharing my insights along the way.

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