No matter what climate you live in, your car is in danger of being damaged by the elements of nature. Whether a hailstorm hits, debris smashes into your car after a windy day, or sunlight is always shining on your car, you need to take extra precautions to keep your vehicle safe.
You spent a fortune on your car, so unless you want to spend another fortune on repairs or buying a new car, it’s time to learn how to protect your car from harsh weather.
Keep reading for steps you can take to ensure the safety and longevity of your most prized possession.
Daily Tasks to Protect Your Car
The weather can have a negative impact on your car any day of the week, not just during major storms. That’s why you need to take care of your vehicle on a daily basis and protect it from direct sunlight as much as possible. Here’s what you should be doing every day to keep your car safe.
Park In The Shade
Direct sunlight can do a ton of damage to your car, especially if your car is sitting in the sun for hours each day.
On the exterior, sunlight can make the car paint fade which will age your car at a much faster rate. On the interior, the direct sunlight will lead to cracks in the dashboard and seats and it can fade the upholstery on the seats and floor.
Sunlight can even cause problems under the hood, such as broken belts or hoses, leaving you with a hefty repair bill to pay.
The best way to keep your car out of the sun is to park in a garage at home or parking garages while you’re out. If you don’t have a garage to park in, try parking in the shade so your car isn’t hit with direct sunlight all day.
Use a Windshield Sun Protector
Oftentimes, parking in the sun will be unavoidable. When that’s the case, make sure you use a windshield sun protector to keep the sun rays away from your car’s dashboard. According to Auto Glass Express, if your windshield has even the smallest crack, it needs to be taken care of by either being fixed or completely replaced in order to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
Beware Of Incoming Storms
It’s important to be aware of any incoming storms so you can take extra care to keep your car from getting damaged.
For example, if a ton of wind is heading your way from a tropical storm or hurricane, you’ll want to keep your car away from potential debris that could blow into it. If you don’t have a garage, you can look into storing your car until the storm passes.
Storage Techniques
If you don’t have a garage, you’ll need to find other ways to store your car, especially if you aren’t using it often and want to keep it protected from the elements. Here are some storage techniques you should consider.
Use a Car Cover
Car covers work well for people who use their car often but don’t have the ability to park in a garage or under shade. They’re easy to use and are an inexpensive way to ensure your car’s safety.
Long-Term Storage
Long-term car storage is an option for people who have antique cars that they don’t drive, or if they are in the process of moving and need to store their car. With long term storage, you’ll have to pay a weekly or monthly rate, but you won’t ever have to worry about your car getting hit by a bad storm while you’re away.
Transporting Your Car
If you’re moving cross-country or abroad, it’s more important than ever to make sure you car is protected while it’s being transported. It’ll likely run into a few different weather events along the way, and if it’s not protected, it’ll get damaged during the move.
The best way to ensure the safety of your car is to hire a reliable vehicle transportation company that will do whatever it takes to get your car to its destination just as it was when you left it.
Cleaning Your Car To Prevent Damage
Cleaning your car isn’t just for looks, it actually keeps your car strong and can help protect it from weather events and sunlight. Here’s what you should be doing to keep your car clean.
Wash Your Car Often
Washing your car can help prevent sun damage from cracking and fading the paint on the exterior.
If you don’t wash your car enough, dirt and dust will lead to micro scratches that will leave your car more vulnerable to sun rays, causing the paint to fade and crack faster. When you wash your car and clear away the dirt and dust frequently, you’ll keep the paint scratch-free and it’ll hold up to sunlight a lot better.
Be sure to use a clean microfiber cloth when drying your car to prevent scratching it.
Apply Wax Regularly
After washing and drying your car, applying wax is an important way to protect the exterior of your car from sunlight and weather events.
How often you should apply wax can vary based on the type of car you have and the type of wax you use. However, experts say you should hand wax your car at least every six months.
Don’t Let Mother Nature Damage Your Car
If you can protect your car from the elements, you’ll save a ton of money on repairs and your car will be in great shape for years to come.
If you’re in need of vehicle transportation or towing services, make sure you do it the right way to keep your car protected. Contact us today to learn more about our vehicle services.
