Protecting Your Car From Damage by the Elements

For many people, their car is an extension of themselves. Cars get named. Cars get patted affectionately. If your car is special to you, take care of it so that it can provide you with safe attractive transportation for many years.

Interior Damage

If you live in a state that gets its fair share of sun, you may notice that your car gets sun-damaged after several years. This can show up noticeably in the interior of the car in the form of faded upholstery and even a cracked dashboard. Protect your car from the damaging rays of the sun by always parking in the shade if possible. When you can’t, use a collapsible sunshade across the windshield. Window tinting Maryland is another good option, especially if you know you must park your car in a sunny area during the day.

Exterior Damage

Parking in the shade also helps protect the paint on the outside of the car from fading. Your car may run well, but if the outside is cracked and peeling, it won’t be a pleasure to drive. Washing and waxing your car also helps protect it from dirt and debris that are kicked up during everyday driving. Once a small chip is created, it’s only a matter of time before the paint starts flaking off around that area. A car that has been waxed is more likely to repel road dust.

It’s ironic that parking under a tree provides shade for your car but also exposes it to two threatening elements: bird poop and tree sap. Both can cause damage to your car’s exterior. Bird droppings contain an acidic ingredient that can eat away at paint. Tree sap is sticky and hard to remove. The extra scrubbing to get the substance off can damage the paint. If parking under a tree is your only option, consider using a car cover.

Keeping a car in like-new condition is a matter of pride from some people. If you care about how your car looks, protect it from the elements when at all possible.