It has been a long cold winter for the residents of Illinois, but those cold days are finally gone. Soon they will be replaced by the heat of summer, and those warm weather temperature extremes can be hard on your vehicle.
The harsh UV rays of the sun can really take a toll on your vehicle and its finish, leaving your paint faded and your ride looking older than it should. If you want to avoid the hassle, and the high cost, of repainting your car, do yourself a favor and take steps to protect the finish from the worst of the Illinois summer.
Wash Your Car Regularly
Regular washing does more than make your car look good – it can protect your paint job and prevent summer fading from the hot sun. Choose a quality wash for your car, then follow it up with a good wax.
Make sure the wax you apply has a strong UV protection, since it is those UV rays that can fade the paint and mar the appearance of your vehicle. Be sure to apply the wax evenly, and make sure the water beads after the protective layer has been applied.
Apply a UV Protectant
The UV protection built into commercial car waxes is a good start, but it may not be enough to protect your paint job during those Illinois temperature extremes. If you want to protect your finish, adding a special UV protectant is a smart step.
Look for a UV protectant that is easy to apply, then read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly. Applying this type of protectant at least once a season is one of the best ways to avoid sun damage during the hot summer season.
Clean Out Your Garage
If your car has not seen the inside of the garage for years, it may be time for some timely spring cleaning. Parking your vehicle outside, especially in the hot sun, can lead to paint fading and exterior damage, so clear away the junk and move your car indoors.
Parking your car in the garage during the hottest part of the day is one of the best ways to protect the finish, so make sure your vehicle is covered. If you cannot park your car in the garage, consider installing a pop-up shelter, or at least parking your vehicle in the shade.
Even a basic paint job can cost over a thousand dollars, and a more extensive one can cost thousands more. If you want to avoid this high cost, you need to protect your vehicle from the hot rays of the sun, and you can start with the steps outlined above.