When "Shady" is a Good Thing
January 14, 2018
Just like your skin can burn from too much sun, so can the paint on your vehicle. It can turn dull, oxidize and fade the more ultraviolet rays beat down on it. One solution is to park in a shady spot, or you can buy a cover for your vehicle and put it on when you know it's going to be sitting in the sun for awhile. Yes, it takes a couple of minutes to put on, but in the end, keeping the gloss on your paint will help it retain its beauty… and its value.
And it's not just the sun that can damage your vehicle's paint. Grit, bird droppings, sap, dust and dead bugs can all ruin the paint. So, keep your vehicle clean. Wash it with a soap made especially for vehicles. Dry it with special towels that won't scratch your paint. Remember: DON'T WASH YOUR VEHICLE IN THE SUN. Once your vehicle is washed, protect the paint even further with a coat of wax. DON'T WAX YOUR VEHICLE IN THE SUN, EITHER.
Don't forget the vehicle's interior. Plastic components inside can literally disintegrate when sunshine heats them up. That's what causes that oily film on the inside of the windows. So, pick up some of those reflective panels that unfold, placing them in the windshield and back window when you know the sun and heat are going to be intense. They'll keep out the ultraviolet light and help the interior stay cooler as well. That will help prevent upholstery from fading and plastic from cracking.
While you're at it, keep your interior's interior clean, too. That dust and dirt can literally bake into the dashboard, the seats, console and carpeting. There are cleaning products designed to clean your vehicle's interior that won't stain it or dry it out.
You invested a lot of money into that vehicle. The sun and dirt are just waiting to destroy it. Defend your valuable vehicle against the elements. Hey, it may not wind up on display in a museum, but it'll look great and last longer with just a little TLC.
TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires
1735 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-8300
Need Service?
More articles from TLC Auto Care
When Your Air Bag Light Comes On (Illuminated Air Bag Light)
February 16, 2025
There are some dashboard lights you should pay more attention to than others. One is the air bag light. If it's on and your vehicle is in an accident, your air bags probably won't do their job. Automakers began installing air bags in the late 1990's since they were mandatory in the United State... More
Got it Covered! (Timing Cover Maintenance)
February 9, 2025
You may have heard at one time or another about something called a timing belt or timing chain in your engine. And you may know that if they fail well, let's just say that there can be some major engine damage. So obviously, we want our timing belts and chains to be in tip-top shape. One part t... More
Clean Machine (Fuel and Air Induction Cleaning)
February 2, 2025
As your vehicle ages, its performance isnt quite what it used to be, but many of us never notice the change because its gradual. So here are a few questions to ask yourself. Does your vehicle feel like it doesnt have the pep that it used to? Have you noticed your fuel economy isnt quite as good... More