How To Protect Your Car’s Paint in the Summer

With the summer comes outdoor grilling, watersports, and beach days. But the summer can also be harsh on your vehicle’s exterior. Learn how to protect your car’s paint in the summer so that it doesn’t fade prematurely!

Stay in the Shade

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are exceptionally damaging to a car’s paint if exposed for prolonged periods. So, to keep your vehicle’s exterior looking new and vibrant, stay in the shade as much as possible during the summer.

Always park in the garage or a covered stall when possible, or at least somewhere that provides some shade. If you don’t have a garage or can’t afford covered parking, consider investing in an affordable but practical car cover to keep the UV rays off your car’s paint.

Pro Tip: Large trees provide shade, but they’re also hotbeds for bird leavings and tree sap. They’re typically best avoided.

Handwash Frequently

Cleaning your car does more than make it look pretty—it removes harmful contaminants from your vehicle’s exterior like mud, dust, pollen, bugs, and bird droppings. The longer these things linger on your car, the more embedded they can become to the paint and cause more damage.

A drive-through carwash may be convenient, but their tough and coarse bristles can be rough on a paint job. Wash your car by hand frequently and dry it with a chamois or microfiber cloth to preserve your vehicle’s exterior.

Wax On

Car wax isn’t just about making your vehicle shine like new—it’s also about adding a protective layer to the exterior that keeps dust, bugs, and UV rays off the paint. A layer of wax is like a clear-coated shield for your vehicle’s exterior.

You can find car wax at practically any auto paint shop. Most any wax will do the trick, but carnauba is the preferred wax for most collectors. You should wax your vehicle every three months to protect the paint and ensure it gleams like new.

Add Protective Film

If you want to go the extra mile, you can invest in a paint protective film (PPF). PPF is similar to heavy-duty wax—it’ll make your vehicle’s paint gleam while adding a robust layer of protection to the exterior.

It’s more costly than typical wax, but you only have to add PPF once a year, and there’s no denying the protection and the results it offers.

Now you know how to protect your car’s paint in the summer! If you’re ready to give your vehicle a new paint job, consult with the paint experts at River North Collision Repair.