As the summer sunshine settles in and prepares for another warm season, it's time for you to start preparing your car. After all, when your car's paint is exposed to the sun and heat all summer, it puts the paint finish at risk of wear. Not only do the sun's ultraviolet rays cause fading and other damage to paint, but the heat can actually bake dirt and bug debris into your car's paint, making it nearly impossible to get rid of. Here are some tips to help you keep your car's paint safe from these hazards and looking its best all summer long.
Keep it Covered
Whenever possible, park your car in a covered space such as a carport or a garage. This will not only help keep the paint finish cooler, but it protects it from UV damage as well. The more frequently you can park your car under cover, the less risk you'll have of color fading.
Wash it Often
In order to reduce the chances of dirt and debris baking into your paint finish, you'll want to wash your car frequently throughout the summer. The frequency of washing will depend on how often you use the car, but at least once every couple of weeks is a good place to start. After all, the longer you leave dirt on the car, the greater the chances are that it will penetrate your car's paint finish.
If you want to scrub it yourself, you can even make a wash solution of your own. Use a gentle dish detergent that's good at cutting grease and grime, and mix about a tablespoon of detergent in a couple of gallons of warm water.
Dry it Yourself
Once you wash the car, it's tempting to just let it bake in the sun to dry. Water spots may actually cause mineral deposits that can damage the paint, so it's best to avoid the air-dry process. Instead, invest in a few quality soft towels and dry the car by hand. Cotton towels are absorbent and soft, making them a great option for this.
Wax it Frequently
Invest in a car wax that includes ultraviolet ray protection, and apply it a couple of times throughout the summer. If you notice the wax finish starting to fade, make a point of reapplying a new coat of wax after the next wash. The wax will not only protect the paint from the sun, but it may also help keep bugs and dirt from reaching the paint.
With these care tips, you can keep your car's finish looking great throughout the summer. If necessary, you can even work with an auto body shop, like Auto Body By Duie LLC, to detail and prepare your car before the temperatures start to rise.
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