Summer sun is harder on a car than people expect. UV light fades paint, dries and cracks plastics and leather, and heat bakes on bugs, sap and bird droppings so they etch into the paint. To protect your car through summer, keep a layer of wax or sealant on the paint, protect and condition the interior, and clean off contaminants quickly before the sun sets them. Here is how to keep your car looking its best in the heat.
Protect the paint from UV
Constant sun gradually fades and dulls paint, especially reds and dark colours. A layer of wax or sealant reflects some UV and shields the clear coat, helping preserve the colour and gloss. Keep protection topped up through summer, and where possible park in the shade or use a cover, particularly if the car sits outside all day.
Care for the interior
The cabin takes a beating from heat and UV. Dashboards and plastics fade and can crack, and leather dries out. Use a sunshade on the windscreen to reduce cabin temperature and protect the dash, condition leather to keep it supple, and apply a UV-protective dressing to the plastics. A valet with interior protection helps the cabin survive the season.
Deal with bugs, sap and droppings fast
Summer means more bugs on the bonnet, tree sap from parking under trees, and bird droppings, all of which the sun bakes on. Heat makes these acidic contaminants etch into the clear coat far faster. Remove them as soon as you can with the right product rather than scrubbing dry. Our bug and tar guide covers the safe method.
Wash in the shade
Washing a hot car in direct sun causes water and product to dry before you can rinse or buff them, leaving spots and streaks. Wash in the shade or early in the day when the panels are cool, work quickly panel by panel, and dry with a clean microfibre. It makes for a better, spot-free finish.
Keeping cool inside
Beyond protection, a clean interior is simply more pleasant in summer. A steam clean clears the dust and freshens the cabin, and a sanitised air conditioning system keeps the air fresh on hot days. We keep cars cool, clean and protected through summer across Derby and the East Midlands.
Want your car summer-ready?
EMobile Valeting brings professional, fully insured mobile valeting to your door across Derby, Nottingham and the East Midlands. No call-out fee.
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