Tips to protect your car from extreme heat and sunlight

Does your car feel like a molten marshmallow in this blistering Aussie heat? If you'd rather skip the sauna experience every time you hop into your car, it's high time to start protecting your car from the blazing sun. The heat doesn't just affect you, it impendingly affects the health of your car as well. The stifling temperature is a major threat to the safety of the driver and occupants as well and leads to engine overheating in many cases.

Keeping your car cool might seem like too much work. But, we've got you covered with some super simple tips to help you combat the heat and keep your car running smoothly all summer long. So, grab a cold drink and let's dive into the world of car care under the scorching sun!

What is the effect of heat on your car?

Interestingly, heat's effect on a car varies from car to car. That said, there are a few common effects every vehicle will face.

• The interior and exterior of the car are affected by the UV rays.
• Car paint dries, and flaking of the paint begins.
• The car spirals into premature ageing.
• Cracks on the dashboard & damage to the upholstery.
• Let’s see how you can save your car from the effects of sunlight and heat.

Tips to Save Your Car in Scorching Heat

1. Park in The Shade

While it may be obvious that you park your car in the shade to avoid the heat, you might not remember it when you’re in a hurry. It may be hard to find a parking place for your vehicle. Take some time and find the best place to park wherever possible. Avoid parking under the sun.

2. Wash Your Car Regularly

Keeping your car clean by washing it regularly removes dust and other particles. These can boost the health of your vehicle and delay premature ageing.

3. Wax Your Car

It has been proven that a waxed vehicle reflects UV rays instead of absorbing them. So waxing can be a good idea as it prevents excessive heating.

4. Window Shades

Use shades on your windows to avoid direct sunlight. Window shades prevent the sun rays from entering the interior of your car. Shades also reflect the UV rays, thus protecting the plastic components inside the car.

5. UV Protective Window Tints

UV protective window tints can reflect 99.9 percent of UV rays. It makes sense to use them whenever possible. Tinted windows are safe even while you drive, which is not the case with window shades. However, the visual light transmission (VLT) of the glass should be within legal limits.

6. Monitor Tire Pressure Levels

Make sure the tyres are adequately inflated. Underinflated tyres use more surface area and add to the heat while cars parked under the sunlight for a long time are at the risk of overinflation.

7. Check Your Battery Regularly

Running the air conditioning all the time can put extra strain on your car's battery, wearing it down faster. Get it checked from time to time to avoid any unexpected problems. After all, you wouldn't want your car to leave you feeling hot in the middle of nowhere, right?

8. Keep an Eye on Your Car's Fluids

In scorching heat, your car's fluids vanish faster than ice cream on a hot day. For a smooth ride, make sure you keep tabs on them regularly. If you don't, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere with a thirsty car. Here are three important fluids to keep in check during summer.

• Coolant: First, take a peek at your coolant level and its condition. If it looks murky or rusty, swap it out. Otherwise, just top it up to the right level.
• Motor oil: A hot engine needs all the help it can get, so change your motor oil when your car manual says to. And don't forget to check the oil level once a month.
• Transmission fluid: Driving with low transmission fluid is a no-no. If it's small, use a small funnel through the dipstick tube to refill it. Go slow to avoid any messy spills.

9. Use of Car Covers

You don’t need to go crazy to keep your car safe from the sun. Just throw on a light car cover, and you're good to go! If you're not planning to drive your car much, cover it up with a clean, lightweight fabric.

A car cover does a bunch of jobs all at once. It keeps your car cool in the heat and stops leaves, dirt, bird mess, and dust from messing up your ride. Plus, having a covered car means less cleaning hassle – it's a win-win!

10. Use Car Seat Covers

The scorching summer sun can cause havoc on your car's upholstery, especially if it's leather. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can leave your seats stiff and dried out, and those pesky food stains? They might become a permanent part of the fabric.

But don't worry! There's a straightforward solution: car seat covers! Car seat covers are more than just a pretty accessory. They're practical too! Easy to clean and even easier to replace, they provide a layer of protection against spills, dust, and of course, those harmful UV rays.

Tips to Keep Your Car Cool While Driving

When you're cruising under the blazing sun, keeping your car cool is key for a comfortable ride. Here are some simple tips to help you out:

Control Airflow: Crack your windows just a bit to let hot air escape while you drive. Be smart about it though – don't open them too wide for security reasons. You can also try opening and closing your doors before getting in to let out even more heat.

Use Your AC Wisely: If you're driving slow, give your engine a break by using your car's ventilation system instead of blasting the AC. Portable fans will also help to keep the air flowing smoothly. And don't forget to change your cabin filter regularly to keep things fresh.

Keep an Eye on Your Dashboard: Keep tabs on your car's temperature gauge on the dashboard. If it starts creeping up too fast, it could mean trouble. Stop driving and get help if you're not sure what's going on.

Watch for Warning Signs: Cars have handy warning lights to alert you to potential issues. If you've got an older ride, listen for any strange sounds like boiling or hissing, which could mean your cooling system needs some attention.

With these easy tips, you can keep your cool even on the hottest summer drives!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! With these easy tips, you can keep your car safe and cool even on the hottest summer days. Whether it’s parking in the shade, using car covers, or keeping an eye on your dashboard, there’s plenty you can do to protect your vehicle from the scorching sun. So, stay proactive, stay cool, and enjoy your summer drives without a worry in the world!

FAQs

1. How can I keep my car cool in the heat?

To keep your car cool in the heat, firstly put seat covers and use a windshield sun shade. These things help stop the inside of your car from getting too hot and protect it from the sun, so your seats and dashboard stay nice and fresh.

2. How can I safeguard my car from the sun?

To safeguard your car from sun damage, take care of both the exterior and interior. Here's how:

• Park in a garage or shaded area whenever possible.
• Use a windshield screen or window screen to block out direct sunlight.
• Keep your car seats in good condition and clean regularly.
• Wash and wax your car consistently to protect the paint from sun exposure.
  

3. How hot can cars get in the sun in Australia?

On a typical Australian summer day, the temperature inside a parked car can be as much as 30° to 40° higher than the outside temperature, i.e. on a 30° day, the temperature inside the car could be as high as 70°. 75% of the temperature rise occurs within 5 minutes of closing the car and leaving it.

4. What's the top choice for car cover material to shield from the sun?

A fabric like polyester or a polyester-cotton blend is the best pick. It's light, strong, and can handle high temperatures well. Investing in a car cover, especially during summer, is crucial to shield your vehicle from the damaging UV rays of the sun.

5. Can heat harm your car?

Yes, extreme heat can be damaging to your car. It can cause fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant to evaporate faster. This leads to less lubrication and cooling, which can result in engine issues or overheating.