Nov 26, 2024

Over time, strong sunlight can wreak havoc on your car’s paintwork. Even car interior upholstery and the dashboard can suffer from excessive heat and direct UV rays. If you want to keep your car exterior paint and interior surfaces in like-new condition for longer, follow the protective steps laid out below.

A red 2025 Honda Civic parked outdoors at nighttime near Orangeburg, South Carolina

Avoid Parking in Direct Sunlight 

During summer, one of the best things you can do to keep your vehicle protected is to park in the shade whenever you can. Find a tree, covered parking spot, or garage whenever possible. Even during cooler months, try and find a shady spot and your paintwork will thank you for it in the long run.  

Wash Your Car Exterior Paint Frequently 

Dirt, debris, road chemicals, and dead insects should never be allowed to collect and decay on the bodywork of your car. These contaminants can accelerate damage to the paintwork. To combat this, try to wash your car well around every two weeks. 

Wax or Apply a Ceramic Coating

Modern car wax is designed to protect car paint against debris and UV rays. It’s advisable to wax your car well at the start of summer and again as winter approaches. A more permanent solution is to have a layer of ceramic coating applied which can protect your paintwork for five years or more. 

Purchase Some Elegant Seat Covers

When it comes to keeping your seats safe from the sun, some elegant covers will help. Covers can also save you from the unpleasant experience of sitting on a hot seat that’s been heated by a few hours of direct sunlight. 

Protect Your Car Interior With Tinted Windows

You might also consider tinting your windows or installing tinted windshield protectors during summer. Tinting keeps the car’s interior cooler and blocks UV rays. 

One of our experienced technicians will be happy to offer guidance on keeping your paintwork and vehicle interior cool and safer in the long-term. Visit Superior Honda in Orangeburg, SC today to get your vehicle fully protected. We proudly serve the Orangeburg area with top-notch cars, maintenance services, and customer care.