Owning a car has many advantages. One of them is the convenience to travel in different weather conditions. Commuters have to come in contact with heat and cold as they make their way to their destinations. For car owners, it is a different story. Even if it is sweltering hot, a person can be comfortable inside their car. When snow is relentless on the road, car owners can still maneuver their way to their destination.
With this convenience comes some wear and tear of a car. Weather and nature elements can be harsh on a vehicle’s parts. To add to this, some people do not have a covered garage to park their cars. How can one protect their vehicle from exposure to the elements? Here are some ideas.
Prevent Rusting
Driving on the roads during winter presents some difficulties. Your car experiences some issues when exposed to snow, slush, and ice on the road. You may also want to add salt to this list. Salt is good to make the roads easier to manage during winter. But, it harms your car.
All these winter elements in constant contact with your car can lead to rusting. The part that you need to protect the most is the undercarriage of your vehicle. The steel components under your car are prone to rust. Give the underbelly of your car an extra layer of protection. Find a reputable automotive shop that offers thorough undercoating treatment. With this added application to your car, you would have peace of mind. You could be more at ease as you navigate your way through snow-covered roads.
Find a Shade
When parking your car, make sure that there is a form of shade available for it. Direct sunlight can affect your car in adverse ways. The heat of the sun can make your car paint fade. Vehicles with faded paint look much older. This effect is only the tip of the predicament. Letting your car sit on direct heat for long hours can damage its interior. It may lead to some cracks in the dashboard and shrivel the upholstery of the seats. Parts under your hood such as belts and hoses could also get broken under the intense glare of the sunlight.
Leaving your car without shade during winter is also not advisable. Snow, hail, and high winds can also make your vehicle’s paint fade. Ice can create small scratches on your car. When left unattended, these small scratches can lead to rust. Having your car in unshaded areas during winter also makes it more prone to getting buried in snow. Finding a shade when you park your car is imperative in any season.
Invest in Quality Car Cover
High-quality car covers are portable solutions to protect your car from weather elements. They work in shielding your car from direct sunlight, rain, or snow. Choose custom-fit ones because they hug every part of your vehicle. It is easier to put on than the universal one-size-fits-all which may leave parts uncovered. Also, search for car covers that have water-resistant and breathable fabrics.
With a car cover, you would not worry in the absence of a covered parking space. You can enjoy trips on the beach or visiting relatives and friends. Car covers also discourage thieves from preying on your car. They do not want to spend more time working their way through it.
Wash and Wax
It may be unavoidable for your vehicle to be in contact with weather elements. Basic care such as frequent washing helps to remove all the foreign objects attached to your car. Washing it every week will leave your car in pristine condition. During summer, you can do this task yourself. Drying with a microfiber cloth is an essential step to the whole process. During winter, your best bet is to bring your vehicle to a commercial car wash. The temperature during colder months makes you and your hose vulnerable to freezing.
Applying wax to your car every three months would preserve its paintwork. It acts as an extra layer between all the elements and the paint of your car. Waxing also helps to protect your car from acid rain, UV rays, or pollutants.
Look out for Some Underrated Issues
Aside from weather elements, some things may also bring damage to your car’s exterior. Bird droppings, tree sap, insects’ body fluids, coffee, and soda are all acidic. As such, these substances can break down the coat of your car and damage its paint.
It all comes down to finding the most appropriate parking spot and practicing basic care. Though you need a shady parking area, try to avoid trees that shelter birds and insects. Avoid parking under fruit-bearing trees that are in season. Also, do not put any drinks on top of your car as they may spill.
Different weather conditions have negative effects on your car’s exterior and interior. The best way to prevent these issues is proactive care. As much as your car protects you from the weather elements, you must try to do the same for it.
