How Excessive Sunlight Can Damage Your Car

Memorial Day is over, which means summer is in full swing. For you and your family, that probably means backyard grilling, swimming, and fun holidays. This is also the time for vehicle owners to be on the lookout for potential summer car problems. But one thing that many vehicle owners may forget about during the hot summer months is the damage that excessive sunlight can do to your vehicle. 

At Performance Muffler, we want you, your family and all drivers to be safe this summer. That's why in this article, we'll explain how excessive sunlight can damage your car, along with precautionary tips. (Feel free to read our other blogs for more tips, like how to jump start your car or check your car's oil.)

The Different Ways Sunlight Can Harm Your Car

We often think that our cars are built to withstand any load and last a long time. But, unfortunately, the reality is that this is not true. Vehicles are subject to all sorts of damage every time they drive on the road or even stand in a park; heat is no different. In fact, the State Farm® Vehicle Research Facility found that "interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight experienced temperatures in excess of 195 degrees Fahrenheit." Simply put, your car doesn't have to be in these conditions all the time. So how exactly does heat and sunlight damage your car? 

Dashboard Issues 

Your dashboard is usually front and center in sunlight. Your windshield amplifies the heat against the dashboard. As heat builds up inside the car, the dashboard will fade over time and lose its bright appearance. In extreme cases, dashboard materials can even chip or crack. 

Upholstery problems

Along with the dashboard, car upholstery is vulnerable to sunlight and heat. Upholstery refers to the fabric interior of the vehicle, such as the roof, seats, etc. Leather seats can age quickly and the color of the upholstery will fade. Upholstery can become stiff, dry out and crack. 

paint fading

Apart from the inside, your outside also fades from sunlight. In particular, one thing you may see is paint chipping and fading. Certain colors, such as black, red, or blue, are more receptive than other colors. 

Problems with plastic parts

Paint will fade in sunlight, just like the plastic parts on your car's exterior. Bumpers, fenders, mirror housings and luggage racks are just as susceptible to sunlight as the rest of the car. These parts will fade and lose their color with more sunlight over time. 

Damage from tire pressure

Extreme temperatures, especially large temperature fluctuations, reduce tire pressure. With lower tire pressures, your tires are more likely to blow out, which is a much bigger problem than chipped paint. 

Simple Ways to Protect Against Excessive Sunlight and Heat

Fortunately, you can provide significant protection against excessive sunlight damaging your vehicle. Here are some simple yet effective solutions for you and your car: 

• Park in the shade or in a garage. The value of permanent parking in the shade cannot be overestimated. It will keep you cool and comfortable in your car. 
• Use a windshield sun shield. These sun visors are easier to use than you might think. And the 30 seconds it takes to install it will help you in the long run. 
• Wash and dry the car outside frequently. Frequent washing stops the accumulation of dirt and dust, which is only exacerbated by constant overheating. 
• Check tire pressure frequently and regularly. It is also a good task of regular car maintenance. Keeping your tires in good condition provides longer life, better fuel economy and heat protection. 
• Check under the hood: liquids, battery and AC. To combat heat and sunlight, make sure your entire vehicle is in good working order. It all starts under the hood. Do your due diligence or have your trusted mechanic take a look to make sure everything is ready to handle the heat this summer. On top of the summer heat stressing out your car, the last thing you want is for it to overheat. 

Trust the Performance muffler with your car. Contact us for an offer

Performance Muffler is proud to be the premier exhaust custom shop in the Phoenix area since 2007. We specialize in exhaust repair, catalytic converter service and more. Contact us for a free quote to transform your vehicle. You'll quickly see why customers praise us for our passion, craftsmanship and superior service.