One could argue as to whether Africa or Australia receives more sunlight, but who cares?
Exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods can be dangerous for humans, animals and almost everything else.
Take a look at a car that has been exposed to the sun for an extended period. It will likely be in poor condition.
What can you do to help reduce the impact of the sun on your vehicle?
Prevention
Always park your car under the shade. This sounds great. If you have a garage or carport then you can certainly park there when you are at home. What about the rest of the time?
Do you park outdoors at shopping malls and while running errands? Does your company provide a car park that will shelter your car from the sun? How about vacation road trips, visiting family or friends? There are times when parking in the shade is not possible or practical.
To prevent interior damage always use a windscreen sun shade. This will protect interior vinyl surfaces and considerably reduce the interior temperature of the vehicle.
You can protect your car’s exterior by washing it regularly. This will help keep the surface free from dirt and dust particles that can cause micro scratches.
A layer of wax or sealant between your car’s finish and the sun’s rays is a good way to protect the paint job. Experts agree that you should wax your car regularly to help prevent fading.
Keep your cooling system in good working order and keep your fluids topped up. The possibility of your vehicle overheating increases when your car’s fluids are below recommended levels.
Excessive heat will reduce the life of your battery. Some experts say that excessive heat can shorten the life of your car battery by as much as 30% compared to colder climates.
Taking care to protect your car from the sun in addition to regular maintenance will help you maintain its value when it comes time to sell or trade it in for a new model.
Repair
At some point, even the best car paints are affected by the powerful UV rays of the sun. Sun damage can be very mild or it can cause cracking and fading in different parts of the car.
If paint damage is not too severe you can try using a rubbing compound. This can restore mildly damaged paintwork, and refresh the colour. This method can provide you with a partial repair of the paint on your car.
For extensive damage, you will have to have the car fully repainted. Estimates will vary, but on average it should cost somewhere between $500 – $3,000 depending on the make and model of your car.
For interior damage, car seats can run $250 – $750 per seat. A full re-upholstery job can cost up to $4000.
If you are in the car market, either buying or selling make sure you understand what’s involved. You can always request an Equifax or similar report to get a comprehensive history of the vehicle. Maintaining your vehicle will ensure it stays with you for years to come.
