How UV Exposure Can Harm Your Car

Especially during the summer months, areas of your car exposed directly to sunlight can reach temperatures between 145 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Over time, this intense heat can lead to visible signs of aging such as cracks and fading on your dashboard, upholstery, paint, and other hidden components.

Dashboard

Your car's dashboard, sitting just beneath the windshield, is particularly vulnerable to UV damage. As the first point of contact for sunlight, it often shows the earliest signs of deterioration, including discoloration and cracking. These changes not only affect the aesthetic appeal of your car but can also compromise its structural integrity over time.

Upholstery

The type of material used in your car's upholstery plays a significant role in how much damage it sustains from UV exposure. Leather seats, while luxurious, are especially prone to drying out and losing their suppleness when left unprotected under the sun. This loss of moisture leads to cracking and stiffness, making them uncomfortable to sit on. Regularly applying leather conditioner and using seat covers can help maintain the quality of your leather seats. For fabric interiors, while they may not crack as dramatically, they too can fade significantly after years of exposure.

Paint Job

Your car's paintwork is another area that suffers greatly from UV exposure. Particularly if you own a dark-colored vehicle, you'll notice the paint begins to lose its vibrancy and shine due to oxidation. Similarly, external plastic components like bumpers, headlight covers, and mirrors don't just lose their color; they can develop fine cracks as well. These changes make your car appear older than it actually is, even with routine cleaning and waxing.

Interior Components

Excessive heat and UV rays can impact more than just the aesthetics of your car—they can also affect its functionality and safety:

• Belts and hoses may become brittle and prone to breaking, potentially leading to critical failures.
• Fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant can evaporate faster, thickening and reducing their effectiveness. This could lead to overheating issues or premature wear on other parts.
• Tire pressure can fluctuate dramatically in extreme heat conditions, posing a higher risk of blowouts.

Protecting Your Car

One of the simplest ways to minimize UV damage is to park your car in a shaded area whenever possible. If you have access to a garage, make sure to utilize it. Additionally, consider setting up a portable shade canopy to shield your vehicle from direct sunlight. Not only will this keep your car cooler when you're ready to drive, but it will also prevent your interior from heating up excessively.

Other proactive measures include:

• Regularly washing your car to remove any dirt or debris that could bake onto the surface under the sun.
• Drying your car thoroughly with a soft microfiber towel to eliminate any mineral deposits that might harm the paint.
• Applying a good quality wax to protect the exterior from dirt, fading, chips, and rust.
• Using windshield sun shades to block UV rays from reaching sensitive parts inside your car.
• Slightly cracking your windows when parking outside to allow trapped heat to escape.
• For leather seats, investing in protective seat covers can offer additional defense against UV degradation.

Have you already noticed some telltale signs of UV damage on your vehicle? Don't hesitate to reach out to DaSilva’s Auto Body for professional assistance. Whether you need interior and exterior detailing, repainting services, or part replacements and repairs, we’re here to help restore your car to its former glory. Contact our Naugatuck location to schedule an appointment today!