Even the sleekest, most high-tech car squints in the sun without a little help.
Harsh UV rays, heat, and humidity can slowly rob your car’s paint of its gloss, causing it to fade, crack, and dull over time.
But don’t worry!
Protecting your ride’s showroom shine from the summer heat isn’t impossible — you just need to take the right routes.
From smart parking habits to protective ceramic coatings, we’ve rounded up the best tips to guard your car’s paint from sun and UV damage.
1. Always Park Your Car in the Shade
Limiting exposure to the sun is the simplest and most effective way to protect your car’s paint.
Whenever possible, try parking your car in the shade — under a tree, in a garage, or beneath a carport — anything works. This will not only protect your car’s interior and exterior but also keep it from feeling like an oven during hot summer days.
2. Purchase a Car Cover
Can’t find a shaded spot to park your car?
A high-quality car cover can come to your rescue.
A car cover can protect your vehicle from the sun and other elements, such as dust, rain, bird droppings, tree sap, or extreme weather. These contaminants can stain or erode your paint over time.
But don’t just go for any cover!
Invest in a UV-resistant one made of polyester, canvas, or vinyl. Also, ensure the fabric is breathable to prevent moisture build-up and mold growth — both of which can corrode your car paint.
And if you don’t plan to drive often, remove the cover every few days to let your car air out.
TIP: Always ensure your car is dry before you put on the cover to avoid trapping any moisture.
3. Wash Your Car Regularly
Letting dirt or bird droppings stay on your car for too long can damage the paint.
Bird droppings are acidic and can quickly eat through the clear coat. If not cleaned off promptly, this can lead to fading or permanent etching. Dirt can also trap moisture and lead to scratches or oxidation over time.
Solution: Give your car a wash often.
Use a gentle, car-specific cleaner — not that old bottle of shampoo sitting under your bathroom sink. Remember to pair it with soft microfiber cloths, and always wash your car in the shade to prevent water spots.
Wondering how often you should wash your car?
If you drive most weekdays, once a week is a good rule of thumb. Also, be sure to wash it after it rains to prevent water spots and contaminants from settling in.
4. Invest in a Good Car Wax
After the wash, don’t forget the wax!
Think of wax as sunscreen for your car — it works as a protective barrier, protecting against UV rays that can fade your vehicle’s paint over time. For the best results, apply a good-quality wax every three months.
5. Protect with Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Applying a high-quality paint protection film (PPF) is another way to protect your car’s paint from sun damage and everyday wear.
Now, there are a couple of options to choose from:
- Hydrophobic surface: Repels water, dirt, and stains for easier cleaning.
- Self-healing: Minor scratches and swirl marks disappear on their own with heat.
- UV defense: Blocks harmful rays that cause paint fading and oxidation.
- Boosts shine (or matte): Enhances your car’s look with a high-gloss or matte finish.
6. Apply a Ceramic Coating
When it comes to long-term paint protection, a ceramic coating is the final and strongest layer of defense.
It’s a liquid polymer that bonds directly to your car’s paint, forming a tough, hydrophobic layer that shields your vehicle from sun damage, oxidation, and even minor scratches.
How is it different from car wax?
While car wax helps block UV rays, a ceramic coating can be a more durable and long-lasting solution.
But what if you already have a Paint Protection Film (PPF)?
No worries! Apply the ceramic coating over your PPF to enhance your car’s gloss and clarity and also extend the life of both the film and your paint.
And to really level up your car care routine, consider the following suggestions too.
Additional Tips to Protect Your Car Paint
Here are some bonus hacks to protect your car paint all year round:
- Clean wheels regularly to prevent brake dust and grime from damaging nearby paint.
- Avoid parking in high-risk areas, like near construction sites.
- Adapt your car care routine to seasonal threats like UV rays and road salt.
Regular maintenance and protection can help preserve your car’s paint and resale value.