7 Easy Ways to Protect Your Car from Extreme Heat 

June 12, 2024

The sun provides countless benefits to our planet and our bodies. In fact, it makes it possible for life to exist on earth. But when temperatures soar, especially in the summer months, the sun can wreak havoc on our vehicles inside and out. Luckily, there are several ways to protect your car from extreme heat. Check out these seven tips below:  

Wash your car regularly:

Leaving dirt and grime sitting on the surface of your car too long not only looks bad, but it can actually ruin your car’s paint job. Debris can end up scratching your car’s topcoat and exposing it to damaging UV rays, or accelerating the oxidation process. Regularly washing your car is one of the easiest ways to protect it from sun damage.  

Park in the shade:

Exposing your car to UV rays for an extended period can cause the paint to fade and damage your car’s upholstery and dashboard. We know it’s not always possible to find that coveted shady parking spot, but try and park under cover when you can. It’s amazing how much covered parking can bring down the temperature of the car, inside and out. Be careful when parking under trees, though. The acid in bird poop can actually eat through your car’s clear coat and destroy the paint.  

Crack the windows:

We all know how uncomfortable it can feel to get in a stuffy hot car that’s been sitting in the sun. It turns out, hot air can also cause deterioration to the interior features of the vehicle over time. Rolling down the windows just a bit when parked can help provide more ventilation to make sure air is moving throughout the vehicle. Of course, make sure to check the forecast and roll the windows up if rain is expected!  

Use a windshield cover:

For only about $20, this tried-and-true product can reduce the inside temperature of a car by up to 30 degrees. Also referred to as a car sun shade or a window protector, most come with a metallic side that reflects heat and UV rays away from the car, instead of cooking the inside of the vehicle. Your car will thank you, and you’ll be much more comfortable getting in your car during a hot day.  

Get your car waxed:

A coat of wax can make a big difference in protecting your car’s exterior from the harsh rays of the sun. The wax acts as a protective layer to minimize scratches and UV damage. Think of it like a coat of sunscreen for your car. In addition to safeguarding your car’s paint from the sun, the wax shields your car from road debris. The answer to how often you need to wax your car varies depending on how much it’s exposed to the elements and how many scratches are visible on the exterior.  

At Super Star Car Wash, we’re proud to offer some of the best products in the industry to give your car the strong protection it deserves. The Carnauba wax we use comes from the leaves of the carnauba tree, found only in Brazil. Super Star Car Wash also uses a higher concentration of product per application than many of our competitors, so your car gets the maximum benefit of this natural protectant.  

Test your battery:

The heat can drain your battery even quicker than usual, especially if you’re blasting the AC nonstop. That’s why we recommend getting your vehicle’s battery tested often to make sure it’s running properly. Trust us, you don’t want to wind up stranded on the side of the road on a hot day. Many auto shops provide a free curbside testing service. Or, if you’re a bit of a DIY mechanic yourself, you can purchase a multimeter to test at home.  

Check your tire pressure:

Changing temperatures can cause tire pressure to fluctuate, and burning hot pavement can put you at increased risk of a blowout. Keep a close eye on your tire pressure and make sure your tires are in good condition to prevent any serious issues throughout the year. We never want you to drive around with low tire pressure. That’s why Super Star Car Wash lets you test your tire pressure and fill up your tires with free air at all of our locations. You can find the equipment in the self-service vacuum areas.  

Super Star Car Wash started in sunny Arizona, so we know a thing or two about protecting cars from the hot sun. Inspired to get a car wash or auto detailing? Click here to find a Super Star Car Wash location near you today.