How to Protect Your Car During a Scorching Summer Heat Wave | Astonishing Detail

Summertime is all about sun, fun, and road trips. But as the temperatures climb, your car is at risk of suffering from the heat too. If you’ve ever jumped into your car after it’s been baking in the sun all day, you know just how intense it can get in there. That heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can also cause lasting damage to your vehicle, both inside and out.

At Astonishing Detail, we see firsthand how the summer heat can really take a toll on cars. But don’t worry! With a few smart steps, you can keep your vehicle protected during the hottest days of summer, ensuring it stays in top shape for years to come. Let’s go over some practical, easy-to-follow tips that will help your car beat the heat.

1. Park in the Shade: Your Car Will Thank You

It’s one of the simplest things you can do, but it makes a world of difference: always try to park in the shade. Whether you’re under a tree, in a garage, or a parking deck, keeping your car out of direct sunlight will save it from a lot of unnecessary heat exposure.

If shade is nowhere to be found, no worries—there are other ways to defend your car from the sun:

• Windshield sunshades are a lifesaver. They block out harsh UV rays and keep your car’s interior noticeably cooler.
• Car covers work wonders, especially if your car sits outside all day. A good cover will protect not only from the sun but also from bird droppings and dust, which can damage your paint.

2. Give Your Interior Some Love

The sun isn’t just bad for your car’s exterior—its rays can wreak havoc inside, too. Think about the leather seats, plastic trim, and even your dashboard. Heat and UV rays can cause cracking, fading, and general wear and tear.

Here’s how to keep the interior cool and protected:

• Seat covers are a smart investment, especially if you’ve got leather seats. Not only will they keep your seats cooler, but they’ll also prevent cracking and fading.
• Dash covers are a great way to avoid sun damage on your dashboard. A sun-damaged dash can be an eyesore, and fixing it isn’t cheap.
• Steering wheel covers help you avoid burning your hands when you first hop in, and they also protect your wheel from sun damage.

3. Keep an Eye on Your Tires

You might not realize it, but your tires take a beating in the summer heat, too. The hotter it gets, the more the air inside your tires expands, which can lead to overinflation—and that’s something you definitely want to avoid.

• Check tire pressure frequently. Heat can cause the pressure to rise, making your tires more prone to blowouts, especially on long summer drives.
• Inspect for wear and tear. Summer heat can amplify any existing issues with your tires, like cracks or uneven tread wear. Stay on top of regular inspections to avoid problems before they happen.

4. Watch Your Engine—It’s Feeling the Heat, Too

Your engine has a hard enough job as it is, but throw in a heatwave, and it’s working overtime. An overheated engine can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere, so be sure to keep an eye on your fluid levels.

• Check your coolant regularly—and make sure it’s topped off. The cooling system is your car’s best friend during the summer, so make sure it’s working properly.
• Monitor your oil levels. Heat can thin out your engine oil, which makes it less effective at lubricating and protecting your engine. Changing the oil regularly during the summer is a good idea to avoid overheating issues.

5. Don’t Let the Sun Ruin Your Paint Job

Ever notice how a car’s paint looks dull or faded after years of sitting out in the sun? UV rays can do serious damage to your car’s exterior. But with a little bit of care, you can keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

• Wash your car often. Dirt, dust, and debris can cling to your car and scratch the paint, especially when mixed with the heat. A weekly wash helps prevent damage.
• Wax on, wax off. Applying a layer of wax doesn’t just make your car shiny—it also creates a protective barrier between the paint and the sun. At Astonishing Detail, we offer high-quality waxing services that will keep your paint protected all summer long.

6. Your Car Battery Needs Some TLC

When we think of battery issues, we often think of cold winter months. But summer heat can be just as hard on your car’s battery. Extreme temperatures cause the battery fluid to evaporate, which can lead to corrosion and a shorter lifespan.

• Check for corrosion. Heat can accelerate the buildup of corrosion on your battery terminals. Keeping them clean is crucial if you want to avoid that dreaded “click” when your car refuses to start.
• Get your battery tested. If your battery is a few years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested during a heatwave. This will save you from the hassle of getting stuck with a dead battery at the worst possible moment.

7. Tinted Windows: A Cool Solution

If your car’s interior is your sanctuary, tinting your windows is like giving it a nice pair of sunglasses. Not only does window tinting keep your car cool, but it also protects your interior from harmful UV rays. Plus, it gives your ride a sleek, stylish look.

• Blocks harmful UV rays. Tinting can block up to 99% of UV rays, which means your skin and your car’s interior will thank you.
• Stay within the law. Before you get your windows tinted, make sure you’re aware of the legal limits on window tinting in your area.

Astonishing Detail Help You Beat the Heat

Summer is tough on your car, but with the right steps, you can protect your vehicle and enjoy the season without worry. At Astonishing Detail, we specialize in making sure your car stays protected, inside and out, no matter the weather. From professional waxing to interior detailing, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to ensure your car stays cool, clean, and protected, give us a call or stop by. We’ll make sure your vehicle is ready to tackle the summer heat—and look great while doing it.

Contact Astonishing Detail:

• Address: 2501 Grenoble Road, Henrico, Virginia 23294
• Phone: +1 804-288-1515
• Email: info@astonishingdetail.com