Over the next few days the UK is expected to experience plenty of sunshine, with falling temperatures in Somerset expected to hit the mid-20s over the weekend and early next week.
T-shirts and shorts will be worn and the parks will be full of revelers on the weekends, and while many of us are vigilant in our sunscreen application, we’re not always so good at remembering to protect ourselves. our cars.
The sun’s UV rays don’t just damage our skin, but also the paint jobs of our cars – they can dry out the resin in the paint, causing it to crack and making the paint look duller and less reflective.
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So like if you are planning to travel on the M5, M4 or A303 in Somerset in the next few days, it may be useful to know these handy tips. Car hire specialist Leasing Options has put together a handy guide of 10 tips to protect your car from sun and heat damage, “saving you up to £2,400 on a car paint job”.
1. Wash your car and dry it by hand
The sun can crack and fade your car’s paint. Hand washing and drying your car removes dirt and dust particles that can cause micro scratches and dull your car’s finish. It is important to dry it by hand with a soft cloth, so that minerals and dirt do not stick to the surface of the vehicle after rinsing.
2. Park in the shade
Preventing your car from being exposed to direct sunlight will help keep your car’s interior cooler for longer. This will also prevent any damage to the dashboard.
3. Check your tire pressure once a month
If your tires are underinflated and sitting on hot pavement, it can be a recipe for disaster. Underinflated tires are more likely to burst at high temperatures, so you should check your tire pressure once a month to prevent this.
4. Get a windshield sunshade
Although it may seem like a lot of effort, windshield sunshades are a great way to reduce the temperature inside your car. They also help prevent the dulling effect that UV has on your car’s interior.
5. Don’t forget to clean your car’s interior
The dust combined with the scorching sun can cause dirt to appear on your dashboard and other surfaces. However, cleaning your car’s interior a few times a month can prevent this from happening. Always be sure to use cleaning products intended for automotive surfaces.
6. Protect your car seats
Seat covers are great for helping to keep leather and fabric seats cool. For those with leather seats, you should also use a leather conditioner to prevent cracking and tearing from sun damage.
7. Check your fluid levels
Fluid levels in cars are depleted faster than they usually would in the summer due to the heat. The risk of your car overheating increases if fluid levels are lower than they should be. You should regularly check your car’s engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid and keep them topped up.
8. Have the air filters checked
In the summer, there is more dust and debris in the air, which can clog your car’s filters. This could lead to poor regulation of your car’s air and fluid levels.
9. Apply a layer of wax after washing
Waxing is an important step in preventing sun damage to car paint. It provides a layer of protection between UV light and your car’s surface.
10. Have your battery tested by a professional
Heat can put a higher load pressure on your car battery by running things like the air conditioning. In the summer, you should have your battery tested by a professional to make sure it is working and to prevent your car from not starting.
Sun and heat can be just as damaging to your car as snow and ice, according to Mike Thompson, director at Leasing Options.
“Motors who don’t protect their cars from the sun could risk needing a number of repairs to their car,” he says, “including paint, new tires and battery replacement.
“To prevent this from happening, motorists should ensure that during the summer months they wash and dry their cars regularly, check tire pressure monthly and have their car battery checked by a professional. .”
The latest news from Leasing Options, including their latest offers, can be found here.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-12 10:50:22
