The hot sun and extreme heat we are experiencing this year, can wreak havoc with your car. It can cause the interior plastic on your dashboard to fade and crack. It can also fade and crack your leather or plastic seats.
To protect your seats and dashboard, clean them with a good polish. The polish will leave a layer of protection on the surface. Be careful, not to use a harsh chemical to clean the interior of your car. If you do, it may actually increase the likelihood that the interior will fade and crack. Parking in the shade and using a sun shade will also protect the interior of your car from damage.
The summer sun and heat can also fade and crack the paint on your car. Washing your car frequently will help to protect it. Washing it after it rains will keep the paint from being damaged from the acidity of the rain. Frequent washing will also remove tree sap, road tar, insects and bird droppings. The acid from bird droppings can eat through your paint. If it does, that area may rust. Also, washing the under carriage of the car will remove any accumulation of dirt and mud.
Waxing your car often will also help to protect its paint and finish. To keep the wax from drying before you can buff it, only wax it in the shade and when the temperature is below 85 degrees. Wax your car using a soft cloth to avoid scratching it. Also, use a dry rag to clean dirt, bugs etc. from your headlights so you do not scratch the lens.
There is a lot of road construction during the nice weather. That means your car is exposed to a lot of dust, gravel, tar, stones, etc. during this time. That debris can cause scratches, pits and dings in your car. Where you find them, you need to address them before they start to rust. Surface rust is unsightly and reduces the value of your car. To prevent it, just use a little polishing compound to clean the blemish and then some touch up paint to cover it.
A little attention will help to protect your car from the damage caused by the sun, heat, road construction, etc. The better you maintain the exterior and interior of your car, the better it will look and the more money you will get for it when you do decide to sell it.
