How to Protect Your Car from UV Rays

Now that the weather is getting warmer, you may be asking "how do I protect my car from the sun?" 

Well, we have the complete guide for you!

UV rays can affect your vehicle in two different ways, directly and indirectly:

1. Direct damage occurs from the first-hand effects of the sun's exposure on your vehicle. This can include oxidisation and fading of paint surfaces, discolouration and damage of leather and upholstery, fading and cracking of internal and external plastics, and any other material impairments.
2. Indirect damage is caused by the interaction of UV rays with other substances that may be on your vehicle's surface. Contaminations like bird poop, dead bugs, and tree sap can cause corrosion and extreme damage to paintwork if left for too long, especially under the baking rays of the sun.

Most sun damage can be avoidable with the proper care and maintenance of your vehicle. So, how can you protect your car from UV rays?

1. Maintenance washing

The easiest way to avoid indirect sun damage is to be on top of your cleaning game. Never let substances like bird poop, tree sap, or bug splatter sit on the surface of your vehicle. Carry a quick detailer or an all-purpose cleaner and a microfibre cloth in your car for when you notice contamination that can be removed with a quick spritz and wipe. Remember to never wash your car in direct sunlight!

For bird poop: Koch-Chemie Fse (for recent staining), Koch-Chemie Insect & Dirt Remover, Poorboy's Bird Sh#t Remover

For tree sap: Koch-Chemie Eulex (Eulex M for matte vehicles), SONAX Tree Sap Remover

For bug splatter: Koch-Chemie Insect & Dirt Remover, CARPRO Bug Out, Gtechniq W8 Bug Remover

2. Ceramic coatings and waxes 

Some ceramic coatings and waxes can provide a shield on your vehicle's surface to deflect UV rays and prevent them from penetrating the paint surface. CARPRO CQUARTZ CQ.UK and CARPRO CQUARTZ Lite are resistant to UV rays so will help protect your paintwork whilst Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax contains a high level of UVA & UVB protection to prevent fading and oxidation.

3. Coat plastic surfaces for maximum protection

CARPRO DLight is a plastic coating with strong UV absorbers and light stabilisers, effectively blocking harmful UVA and UVB light in the wide rejection spectrum of 260nm to 360nm. By creating a powerful protective layer, this advanced formula guards delicate surfaces from the damaging effects of UV rays, preventing yellowing, fading, and cracking over time

Interior plastics are also vulnerable to damage from the sun. Koch-Chemie PSS Plast Star and CARPRO Perl will provide strong protection from the effects of UV rays such as fading, cracking, and discolouration.

If sun damage has already occurred on exterior trim, you can use Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer to restore all but the most faded trim to an as new condition.

4. Use a leather conditioner

UV rays can cause irreparable damage to interior leathers and upholstery. Using a protective coating or dressing on these materials can prolong their life and provide a barrier against sun damage. CARPRO's SkinCare Kit has everything you need to clean and protect leather surfaces. Chemical Guys Leather Protectant Serum will help to prevent cracking, fading and discolouration.

Koch-Chemie's new marine range features two new products perfect for leather care. Use ALC Allround Leather Cleaner to remove stains, oils, and dirt before protecting with ALS Allround Leather Sealant.

5. Change your parking habits

Park in shade where you can and this will protect your vehicle, especially the interior, from direct sunlight. Note: you may become more susceptible to bird defecation if you park under a tree! You can also get into the habit of using a windscreen shade or window screens.

6. Soft top convertible care

If you have a convertible car and are lucky enough to drive with the roof down on a nice summer's day, it's important to also maintain the fabric of your soft top. Autoglym Soft Top Cleaner & Protector Kit has everything you need to clean and protect soft top roofs. Clean to remove staining and dirt, and then add a layer of protection.

You can also use an all purpose cleaner or fabric cleaner and then top with CARPRO CQUARTZ Fabric Coat 2.0, Gtechniq Smart Fabric, or Koch-Chemie Allround Textile Sealant for hydrophobic and UV protection.