Kia dealers in Albuquerque, NM, can all agree on one thing: summer can cause substantial damage to any vehicle. It’s not only the direct sunlight you need to be wary of, but the heated air inside your car can also ruin your dashboard and upholstery.
Here are some practical ways to protect your vehicle from the damaging effects of summer.
- Park in a covered lot or in the shade.
Kia dealerships around Rio Rancho say that the easiest way to protect your car from the sun and heat is to avoid it altogether. If you don’t have a garage, you can build a carport as a way to protect your vehicle. However, if making a garage or a carport is impossible, you can buy and use a car cover instead.
However, remember to never park under a tree. While parking under a tree can provide your car with some shade, it also makes your vehicle open to falling leaves, branches, pollen, and other debris. What you need to do is to look for tall infrastructures that can create your much-needed shade during the hottest part of the day and park near that structure.
- Consider tinting your windows.
Some people don’t like tinting their windows because it makes driving during nighttime slightly tricky. However, window tints can give your upholstery additional protection, perhaps more than a windshield sunshade possibly can. Check with your local government how much tint they allow vehicles to have.
If you are not comfortable with tinting your windows (or if your area does not allow tinted windows), then you can use car window and windshield shades to protect your interior from UV heat. If it is safe, you can also try cracking your window slightly open to release the hot air accumulated inside your cabin.
- Install seat covers.
It does not matter whether your seats are leather, vinyl, or fabric: heat tends to damage them all. Leather and vinyl tend to crack, while fabrics tend to fade under scorching temperatures. While you can always use conditioners and protectants to prevent this from happening, it may be a better option to install seat covers instead. Not only will seat covers protect your upholstery, but they can also keep it cool. Nothing is more uncomfortable than trying to drive while your legs are cooking in the heat.
- Avoid travelling during noon.
As much as possible, schedule your driving during early morning or late evening. It will help you protect your vehicle from direct sunlight and prevent your air conditioning system from working overtime. Plus, driving only when it is cooler also prevents your engine from overheating.
- Apply protective wax to your car.
Protective wax can give your vehicle an extra layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays. If you have the budget, you can also consider installing paint protective films on your car’s exterior. Not only will these films protect your vehicle’s paint from the hot weather, but they can also protect your vehicle from dust, dirt, minor scratches, and dents.
Help your vehicle beat the summer heat, and make sure to check out Fiesta Kia for more helpful tips.
