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Keep your car safe: Tips to protect your car from the elements

Your car will likely be one of your most prized assets, so you want to keep it in good condition. However, the sun, wildlife and the natural environment can all cause significant damage to your vehicle.

So, what are some of the best ways to protect your car from damage?
Washing and waxing your car at least once a month is an excellent way to protect it from the effects of the sun, pollution, and smog. This is especially the case if you live in the city. Using good-quality wax will provide your car with extra layers of protection against harm. Paint protectants and sealants can also offer an added layer of protection and don’t have to be applied as often.

It can be tempting to park under a tree on a hot day to keep your car cool. However, you should avoid parking under trees where possible. Overhanging branches may brush against your car, causing scratches. In addition, parking under trees can increase your car’s exposure to wildlife, such as birds, which may poop all over your car. Not only is bird poo challenging to clean off your car, but it also contains uric acid, which can be corrosive to your car.

Tree sap is also highly corrosive and can cause significant damage to your vehicle.

The longer bird poo or tree sap are left on your vehicle, the more difficult they are to remove. This can increase the chance of permanent damage to your vehicle. Therefore, if you do have bird poo or tree sap on your car, you should clean it off as soon as possible.

Parking near construction sites can also increase the risk of your car being scratched or scraped.

How to protect your car

There are many different ways you can protect your car from damage.

Vinyl wraps offer a layer of protection against scratches, chips and fading. These transparent films are added to the car’s exterior, creating a barrier between the paint and external elements.

Vinyl wraps can be especially useful for high-impact areas such as the front bumper, bonnet and side mirrors.

Ceramic coatings can also offer long-term protection for your car. Liquid polymer is added to the paintwork, forming a chemical bond. This acts as a protective barrier against UV rays, bird droppings, oxidisation, and chemical stains.

Ceramic coatings also make washing your car easier, as dirt and grime are less likely to stick to the surface.

When fitted by a professional, vinyl wraps and ceramic coatings can last up to five years.

Have stones chipped your car? Fixing it as soon as possible will help avoid further damage.

Many car dealers offer car covers which fit perfectly to your model. These can protect your car’s interior and exterior from sun damage. Car Covers are ideal for those who want to protect their car while out and about.

A carport shade sail can provide significant protection, without the cost of a permanent structure. A car shade sail can also help protect your car from the sun’s harsh UV rays.

Studies have shown that a quality shade sail can reduce exposure to UV rays by up to 99%. UV rays can break down the molecular structure of car paint, leading to a loss of colour intensity.

Therefore, by reducing the car’s exposure to the sun, a car shade sail can help stop the paint from fading. Choosing a good quality shade sail will also protect your car from rain, wind and hail. For example, Rainbow Shade’s products have been certified with the highest level of hail protection.

Why you should consider a Carport shade sail

Cost-Effective Protection

Offers significant protection without the expense of a permanent structure.

UV Ray Protection

Reduces exposure to harmful UV rays by up to 99%, protecting car paint from fading.

Prevents Paint Damage

Shields your car’s paint from the sun, preventing loss of color intensity.

Weather Protection

Guards against rain, wind, and hail, with high-quality products like Rainbow Shade offering top-level hail protection.

Article References

NRMA Insurance (n.d.) No Garage? Here’s how to protect your car, NRMA Insurance, accessed 2 August 2024.

Rainbow Shade (n.d.) Car shade sail Carport & Driveway Shade Sails, Rainbow Shade, accessed 2 August 2024.

RACV (2024) How to protect your car paintwork, RACV, accessed 2 August 2024.

Solar Style (2024) Protecting Your Car’s Paint: Effects Of Sun Damage And Prevention Tips, Solar Style, accessed 2 August 2024.

Keep your car safe: Tips to protect your car from the elements