Contrary to what most people think, cars in Vancouver still need protection against ultraviolet (UV) light. Excessive sun exposure causes harm to a car’s inside and outside, just as much as it does to our skin, wearing it down until your car looks old and worn. Although Vancouver experiences mild summers for the most part, it doesn’t mean that a car left under the sun for an extended period won’t get damaged.
For example, when the cabin reaches the 35-degree mark (which is not unrealistic if you leave your car outside in the sun) expect some damage to the upholstery and plastic components.
Window tint installation is more than enough to protect the dashboard, stereo, seats, and other interior components from deterioration caused by UV radiation - something we do right here at Tiago’s Auto Spa.
If you’re on the fence about protecting your car, this article should help you make a decision. Here are the ways that UV radiation damages your vehicle:
The Dashboard Is Usually The First Casualty.
The dashboard doesn’t need scorching summer heat before it starts showing signs of deterioration. If you leave your vehicle in an open parking space while you’re in the office, it won’t be long before the dashboard’s colour fades.
The combination of the warm temperature and sunlight aided by the lack of air circulation takes its toll on the dashboard. Fading is the least of your concerns as most of the components will eventually give in.
Fixing a badly deteriorated dashboard is pricey; if you decide not to fix it, you’ll be forever staring at that horrible sight every time you drive.
Damage on the dashboard caused by UV radiation is typically manifested by cracks and splits in the corners. If you don’t see those signs, you still have a chance to protect it from further damage by installing UV protection.
UV Radiation Causes Upholstery Damage
You’ve invested your hard-earned money for beautiful leather upholstery, and it would be a shame to witness it drying out and cracking after just a couple of years.
Unfortunately, the excess heat trapped inside your vehicle dries out the natural oil in leather. Over time, leather loses its luster, causing it to crack and become stiff.
Meanwhile, the fabric upholstery is quicker to deteriorate without UV protection, and it’ll look just as awful as leather when it’s baked in sunlight and excessive heat. When you spill food or liquid on fabric upholstery, the stains become permanent when you let it dry out in the sun. Avoid this mess by installing UV protection on your vehicle.
Excess Heat Damages The Car’s Rubber Weather Stripping
The potential damage of UV radiation to your car isn’t exclusive to the interior. The rubber stripping installed around the doors is susceptible to damage when the vehicle is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period. You may not notice it, but the rubber stripping plays a crucial role in keeping the interior comfortable and livable. Debris from the outside, i.e., dirt, dust, water, and odor enters the cabin without it.
Too much exposure to the sun causes the rubber material to rot. There are also instances when the material turns brittle and ends up falling apart.
UV light Can Wear Away Your Car’s Paint
Over time, UV light begins to break down the molecules found in your automotive paints, clear coats, and other materials, which causes it to be less reflective or transmitting less colour than our eyes see. This is known as the dulling effect that UV light is responsible for creating with automotive paints, plastic trims, headlights, automotive glass, tires, and wheels.
How To Protect Your Vehicle’s Interior
Window tinting is done by installing a thin film that is attached to the interior of the window’s surface. We recommend putting on an almost-clear film such as Rayno Nano Carbon Ceramic film and a tinted film called Llumar air 80. Applying the lightest shade of film won’t make a noticeable difference to the casual observer but can greatly protect the inside of your car.
How To Protect Your Vehicle’s Exterior
There are several products you can use to protect your car against UV light. The most effective for paint is a ceramic coating. This is designed to fill those tiny valleys and imperfections in a clear coat, bonding to the surface at a molecular level for ultimate protection.
During the application process, the coating is spread from left to right then top to bottom of each panel. Once you’re done with the section, you need to wait for a few minutes to allow the coating to flash or initially cure before buffing off with a clean microfiber towel. The result? Your vehicle will look better than the day you bought it.
Conclusion
If you need to protect the interior or the exterior of your vehicle, please do not hesitate to give Tiago’s Auto Spa a call. As the number one auto detailing company in Vancouver, we offer a range of products and services that can protect your car from harmful UV radiation.