One of the very best things about living in paradise is the constant beautiful weather. The sun is shining on most days of the week and we wouldn’t have it any other way. However, with that sweet Hawaiian sun comes the soaring temps. We are firm believers in sun protection – yes, your skin and eyes should always be your first priorities when covering up – but your vehicle should come in a close second. This month on the blog we’re letting you in on our proven tips to keeping your car cool and protected.
WINDOWS
Greenhouses on wheels. That’s what we like to call cars that sit in the sun for too long. It doesn’t take much for the sunlight to pass through the windows and into the vehicle, almost immediately being absorbed by the interior. We’re talking seats, seatbelts, arm rests, dashboards, steering wheels – the whole shebang. To make matters worse, it takes nearly 20 minutes for everything to cool down. To prevent sunlight from entering and trapping heat in your car, there needs to be some sort of impediment. We highly suggest covering your windows before leaving your car for an extended period of time. Windshield shades and window covers make great solutions. You can find them for as little as $12 on Amazon.
PARKING
Constant warm weather could mean more beach days. And while we live for spending time near the ocean, beach days generally involve your car being parked in the blazing sun for a long time. It’s important to plan where you park. Seek out covered parking options as much as possible – under a tree, in a parking garage, or perhaps behind a large structure that will block the sunlight for a good portion of the day. Planning your parking ahead of time takes more time and patience than some would think, but is well worth the result.
PROTECTION
The dashboard, steering wheel and seats are typically the hottest interiors of a parked car. To prevent heat absorption and eventual sun damage, consider adding a layer of protection. Like sunscreen protects our skin, a dashboard cover or large towel will do your vehicle’s interior a lot of good. Physically shielding your car will save you the pain and time of waiting for it to cool down before hitting the road.
We understand that there’s a new “normal” for most people nowadays. COVID-19 has really shook up the world, and we get that you haven’t been doing a whole lot of driving lately. We hope that by taking a few extra steps ahead of time, you can keep your car cool, protected and ready to roll when you need it most. If the sweet Hawaiian sun isn’t the only thing hitting your car, give us a call! Our professionals here at KW Auto Body are always ready to help!