Despite years of engineering, innovation, and design updates, your vehicle is still subject to damage caused by the sun.
It can be incredibly frustrating to see your car’s beautiful paintwork getting damaged. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays not only harm your skin but can also break down the paint on even brand-new cars, making them look old and worn.
But how can you protect your car’s paint from sun damage? There are several ways to shield your car from harmful UV rays and keep its paint looking fresh and vibrant for years to come. Read on to learn more about the effects of sun damage on your car and how you can offset its consequences by investing in the best UV protection for car paint.
How the Sun Can Damage Your Vehicle’s Car Paint
The primary cause of sunburn is ultraviolet radiation generated by the sun’s intense heat. UV radiation is present naturally in sunlight and makes up 10% of the sun’s total electromagnetic radiation output.
- UV rays are a powerful source of energy that triggers a reaction when they hit a surface. This reaction releases a burst of energy that dissipates as heat, causing molecular bonds in the surface to break apart. When UV rays strike your car’s paint, this process begins to damage the molecular structure of the paint over time.
- Continuous sun exposure weakens the paint molecules, causing the exterior to lose its shine and reflectivity.
- This makes your vehicle appear old and dull on the outside. Over time, it can also cause your car paint to bubble up, develop swirls, crack and start peeling off.
- UV rays also cause oxidative damage to your car’s interior, gradually wearing down your dashboard and expensive upholstery.
- Car colors also differ in their resistance to UV damage. For example, red car paint is more prone to fading because it has lower reflective properties, making it more vulnerable to sun exposure.
Additional Contaminants
In addition to damage from the sun, vehicles are susceptible to the following external contaminants:
- Natural by-products such as bird droppings, tree sap, and bug guts contain high acids that accelerate UV radiation damage on your car’s external surfaces.
- Bird droppings have high uric acid levels that can break down clear-coated paint within a few hours.
- Salt, or sodium chloride, is another external contaminant that can accelerate UV damage. It can sometimes corrode and infiltrate protective surfaces like wax coatings and other automotive sealants.
- Road grime combines toxic elements like gravel, tar, chemicals, and oils that slowly erode your protective coatings and car paint.
5 Smart Ways to Protect Car Paint from Sun Damage
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fading, cracking, and peeling, significantly impacting your vehicle’s appearance and value.
To keep your car’s paint looking fresh and protected from sun damage and other external contaminants, here are the best UV protection for car paint:
1. Park in the Shade
Car paint UV protection begins with limiting exposure.
Reducing time under the direct sun is one of the easiest ways to protect paint from sun damage. You can achieve this by simply parking your car in the shade.
Avoiding direct sunlight will protect your vehicle’s interiors and exteriors while maintaining a comparatively lower temperature inside your car.
2. Wax Your Car Regularly
Although many car-owners apply wax for its reflective qualities, does wax protect car paint from sun?
Applying a layer of the substance is a great way to protect your car’s paint from sun damage. Wax forms a protective barrier between your car’s paintwork and harsh sunlight, helping to prevent fading, oxidation, and deterioration.
Beyond UV protection, wax also enhances your car’s shine with a high-gloss finish while making it easier to clean off bug splatter, tree sap, bird droppings, and other contaminants. This added layer of defence keeps your vehicle looking fresh and well-maintained.
The frequency of waxing depends on the type of wax used and the level of sun exposure your car endures. Some wax coatings may require reapplication every few months, while more durable options offer extended sun protection for car paint.
3. Use a Car Cover
While using a car cover may seem like an old-school trick, it remains one of the best UV protection for car paint.
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause paint to fade, crack, and peel, but a high-quality car cover acts as a barrier, preventing direct sunlight from damaging your car’s exterior.
Beyond shielding your car from the sun, a cover also protects against other environmental hazards like bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, dust, and even harsh weather conditions. These contaminants can stain or erode your paint over time, making a car cover a simple yet crucial tool for maintaining your vehicle’s appearance.
When purchasing a car cover, choose a breathable fabric to prevent moisture buildup and condensation, which could lead to mould or rust. Additionally, ensure the cover fits your car snugly to avoid it rubbing against the paint and causing micro-scratches.
4. Get Clear Bra or Paint Protection Film Installation
One of the best ways to protect car paint from sun damage and other harm is to apply a layer of high-grade PPF film on top.
- Hydrophobic Layer: The film comes with a hydrophobic (water-repellent) coating that helps prevent water spots, dirt buildup, and stains, making your car easier to clean and maintain.
- Self-Healing Technology: One of its standout features is a self-healing top coat that can repair minor scratches, swirl marks, and abrasions by applying heat.
- UV Protection: The film provides excellent defence against harmful UV rays, preventing paint fading and oxidation caused by prolonged sun exposure.
- Enhanced Gloss and Clarity: XPEL PPF enhances the vehicle’s paint by maintaining a high-gloss finish while remaining virtually invisible. However, if you’re not a fan of traditional glossy paint, XPEL also offers matte PPF options that offer similar benefits.
5. Add a High-Gloss Ceramic Coating
Applying a ceramic coating over your car’s paint protection film (PPF) is an great way to preserve its pristine appearance and extend its longevity. This powerful combination enhances the vehicle’s aesthetics and provides superior protection against environmental damage.
The synergy of PPF and ceramic coating offers multiple benefits, including:
- Shields your car’s paint from harmful UV rays, oxidation, and environmental contaminants.
- Adds a sleek, high-gloss finish that keeps your vehicle looking new for years.
- Repels water, dirt, and grime, making maintenance easier while simultaneously reducing trips to the repair shop. This helps you save costs in the long term.
Bravo Protection applies FUSION PLUS™, the first ceramic coating from XPEL, a leading innovator in paint protection technology. This premium car paint UV protection ensures long-lasting durability and a flawless finish.
Protect Your Car’s Paint Against Sun Damage with Bravo Protection
If you’re concerned about sun damage, fading, and wear on your vehicle’s glossy finish, now is the perfect time to invest in Clear Bra or Paint Protection Film (PPF) installation.
At Bravo Protection, our team of experts—backed by over 20 years of combined experience—delivers industry-leading PPF application and ceramic coating services from our state-of-the-art service center in Plymouth, Minnesota.
Don’t wait until sun exposure takes a toll on your car’s paint! Invest in the best UV protection for car paint. Get in touch at (952) 476-7025 for a consult with our specialists, or visit Bravo Protection, your reliable partners for PPF installations and auto window tinting Minneapolis MN.