Keep Your Car Cool: Overheating from the South Florida Sun Damages Cars
While most people enjoy living in the warm South Florida climate, ultraviolet rays and extreme heat can cause serious damage to your car. The sun can wreak havoc on your automobile’s mechanical parts, exterior, and interior, causing not only an unpleasant appearance, but a reduction in its value.
UV rays can fade a car’s exterior finish, although most cars now have a clear coat to help protect the paint. Darker colors fade more quickly, but there are a few ways to add more protection. Additional coats of clear coat, paint sealants, or nano coatings are available. They are applied like car wax, but hold up much longer and can extend the life of the paint by years.
Full vinyl car wraps are another alternative. The thin film adheres to your vehicle and completely blocks the sun. They can be matched to your paint or can be used to change the color of your car, and are easy to remove when desired without damage.
Just as the sun can damage car exteriors, it can be equally tough on the interior of your car. The upholstery can fade or crack, while plastic areas may lose their sheen. Tinting the car windows can help and some films are reported to block up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and can last for many years. To prevent leather and rubber areas from becoming brittle, it’s important to keep them regularly cleaned and moisturized.
Living in South Florida, it’s vital to check your car’s fluid levels. They can evaporate more quickly and increase the chances of damage to your auto. Extreme heat even shortens battery life through the evaporation of battery fluid, and the 3.5 year average life span can be significantly shorter. Tire pressure should be checked regularly as high heat, trapped air, and rubber can be volatile, resulting in possible blowouts.
Choosing to park in a shaded area whenever possible is the easiest way to keep your car cooler. Protecting your car from sun damage can ultimately save you money in repairs, while helping to retain your car’s value. Most importantly, it can keep you driving safely and help to protect you from becoming stranded.
Pettineo Insurance Agency can help with additional protection your car. For assistance with your auto insurance needs contact Pettineo Insurance Agency today at (954) 493-9424 or visit www.pettineo.com for a free quote.
Pettineo Insurance Agency Inc. provides auto insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, North Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Tamarac, Plantation, Lighthouse Point and all of Florida. As an independent agent we represent many top rated companies in both the personal and commercial lines. We place your policy with the company offering the best coverage at a reasonable price. We offer a complete line of personal, commercial, life and health insurance products, designed exclusively for your insurance needs. Serving South Florida for almost 30 years, Pettineo Insurance offers the highly personalized service and stability that you should expect from your insurance agent.
