Back to all

When "Shady" is a Good Thing

November 15, 2020

Just like your skin can burn from too much sun, so can the paint on your vehicle.  It can turn dull, oxidize and fade the more ultraviolet rays beat down on it. One solution is to park in a shady spot, or you can buy a cover for your vehicle and put it on when you know it's going to be sitting in the sun for awhile. Yes, it takes a couple of minutes to put on, but in the end, keeping the gloss on your paint will help it retain its beauty… and its value.

And it's not just the sun that can damage your vehicle's paint.  Grit, bird droppings, sap, dust and dead bugs can all ruin the paint.  So, keep your vehicle clean.  Wash it with a soap made especially for vehicles. Dry it with special towels that won't scratch your paint.  Remember:  DON'T WASH YOUR VEHICLE IN THE SUN. Once your vehicle is washed, protect the paint even further with a coat of wax.  DON'T WAX YOUR VEHICLE IN THE SUN, EITHER.

Don't forget the vehicle's interior.  Plastic components inside can literally disintegrate when sunshine heats them up.  That's what causes that oily film on the inside of the windows. So, pick up some of those reflective panels that unfold, placing them in the windshield and back window when you know the sun and heat are going to be intense.  They'll keep out the ultraviolet light and help the interior stay cooler as well.  That will help prevent upholstery from fading and plastic from cracking.

While you're at it, keep your interior's interior clean, too.  That dust and dirt can literally bake into the dashboard, the seats, console and carpeting.  There are cleaning products designed to clean your vehicle's interior that won't stain it or dry it out.

You invested a lot of money into that vehicle.  The sun and dirt are just waiting to destroy it.  Defend your valuable vehicle against the elements.  Hey, it may not wind up on display in a museum, but it'll look great and last longer with just a little TLC.   

Auto Lab Livonia
36251 Five Miles Rd
Livonia, MI 48154
734-432-6000

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Auto Lab Livonia

Engine Air Filter from Auto Lab Livonia

May 12, 2024

Many Livonia drivers have found themselves in the following situation: They go to get their oil changed and their friendly service advisor at Auto Lab Livonia recommends a new engine air filter. They say yes, but don't know what an air filter is or what it does.If this has happened to you, rest ... More

Smart Livonia Drivers Protect Against Overheating

May 5, 2024

Engines get hot when they run. This heat can build up and damage vital engine parts, so engines need a cooling system to keep them running. Cooling system failure is the most common mechanical failure in vehicles. This is unfortunate, because these failures are usually easy for Livonia drivers t... More

Deep Clean Your Fuel System at Auto Lab Livonia

April 28, 2024

Having trouble with your fuel system? Bring your vehicle into Auto Lab Livonia for a check up.In today's Auto Lab Livonia auto post, we're talking about fuel system cleaning. The first thing to know is how important it is to have a clean fuel system. Livonia residents need fuel to go, and the cle... More