Can Heat Damage My Car Paint?

Florida summers are brutal on everyone and everything, including vehicles. In the sun, your car and its exterior can be hit hard with the heat and sun, especially if you park outside without a cover. If you’re starting to ask yourself questions like “Can heat damage my car paint?”, then you’re asking the right things and we’re here to help! Toyota of Orlando has compiled our top tips to protect car paint from heat this summer!

Tip #1: Be Mindful of Parking Conditions

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to park your car out of the sun in Orlando and protect the car paint from heat. You might not have covered parking at home, work, or school, which leaves your Toyota exposed for hours. This is especially worse during the day, when the sun is at its peak during the afternoon and has the worst heat.

Tip #2: Detail Your Car and Use a Quality Wax

One of the easier ways to protect your car from the sun in an open parking lot is to detail it regularly. This is as simple as hand washing with a soap made for vehicles, and then hand drying to avoid water spots and chemical residue that could remain on the paint.

When your ride is sparkling, our Toyota of Orlando body shop experts recommend applying a quality wax. Wax is like a sunscreen for your car and acts as protection from UV rays for your car paint to prevent fading. Plus it gives your vehicle a stellar shine! Our experts recommend applying wax every three months to ensure the best protection (and shine) for your car.

Tip #3: Investing in a Car Cover

Another solution for protecting your car paint is to purchase a car cover. This will protect your car from the sun while at home, and you can always bring it with you to use in other open parking lots! Look for high-quality covers that are UV resistant (namely ones made of canvas, polyester, or vinyl) to give your car paint the protection it deserves. If your car isn’t moving regularly, try to take the cover off for a few minutes every day to let the car paint breathe. Also, make sure to not put the car cover on a wet vehicle to avoid any mold or mildew from growing under the cover!

Tip #4: Consider Getting a Ceramic Coating

Another option to protect your car paint is to invest in a ceramic coating for your vehicle. Wax is a more affordable way to fend off UV rays, but ceramic coating is tougher and a more permanent solution. Ceramic coating and car wax have the same qualities, but the former is a liquid polymer that bonds to the car paint. This creates an extremely durable protective layer that prevents any sun damage and even superficial scratches. The Toyota of Orlando Collision Center techs can answer any questions to help decide if this is right for your vehicle!

Tip #5: Look For Trees and Shade

This is the easiest and simplest way to protect your vehicle and car paint from the heat. Look for a shady spot in the parking lot, even if it’s only partially shaded by a tree - some shade is better than none! If you have access to a paid parking garage, it may be worth purchasing a parking pass to prevent car paint damage long term, or at least for the summer.

Protect Your Car Paint This Summer at Toyota of Orlando!

In Orlando, we deal with the Florida heat for the majority of the year. Whether you need help with car paint repairs, choosing a quality wax, or more advice on preventing heat damage to your vehicle, we’re here to help! Talk to our experts at Toyota of Orlando by visiting us at 3575 Vineland Road or give us a call at 407-298-0001.