Jul 24, 2024
How to protect car paint from sun in open parking

Florida summers can be brutal, and we’re not just talking about the effects can have on you. The heat and sun can also take their toll on your vehicle, especially its exterior. This is even more true if you have to park in open parking without any cover to shield your Orlando Toyota from the sun all day. Our body shop experts are making it simple ™ – check out these tips on how to protect car paint from sun in open parking!

How to protect car paint from sun: Four tips

You need to know how to protect car paint from sun if you’re parking your ride out in the open. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to keep your car out of the sun. You may not have covered parking at home, work, or school, which means your Orlando Toyota is exposed to the elements for hours on end (and usually when the heat and sun are at their worst). So do you know how to protect car paint from sun when you can’t count on covered parking? Check out these four tips.

Tip #1: Detail your car and use a quality wax. One of the easiest ways to protect your car from sun in open parking is to detail it regularly. We’re talking hand wash with a soap made for vehicles, and hand drying to avoid water spots on the paint and remove any chemical residue left on the paint. When your ride is sparkling, our Toyota of Orlando body shop experts recommend applying quality wax. Wax is a sort of sunscreen for your car – it’ll protect your vehicle’s paint from UV rays that can fade it. It also gives your ride a nice shine. You should apply wax every three months to ensure protection.


Tip #2: Invest in a car cover. Another way to beat the heat and sun is to buy a car cover. This will help to protect your car from sun in open parking at home, and you may even choose to use it at work if you’re working long hours. Look for a high-quality cover that’s also UV resistant to give your paint the protection it deserves. (You’ll want to look for covers made of polyester, canvas, or vinyl.) Pro tip: Don’t put a car cover on a wet vehicle; it can cause mold and mildew to grow under the cover. If your car isn’t moving much, then take the cover off for a few minutes every day to let the paint breathe.

Tip #3: Consider ceramic coating. Another option to protect your car from sun is to invest in ceramic coating. Wax is a great way to fend off UV rays, but ceramic coating is a tougher, more permanent solution. Ceramic coating has the same qualities as car wax; however, it’s a liquid polymer that bonds to your car’s paint and creates a super-durable protective layer to prevent sun damage and even superficial scratches. Have questions about it? Ask our Toyota of Orlando body shop techs if it’s right for your car!

Tip #4: Look for trees and shade. This is an easy and free way to protect your ride from the sun all day. Look for shady spots in parking lots, and if you can park under trees, do it. Any shade is better than no shade at all, so seek out spots that can at least slightly protect your car from sitting in the sun all day. If your home or work provides a paid parking garage, it may be worth investing in a parking pass to ward off paint damage long term.

how to protect car from sun in open parking

Toyota of Orlando can help you protect your car’s paint

Whether you need help choosing a quality wax, paint repairs, or just more advice on how to take care of your vehicle’s paint, Toyota of Orlando’s experts are here to help! Call us today at (407) 298-0001 today, or stop by 3575 Vineland Road!