The sun’s rays are extremely powerful and can break down the molecules in automotive paint over time. This means that a car’s paint or coating becomes less reflective and has less of a shine. The sun doesn’t just affect the paint; it can also dull the plastic trim, headlights, glass, tires, and wheels on a car.
Whilst one solution is to shelter the car from the sun at all costs and hide it away in the garage, there’s no point in owning a beautiful vehicle if the driver can’t take it out for a drive on a hot, summer’s day. Read on to find out how auto detailers can help protect cars from sun damage.
Auto Detailers Should Advise Drivers to Wash Cars Often
As any professional auto detailer knows, an important part of car maintenance is a regular car wash. It doesn’t just keep cars clean; it protects against damage. Dirt and grime can slowly destroy a car’s coating and weaken its protection against UV light. Natural dirt like dead bugs, bird droppings or tree sap also contain high levels of acid which can accelerate UV radiation damage.
In your future auto detailing career, you should recommend that clients wash their cars at least once a week, either professionally or by themselves. This will help to reduce the effects of sun damage and help to protect the paint work. After washing, make sure to dry the car thoroughly by hand to prevent the risk of water evaporation marks. This will also remove any chemical residue from cleaning products left on the car.
Use Car Wax after Washing
Applying car wax to a car after washing can increase its protection against UV rays. One or two coats of wax will act as a barrier and stop UV rays from hitting and damaging the car paint. As an added bonus, the vehicle will look shinier in the sunlight after waxing. Car wax should be applied at least once a month to be effective.
Learn to Apply a Ceramic Coating in Auto Detailing Training
An alternative to car wax that you may learn about in an auto detailing course is ceramic coating. Ceramic coating is said to offer more protection than regular wax and lasts for around two to five years.
The coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to a car’s paint and creates a layer of protection on top of the clear coat. It offers better UV protection than wax and can also be applied to plastic trims, wheels, vinyl wrap, headlight covers, and windshields to keep a car looking fresh after a long, hot summer.
If All Else Fails…. Invest in a Quality Car Cover
The most effective way to protect a car from sun damage is to hide it from the sun whenever possible. There are a number of different car covers that can stop the sun from damaging a car when it’s parked. The driver will still need to get their car regularly washed and waxed, but using a car cover will help to reduce sun damage.
However, be sure to warn your clients that car covers should only ever be applied to a dry vehicle, as otherwise mold or bacteria can spread. Similarly, a car cover should be removed and reapplied at least once a week.
Our next auto detailing training course in Surrey begins on March 23rd!
Contact Automotive Training Centres to find out more.
