How To Protect Your Car From The Elements When You Don’t Have A Garage
Natural disasters have ravaged the United States in recent years. Every year we read about deadly hurricanes, tropical cyclones, tornadoes and major floods. Undoubtedly, these natural hazards have taught us the importance of building codes. In Florida, for example, residents need safer and more robust homes and hurricane-proof car garages that can withstand the force of extreme storms and high winds. Unfortunately, these are very large and extremely expensive construction projects. And while most of us will continue to prioritize building solid homes, we must also consider the safety of our vehicles and motorcycles. Where and how should we keep them safe if we can’t keep them in the garage?
This question remains relevant even during the less stressful times of the year when we are not concerned about property damage from natural disasters. To be fair, many people don’t live in the path of a hurricane or tropical cyclone, but they may have multiple vehicles and only one spot in the garage, so they can park them in the driveway. These folks will also find it interesting to learn how to protect their vehicles from the elements. According to this, around 63 percent of all inhabited residential units have a garage or carport energy.gov. However, renters will find that only 37 percent of rental homes have these amenities, compared to 78 percent of all condominiums. Since not everyone has access to a garage, car owners can use this to protect their vehicles from the elements, even outdoors.
These are the main elements that can harm your vehicle
You’ve probably learned the hard way that exposure to the sun will ruin your car’s paintwork, causing it to fade, stain and even peel. But did you know that sun exposure also destroys the interior of your vehicle? UV light can damage the leather seats and steering wheel. To make matters worse, prolonged exposure to the sun can damage your car’s transmission, tires, and battery.
However, road dust, sand and debris pose another threat to your car. Stains can scratch your exterior paintwork and damage your engine. In addition, residents of humid regions know that their cars are more prone to dust problems. And if that wasn’t enough, most of us also need to learn how to deal with bugs and bird droppings, which due to their acidic nature could also damage paintwork. However, we can solve most of these problems with little effort and little money.
How to protect your vehicle
The first step would be to keep your car clean, so you need to wash and wax it regularly. Next, try to find a way to protect your vehicle from the sun. Currently there are several options on the market such as waterproof car covers, portable fully automatic car cover tents, portable carports and even portable car canopies. However, before you put up a tent, canopy, or carport in your driveway, it’s a good idea to check HOA regulations.
If you don’t get permission for the carport, you’re probably wondering whether you should park your car under a tree to avoid the sun. Parking your car next to a tree only increases the likelihood that acorns, tree sap, fallen palm leaves, and fruit will damage your car. Also, you might find that sun damage stains and stains your paintwork; Therefore, if you park your car in the sun instead of under the shade of a tree, the color will be more even.
To prevent sun damage and discoloration, apply ceramic coating or nano coating. If you follow the instructions carefully, they will protect your car for up to five years. While there are undoubtedly many DIY kits out there, it is always preferable to leave the job to experts. Paint protection films have become very popular recently, as they not only protect the vehicle from sun damage, but also from stone chipping.
“Originally developed by 3M during the Vietnam War to protect helicopter rotor blades, the film has matured over the past 20 years in the automotive world into an indispensable paint protection that can last for years while remaining clear and invisible to the eye,” says engine trend. “A decade ago film yellowing was a big problem, but years of development has eliminated this problem, resulting in a product that with proper care can remain clear for 5 to 10 years, leaving only that of your car to see glorious colour.”
If you prefer the wash, wax and ceramic coatings over paint protection films, don’t forget to add the paint sealer which provides an extra layer of protection and can last up to a year. Elsewhere, car owners can use a windshield sunshade to keep the cabin cooler and protect from UV rays. Last but not least, leather protectors keep your upholstery in tip-top shape.