How Can Heat Damage My Car Paint?

We know how brutal the Florida sun can be on everything, from people to vehicles. In the sunrays, your car and its exterior can be hit hard by the heat, especially if you’re parked outside without a cover. For anyone asking themselves, “Can heat damage my car paint?”, then you’ve come to the right spot! This is Toyota of Clermont’s guide on how to protect car paint from the heat!

Tip #1: Be Mindful of Parking Conditions

First off, you need to be aware of your daily parking habits. It’s not always possible to park your car out of the sun in Clermont to protect your car paint from the heat. You may not always have access to covered parking, whether it’s at home, work, or school. It can be worse during the day when the sun is at its peak with stronger heat (especially in Florida), leaving your Toyota exposed for hours.

The easiest and simplest way to protect car paint on any vehicle is to park under shade. Look for a shady spot in the parking lot, even if it’s only partially shaded (some is better than none!). If you have access to a paid parking garage, it may be worth purchasing a parking pass to prevent any long-term paint damage, or at least for the summer months when the heat is worse.

Tip #2: Invest In A Car Cover

You can protect your car paint by purchasing a car cover! This shields your car from the sun while you’re at home, and you can always bring it with you to use in other open parking areas. You should look at high-quality UV-resistant covers made of canvas, polyester, or vinyl to give your car the protection it deserves. You can also use a sunshade for partial protection across your dashboard. If your car doesn’t move daily, remember to take the cover off for a few minutes every day to let the paint breathe. And don’t put the car cover on a wet vehicle to avoid any mold or mildew from growing underneath!

Tip #3: Pay Attention to Your Car

Another easy solution to protect your car paint from the sun is to check up on and detail your car regularly. You’ll be able to see when the paint on your Toyota starts to fade, and try to stop it from getting worse. This is also a great way to check your tire pressure, which can also be affected by the heat!

If you’re planning to detail your car, it can be as simple as hand washing with soap for vehicles and then hand drying. When your ride is sparkling, our Toyota of Clermont body shop experts recommend applying a quality wax to protect the car paint. The wax acts as a sunscreen for your car and protects against UV rays while giving your Toyota a stellar shine! Our experts recommend applying a wax every three months to ensure the best protection (and shine) for your car.

Tip #4: Get a Ceramic Coating

If you want a tougher solution for “Can heat damage my car paint?”, then you should consider investing in a ceramic coating for your car. While wax is a more affordable option to fend off the UV rays, a ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds to car paint and is a more permanent solution. This bond creates an extremely durable protective layer that prevents any sun damage and even superficial scratches. If you’re interested in this option, visit our Toyota of Clermont Collision Center to talk to our technicians and ask any questions!

Protect Your Car Paint at Toyota of Clermont

We deal with the Florida heat for the majority of the year. Whether you need more advice on preventing heat damage to your car paint, choosing a quality wax, or are looking for a paint repair, we’re ready to help! Talk to our experts at Toyota of Clermont today by visiting our dealership at 16851 State Road 50 or giving us a call at 352-404-7000.