If you've ever gotten into your car on a hot summer day, then you probably already know one reason you shouldn't park your Subaru in the sun. But a hot steering wheel isn't the only thing you have to worry about.
At Freehold Subaru, we want you and our other Farmingdale and Manalapan customers to avoid the damaging effects of the sun and keep your Subaru looking like new. Read about the dangers and follow the tips in this article to help protect your car from the sun's harmful rays.
Why Parking in the Sun Is Bad for Your Subaru
On a 90-degree day, temperatures inside your vehicle can quickly reach 140 degrees and higher in the span of just an hour. The actual surfaces themselves, such as the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel, can get even hotter.
Accidently touching a scorching metal seatbelt buckle can result in minor burns and skin irritation, not to mention that a hot steering wheel can be difficult to hold, reducing your ability to drive the vehicle safely.
These high temperatures can also heat up and melt any travel snacks you may have in the car as well as release harmful chemicals into any water bottles left inside. And aside from making everything hotter, UV rays from the sun can fade the interior and cause damage or cracks in the dashboard, steering wheel, and other plastic parts.
More damage is caused to the exterior of your Subaru, though, since it receives a majority of the sun's blow directly. To start, sun damage to the tires can weaken the sidewalls. Furthermore, sunlight and heat can break down your Subaru's clear coat, causing paint, rubber, and plastic trim to fade, crack, and peel.
How to Protect Your Subaru from the Sun
Park in the shade. Though indirect sunlight can still be harmful, it's better than being directly under its rays.- Use a windshield sunshade. These are simple to use and will help to protect your interior surfaces and keep the temperature down.
- Protect the dash and upholstery. Using dashboard and upholstery protectants can add a layer of defense to the surfaces in your car. There are a number of helpful detailing products available including special conditioner if you have leather seats.
- Wash your Subaru regularly. A thorough wash, dry, and waxing can help protect your clear coat and paint from the sun's harmful rays. We recommend you wash and wax at least once a month.
Sun Damage Repair at Freehold Subaru
Now you know some more reasons you shouldn't park your Subaru in the sun. But in addition to cosmetic damages, the sun and high temperatures can also affect the battery, the cooling system, and other internal parts of your Subaru. To make sure you're fully protected, bring your vehicle to our service department at Freehold Subaru for a quick inspection.
Schedule a service appointment today by calling 888-684-6202 and see how we've helped other drivers from Freehold, Farmingdale, and Manalapan keep their Subaru looking and running like new.
