Not only are cars substantial financial investments, they are also critical to our ability to earn a living and get ourselves from one place to another. That is why it’s so important to take measures to protect our cars.
The best way to protect your car is to park in a garage. However, if you do not have a garage, here are some ways that you can keep your car safe and extend its life.
AVOIDING SUN DAMAGE
1. Park your car in the shade whenever possible
The sun’s rays will slowly eat away at whatever surfaces of your vehicle are left exposed. This includes both the interior and exterior of your car.
2. Use protective wax to protect the paint on your car
The sun will slowly deplete the natural oils in a car’s paint, causing the colors to fade, but protective waxes serve to keep these oils in place. It also keeps grit and pollution from interacting with the car’s finish, thereby keeping your car as beautiful as the day you bought it.
3. If you want to take this a step further, use protective paint film
Some film is only intended for acrylic headlights, but other types of film are much more all-encompassing. You can buy this film from companies such as AutoZone or Xpel.
4. Use reflectorized sun panels in the front and rear of your car
They may be a pain to use, but they keep your car relatively cool (which lightens the burden that will later be put on your air conditioner), and limit the sun’s bleaching effect on the interior of your car.
AVOIDING WEATHER DAMAGE
5. Do not park your car in flood-prone areas
Low lying areas are prone to flooding. Parking here during intense rain could spell disaster for your vehicle.
6. Make sure that your car is completely sealed
Especially if you are expecting wet weather. If your window is broken (maybe from hail), seal the window with plastic as soon as possible. Otherwise the interior of your car could end up ruined.
7. Beware of falling trees and hail
If you are expecting a storm with high winds, try to avoid parking your car near trees. If a tree falls on your car, it’s all over. If hail is forecast in your area, try to find shelter for you car.
AVOIDING THEFT
8. Lock your car and take your keys with you
Make sure that your car is sealed shut before you walk away. This means that, even on a hot day, you shouldn’t crack your windows. This will invite theft.
9. Don’t leave valuables in your car
If you have no choice, then at least take measures to keep these valuable out of sight. Don’t tempt a thief.
10. Be afraid of the dark
Given the choice between parking under streetlights and parking in the dark, choose the streetlights. Thieves will be deterred from breaking into a car that is easily visible.
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION: GARAGES
Every single thing on this list is a serious risk that can be almost completely eliminated by simply parking your car in your garage. A garage provides your car with the homeostasis and protection it deserves.
You don’t have a garage? Your garage needs work? Does your garage need an addition? Stratton Exteriors is equipped to give you the garage you need. Get in touch with Stratton Exteriors for an inspectionand consultation today.
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