Protecting your vehicle from the effects of sunlight
[By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA CMP™]
[By Nalley Lexus Roswell, GA]
Sunlight is dynamic. It keeps us warm, allows plants to grow, and can even be converted into electricity.
Unfortunately, sunlight has an equally harmful side on human skin. As a result, the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, also known as UV rays, can burn unprotected skin and blister it. This is well known by doctors, especially plastic surgeons, dermatologists, you and me.
UV Damage
But, did you know that UV rays can seriously damage the paint on your luxury car or truck, too? Yes – it’s true.
During the warm weather seasons, exposure to UV rays actually breaks down the molecules that give your vehicle’s paint its color and shine. Though modern automobile paint includes additives to resist these effects, the paint’s effectiveness only lasts for a limited time period. So, when a car spends much of its life entrenched in sunlight, its paint will gradually fade and become dull.
Temperature too!
While sunlight is harmful, temperature can be a problem, as well. When a car sits out in the fierce midday sun, it gets hot and its body panels expand. Such expansion causes the paint to contract at a microscopic level, which may ultimately crack your car’s paint or dry out and crack leather seats. Over time, the gradual effects of the sun’s heat diminish your car’s gleaming showroom finish. As the sun is ubiquitous, it may seem as though sun damage is inescapable.
However, it is possible to extend the life of your car’s paint job by following these tips.
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Tips and Pearls
Seek shade
Whenever possible, keep your ride out of sunlight. Park in a covered garage or use a car cover for an immediate solution. You may also park your car under the shade of a tree for a short period of time, but it is important to remember that tree sap and bird droppings can also damage your paint finish.
Wax
Modern vehicles are finished with a layer of “clear coat” over the actual paint color. This gives the paint its deep gloss and helps protect the pigment from UV rays, however it doesn’t last forever. Regular waxing provides additional protection for your car, filling in cracks that form as a result of sunlight exposure.
A simple way to see if your car needs waxing is by performing the water beading test. To perform this test, drip water onto your paint. If the water forms beads on the paint surface, your car is perfectly waxed. However, if the water spreads on the paint surface, your car is in need of a new wax job.
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Assessment
As a classic British Jaguar XJ-V8-L sedan aficionado; can you think of any more ways to protect my car, and your car, from the sun?
More:
Conclusion
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Filed under: LifeStyle, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: Automobile Paint Job Protection?, Dr. Marcinko, Jaguar XJ-8 |


















Avoid Sunburns
Agreed – Like human skin, leather can be easily damaged by the powerful UV rays of the sun. Those most commonly affected vehicles are convertibles with leather interiors or those who drive under intense temperatures.
Defend your leather from these hot circumstances with protectants. When alternated with a conditioner, they will provide excellent protection from the sun and keep your leather enviously decadent.
Paul
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More than Sun Damage
[My Auto Philosophy]
“Understeer” is when you hit the wall with the front of the car.
“Oversteer” is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car.
“Horsepower” is how fast you hit the wall.
“Torque” is how far you take the wall with you.
Miles St. George
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Mid-Summer
Good ME-P for the summer solstice.
Ralph
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