At first glance, the warmth of summer may not seem to pose much of a threat to your car, but the hot sun and dry conditions can pose a problem to the well-being of your car’s exterior. As much as you need to protect your car from the rigors of winter, the summer brings with it some new challenges. Learn more from DCH Kay Honda with these summer maintenance tips for your car’s exterior.
If you live in a climate where you contend with snow and ice during the winter months, one of the first things to do this summer is ‘un-winterize’ your vehicle. For starters, clean the undercarriage of the car with a hose to thoroughly to remove any deposits of salt and grit that may have built up through the winter. Not only will these deposits potentially cause corrosion, they will also cause the engine and transmission to run hotter, thus making it more difficult for your car to run efficiently in hot weather.
It is also important to wash your car regularly during summer months. A weekly wash will ensure dirt is quickly removed from your car, as to not cause damage to the paint work. Sap from trees and bird droppings, for example, can build up on your car and quickly damage the exterior. When washing your car, consider using an auto-detailing clay bar to easily remove bugs, sap and other deposits, which cause scratches and or other marks.
Location is another consideration in maintaining your car’s exterior this summer. For instance, you want to make sure that you are in a shaded location while washing your car. Afterward, spray your car with a hose and use a paint-safe microfiber cloth to rub the paint work. Following a thorough washing and rinse, it is advisable to use a cotton detailing cloth to dry off the whole surface of the car, as opposed to leaving your car to dry in the sunlight where it is vulnerable to water spots and mineral deposit formation.
Sealing paint work is another important step in protecting the exterior of your car from direct sunlight and preserving its vibrant color. Luckily, paint sealant lasts for several months after application. A quality wax job, following sealant application, will finish the look off. As mentioned, it is important to avoid adding the finishing touches to your car in a sun-drenched area, or else the wax may not properly adhere to the vehicle’s exterior.
While some may enjoy maintaining the exterior of their vehicle, it may be a cumbersome task for others. We recommend that you leave the hard work to us this summer and schedule a full detail at our dealership.
