You’re probably not thinking about summer today because it is snowing and raining in the state of Connecticut, but spring is in 3 weeks. With the pandemic fading into the dust, classic car enthusiasts will be eager to get back to shows to show their vehicles off. If your classic car has been sitting on the garage throughout the duration of the pandemic, you’re probably eager to get it outside so it can shine in the sun. Sunlight is great for everyone, but it can be damaging to a vehicle’s paint job if the car is left in the sun too long. This week we’re going to talk about protecting your classic car from sun damage.

Use a car cover if you’re leaving the car outside for long periods.

This is one of the easiest ways of protecting your classic car from sun damage. The best car covers you can purchase are the ones that are all weather. When covering your car there are a few guidelines you should adhere to make sure the car stays safe while underneath the cover. Don’t cover the vehicle when it is wet. Doing this can lead to mold growth and other bacteria. Don’t leave the car covered for more than a week as moisture can get in and harm the paint which defeats the purpose of using the cover in the first place. Also, never use the car cover if it is wet.

Wash the car often during the summer.

For a car that will be sitting in the sun on a regular basis, it is recommended that the car should get washed twice a week. This is especially important for classic cars that sit it in the sun all day on display at shows. Always use soap that is specially formulated for cleaning cars only. Never use dish soap as it is acidic in nature and can damage the car’s paint. After washing, it is a good idea to hand dry the car with a towel.

Apply wax to the car to protect it from the sun.

Another easy way of protecting your class car from sun damage is to apply a coating of wax after washing. A good quality car wax protects the car’s exterior from the elements and sticky particles. Purchasing a good quality wax that protects against UV rays can offer you eight to ten months of protection from external harm.

Park your car in the shade if you can.

Shady areas are often in high demand at classic car shows so finding one to park your vehicle in might be difficult. Parking your classic car in the sun at shows should not cause a problem but if you plan on leaving your classic car outside for summer, you should park it in the shade or invest in a sun shade. The sun shade would be a better choice as parking the car in the shade exposes it to anything that falls out of trees like pollen or even bird feces.