Sun damage Protecting paint, trim and interior in SoCal

Protecting Your Car from the Southern California Sun

What the sun does to a car

• Black trim fades. Plastic trim turns gray and chalky over time.
• Dashboards and leather dry out. Heat and UV dry out interior surfaces, which can lead to cracking and fading.
• Paint loses its gloss. Without protection, the clear coat takes the full hit of UV and contaminants baked on by heat.
• Spots and sap bake on. Water spots, bird droppings and tree sap do more damage when the sun heats them.

Protect the outside

The best defense for paint is keeping it clean and protected. The sealant wax in every Essential Exterior adds a layer of protection and gloss, and paste wax ($150 add-on) goes further. For the strongest, longest-lasting protection, ceramic coating (from $799) protects against UV rays, bird droppings and hard water.

Faded trim can often be brought back. Trim restoration is part of SoCal's Signature Exterior, and cloudy, yellowed headlights can be cleared with headlight restoration ($125).

Protect the inside

Every interior detail we do, Essential or Signature, finishes with UV protection on the plastics and conditioner on the leather. Reapplying it regularly keeps dashboards and seats from drying out.

Everyday habits that help

• Park in shade or a garage when you can.
• Use a windshield sunshade when parked outside.
• Crack the windows slightly on hot days if it's safe to.
• Get bird droppings and sap off quickly, before the sun bakes them on.

Keep reading

• How Often Should You Detail Your Car in the San Gabriel Valley?
• Hard Water Spots on Your Car: Why They Happen in SoCal and What to Do