Did you know that the sun is slowly killing your car?

Justin S
Created by: Nov 12, 2025 | Modified by: Nov 12, 2025

Constant exposure to sunlight can quietly take a toll on your car’s paint, plastic headlights, plastic trim, tires, rubber molding and weather seal and greatly deteriorate the vehicle’s overall condition. While parking indoors is the best way to shield your vehicle from UV damage, not everyone has the luxury of a garage or covered space. Fortunately, there are several practical ways to protect your car from the harsh effects of the sun no matter where you park.

Use a quality car cover

First and foremost, use a high-quality car cover, especially when parking the vehicle for an extended period outside. A UV-resistant cover can make a world of difference by blocking harmful rays that cause paint to fade and clear coat to deteriorate. For those who park in the same outdoor spot daily, investing in a fitted, breathable cover helps prevent both sun and moisture damage while still allowing airflow to avoid mildew buildup.

Protect your unpainted plastic trim, panels and interior.

Prolonged sunlight exposure can whiten the dark plastic cladding and unpainted car surfaces, crack dashboards, dry out leather, and fade upholstery. Using a quality plastic and rubber conditioner can extend the life of those components when exposed to direct sunlight and heat. Use a windshield sunshade and rear window shade, as those 2 simple tools can significantly reduce the interior temperature while blocking UV rays. Treating leather seats with a UV-protectant conditioner or fabric with a UV-resistant spray helps preserve the color and texture of the interior over time.

Don’t let the car go too long without a car wash.

Regular washing and waxing also play a key role in sun protection. Dirt and pollutants amplify UV damage, while a fresh coat of wax acts as a protective barrier. Some modern waxes even contain UV inhibitors that help maintain shine and color for months. There are many pricy ceramic coatings that offer longer-lasting defense; however, we had very good luck using the relatively affordable “Griot's Garage Ceramic 3-in-1 Wax”. For around $20 it seems to last as long as some of the coatings costing 5 times more. 

Don’t forget to treat your tires

Tire maintenance is often overlooked. Rubber components dry out and crack under constant sun exposure. Using a non-greasy UV protectant spray keeps rubber parts supple and with regular use may prevent dry rot.

Be strategic about where you park your car.

Lastly, try to be strategic about where you park. Even small decisions-like choosing a shady spot can reduce UV exposure dramatically. Rotating your parking direction occasionally can also help prevent uneven fading on one side of the car.

Sun damage is a slow and silent process, but with a little attention and routine care, your car can retain its showroom shine and value for years — even without a garage.