21st JuLY 2023

Here in the UK we love to have a moan about the weather! This year we have plenty to moan about with a very wet and cold spring followed by long dry spells and warm weather.There is plenty of time for further hot spells ahead.

Thinking in particular about the hot weather, we are now looking at how much the sun can damage your cars paint and what can be done to prevent the majority of damage. Recently we have seen unprecedented levels of heat but also super strong levels of harmful UV rays and stronger winds, all of which can have a negative effect on paintwork.

Even if you live in warmer climates and are more prepared for the hot and sunny conditions, this year’s heatwave will have been surprising and potentially damaging. and record temperatures regularly being reached.

Car paintwork fades after just a short time of being exposed to the sun. Most paint fade or damage is due to ultraviolet (UV -B) rays, the same component of sunshine that causes sunburn, skin cancer and develops suntans.

UV light is invisible and of course very powerful. When it comes into contact with a painted surface the molecules of that object receive a boost to their energy. This extra energy is usually given off as heat. In some cases this can also result in colour fading known as photodegradation. Some colours such as red are more prone to fade than others. The colours that your eyes detect are made up of chemical bonds that absorb light at a particular wavelength. The extra energy in sunlight can break these bonds and when this happens to enough molecules of paint, they no longer interact with light in the same way. You will notice the paint becoming less reflective, transmitting less light and this is best described as bleaching of the paint as the original colour starts to fade.

Best ways to prevent paintwork from fading & becoming damaged

Once colour fade has occurred, there is no way to reverse the molecular breakdown so prevention is the only option. You may question this as you may have polished some red paint that has turned pink & the red has come back through, fresh and vibrant. Actually, what has happened in the polishing process is that you have polished through the damaged surface effectively ending up with a thinner coat of paint and therefore less protection.

Here are our best suggestions to keep your car bodywork in tip top condition through summer:

Wash it!

Washing your car regularly can help to prevent the build-up of substances like pollution and 3 salt which can damage the paint molecules and increase fading.

Keep It in the Shade!

This will protect your paintwork and keep the interior cool. If possible, always park out of direct sunlight. Parking in the shade or even better parking in a garage is the best way to keep your car's finish looking like new.

Film It!

More and more coatings that cover and shield car paint are on the market. These let the colour shine through and have been created for protection against stone chips and colour fade.. The range of products available includes film wrap layers and liquid sprays that can be applied by professionals or are sold as DIY kits. In our view these are best left to the professionals unless you are familiar with the application process.

Wax It!

Most modern car waxes contain ingredients that protect car paint from sunshine damage and create a barrier that keep other caustic substances and pollutants from touching the paint surface directly.

Cover it!

A high quality car cover will protect your car from UV rays, dirt, and other debris. We have spent years developing UV protected fabrics that will offer immense protection from sunshine. heat, UV and airborne pollutants. In particular our ‘Voyager’ covers reflect away 4

the most damaging UV and are proven to keep your car bodywork & interior cooler than the ambient temperature. Our Voyager covers are our cheapest range of outdoor tailored car covers but are particularly good in very sunny and very cold climates

See our recent test on video here.

Our entire outdoor cover range are specifically designed with UV resistant materials giving you outstanding sun and heat protection throughout the hottest summers. Ideal for frequent or long terms use, these covers are our strongest recommendation for the summer months. Besides offering great protection from sunlight they will also ensure that your car body and interior is much cooler once covered.

You can order online here