Bill Kyle, PebbleCreek Patrol
Keeping your car in excellent condition, both on the interior and the exterior, is a key element of maintaining its worth over time. The heat of the sun can potentially cause damage to your car.
Temperatures inside an enclosed car in the summer months can reach very high numbers in a very short amount of time. According to information from General Motors, when outdoor temperatures are 100 degrees, temperatures can reach 143 degrees inside the car after just one hour.
While it is commonly known that sun can fade paint on a car, many people are less aware that interior damage is also a concern when the sun beats down on the vehicle and temperatures climb. The following defects can devalue your vehicle and create repair expenses.
* Cracking: Cracks in the dashboard and seats can occur, and the steering wheel can also show damage in the form of cracks from the heat.
* Air seals: Rubber seals around doors and windows crack and fail.
* Engine: Batteries can fail.
* Broken belts and hoses: The heat caused by sun exposure can cause belts and hoses to break and detach.
* Fading: The paint and upholstery of the car will fade from the sun’s rays.
* Safety concerns: Airbags, a major safety system, can also be damaged in the extreme heat, according to automotive expert Lauren Fix, the Car Coach®. Tires will dry and crack.
* Low fluid levels. Watch fluid levels in the heat to be sure that your vehicle doesn’t overheat or break down.