Bad weather conditions can take a toll on your vehicle. From the summer sun to hail and snow in winter, these severe climates can have you end up taking your vehicle to the mechanic more frequently than you’d like. Paying for damage repair time after time can get costly. Further, your car will start looking and feeling old and worn. There are ways to protect it though. 

Here’s how to keep your vehicle protected from the weather.

1. Wash and Dry the Vehicle

This tip works to protect your vehicle from sun and heat. Your car’s paint can start fading and cracking due to direct sunlight and extreme heat. They can also make your car’s finish look quite dull. To prevent that, you have to wash and hand dry your car regularly. Washing will also remove particles like dust and dirt that can accumulate and damage your car’s paint. Inside the car, wipe the dash with a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and dust. You should also use a leather conditioner to keep the seats clean. 

2. Build a Shed for Your Caravan

If you have a large vehicle, like a caravan, you can build a shed for it. It will be protected inside the shed and well-maintained all year long. Find manufacturers that make custom-made sheds that can fit your caravan, have them design it, and order it. Make sure you pick reliable manufacturers that deal with top suppliers. Read up well before you design the shed as the proportions are measured in a specific way. For example, you’ll need more height than you initially think. You want to leave room for walking inside it. We advise you to get a bigger shed if you plan on upgrading to a new caravan in the future. 

3. Use Wax on the Exterior of Your Car

Using a layer of wax on the exterior of your car will protect it from ultraviolet rays. As for the rain, use body wax and paint protection film to shield against the rain. That will extend the lifespan of your car’s paint. Rainwater is acidic which can lead to corrosion and the paint getting separated from the chassis. 

4. Cover Your Car

Car covers are pieces of cloth made to be more or less shaped like a car that you cover your car with. They are made especially for cars that won’t be used for some time. But they are always welcome to add extra protection. You can get one approximately close to your car’s size or you can pay extra and get it custom-made. It will minimize the damage from hail storms and ice hitting your car. There are external and internal car covers. The external covers are waterproof to protect from liquid, like rain. The internal covers are more breathable and can be used when the car is parked inside a garage. Remember to clean the car well before covering it.

5. Check Tire Pressure in Summer

Underinflation is one of the main causes of a tire blowout. An underinflated tire will blow out in high temperatures. Check the air pressure in your tires before heading out, especially if you’re going to drive on a freeway. Some recently-made cars have a TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System. They will warn you if the tires are underinflated, but they only work when the tires are underinflated to a big degree. 

6. Check Car Fluids 

In warmer months, your car can get overheated which is very damaging to the engine. That happens due to fluids getting used up more quickly than in winter. For that reason, in the summer, you need to check motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and radiator fluid regularly. This is crucial to your car running efficiently and not getting damaged. 

7. Park in a Garage 

You’ll get maximum protection for your car if it’s parked inside a garage. That will ensure it’s protected against all types of weather damages. You’ll be avoiding sunlight, rain, hail, or snow.  Keep in mind to open the windows, if the garage is inside your house, to lower the temperature inside and equalize air pressure.