How to Protect Car Paint from Sun Damage (9 Proven Ways)

What is the best way to protect car parked outside? How to protect car paint from sun damage? How hot does a car get in the sun? When I bought my first car a few years back, I was super concerned about these things, and I used to ask every car enthusiast about it. But once I got to know all the effective car paint protection techniques, all my stress got relieved.

Having an asset and maintaining it correctly are two completely different things. While most of you love to have your dream car resting outside your premise, there are times when it becomes tough for you to protect car paint from sun. Yes, we are talking about sun faded car paint!

Going out on an extremely sunny day hurts your skin. Right? The same applies to your car exteriors too. Therefore, for proper car paint protection from sun, you will require taking care of some of the minor and major things, and you can ensure your vehicle’s paint remains damage-free forever.

Are you wondering what is the best way to protect car paint from sun in open parking?

You can easily protect car paint from sun damage by keeping your car inside a garage, under covered parking, or in a well maintained shaded area when you are not using it. By following some of the basic car care techniques, you’ll be able to also keep your headlights from oxidizing and rubber trim from getting damaged.

There are plenty of car care techniques and car cleaning products available in the market that people use on a regular basis for taking good care of their vehicles. Still, when it comes to protecting car paint from sun in open parking, then they usually do not care much about it, and that’s a huge mistake.

But as a responsible car owner, if you want to know how to protect car paint from sun damage (if you don’t have a garage or covered parking space) and the best way to protect car parked outside, this guide is a perfect fit for you. It will help you learn how to keep paint from fading in the sun without spending too much.

9 Proven Ways on How to Protect Car Paint from Sun Damage

It doesn’t matter whether your car is super expensive or of some very average range, whether you are a newbie car owner or an experienced car enthusiast, everyone should know exactly how to protect car from sun in open parking and how to protect a car that sits outside in the sun all day.

And to help you with this concerning matter, we did a couple of research (we asked many car owners about it, spent hours and hours on the internet learning about it, talked with many car expert and auto detailing experts) and today we have come up with some of the most effective and proven ways to protect car paint from sun damage.

So, if you are curious to find out how to protect your car from sun damage, you can explore and try the following proven ways to protect your car from sun without a garage:

Use a Car Cover

When the question is how to protect car from sun damage, there are several ways that could be considered but then having the best way to protect car parked outside is something everyone, including yourself, looks for.

Should I use a car cover outside? If this is your query, it is recommended that you definitely go for a durable car cover for outdoor storage in case you are searching for an inexpensive, still effective way of protecting your car paint from sun damage.

Though using the best quality outdoor car covers (breathable all-weather car covers with water-resistant features) is the most suitable answer to how to protect your car from the sun, there are certain things that you need to follow to ensure the car paints genuinely remain out of the reach of the extreme sun rays.

• Do not cover your vehicle when it’s wet. This will lead to the origination of molds and other kinds of bacteria and germs.

• Use a waterproof and breathable outdoor car cover for all-season all-weather and make sure the car cover is dry.

• Please do not keep it covered continuously for more than a week. If you do so, moisture could get in and harm your car paint.

Buy a Sun Shade Sail for Car

Do you know how hot does a car get in the sun? When a vehicle is parked in the sun for an hour, it has been observed that its average cabin temperature reached 100 to 116 degrees Fahrenheit. This, in turn, warms the air inside the vehicle to a great extent.

After your work/shopping is over and you enter inside your SUV or truck, you will realize the importance of knowing how to protect a car that sits outside. This is why buying a durable UV proof sun shade sail for car is extremely recommended.

Now when you are well-aware of how hot can cars get in the sun, you should go for building the right carport or installing sun shade sail for car at least outside your house so that your vehicle doesn’t have to rest under the direct sunlight. It will ensure no weather extremities could ever affect your dream car, and your car will have the same shiny finish as it used to have when new.

So now, when you are asked how hot can a car get in the sun and how to protect car from sun in open parking, you will have an answer to both the questions.

Wash the Car More Often

How to protect car paint from sun damage? Whenever this question arises, the most frequently received response is to wash your car often. Among these 9 proven ways to protect car paint from sun damage, this is the most preferred option for the car owners.

Most of the car lovers find it quite convenient to have a car wash soap or detergent to wash their cars and protect the paint on the exteriors from getting damaged. And in case, if you are a first-time car owner and wondering how often should you wash your car and wax it, or what are the things you need to wash your car at home, then you must learn these car washing tips to wash your car properly at home.

For a car sitting in the sun all day, it is recommended that you wash it twice weekly. There are special car wash soaps and shampoos for cleaning your car. Never use a dishwashing soap for the purpose as it will only hamper the shine of the exteriors because of their high acidic nature. Thus, be specific in choosing a top-rated car wash soap or detergent for your car protection from sun.

No matter what car protection way you apply, washing the cars on a regular basis that cannot be ignored. You have to do it to accompany the other methods of protecting your vehicles from sun damage.

Hand Dry the Exterior

Most of the times, a car owner washes his car and leave it to dry naturally. This is not precisely how to keep paint from fading in the sun. But yes, there are some specific techniques that you should follow for drying your car after a wash.

If you are among those who leave their vehicles wet for them to dry on their own, you are doing no good to the asset. This natural way of drying will not only damage the car paint but also affect the appeal of your SUV or pickup truck by leaving substantial water spots on your car’s exteriors. Therefore, the most accurate and best way to protect car paint from sun damage is to hand dry the exteriors.

Being a car owner, not only how to protect car paint from sunlight should be your concern, but to keep it off from water spots and stains should also matter to you. And hand drying the exterior using a microfiber towel for car drying or a weave drying cloth will effectively absorb the water and serve both the purposes together. So, go for it and ensure your car continues to shine forever.

Apply a High-Quality Wax

One of the best ways to protect car paint from sun damage is to use high quality and best car wax for UV protection. You may ask – Does wax protect car paint from sun? The answer is, Yes, it does. A best quality car wax polish always helps protect the car’s exteriors from harsh elements and particles that are likely to stick to it.

When you apply the car wax for sun protection, it lasts almost for 8 to 10 months on a car and protects the exteriors from external harm, including scratches, contaminants, dirt and dust, and UV rays. You can ensure a longer lifespan to your car’s shine and paint by using a reliable and best car wax with UV protection.

With the best car wax to prevent sun damage, you do not only get something to prevent your car from the extreme sun rays but also a solution to keep your asset clean and smooth forever.

In addition to these things, the application of it will lead to a significantly positive influence on fuel efficiency. The best wax to protect car paint from sun is a tried and tested method and will indeed work.

Install Paint Protection Film

The next on the list of how to protect your car from sun damage is installing the paint protection film. A paint protection film is similar to a clear and smooth film used on the glass areas. This is applied to the car’s body, thereby protecting it from external elements like dust, tar, grime, rocks, heat, UV rays, etc.

How much does a paint protection film installation cost? On average, installing a clear paint protection film can cost you somewhere around $0 to $500 or $800. The paint protection film installation cost depends on the condition of your vehicle and how much coverage do you want.

So if you are ready to invest a little bit on ensuring your car paint remains damage-free, the best way to protect car paint will be to install paint protection film. Though you might have to pay a little more, this will still be an affordable option as the effects will last for almost 5 to 8 years and, sometimes, even more.

If you are thinking of how to protect car dashboard from sun or your front or rear bumpers from the sunlight, then get the paint protection film installed and see how efficiently it works in preventing the car paint from getting damaged.

Use Clear Coat Protector for Cars

The next on the list of how to protect new car paint is to use a clear coat protector. The application of this coat helps in keeping the vehicles shiny and protected. For the car paint protection to be ensured, you can undoubtedly rely on this coating.

The clear coat protector is applied over the paint layer of the car body. This layering over the actual paint offers a glossy appeal to the car. It is considered as the best way to protect new car paint as it keeps the harmful elements off from the car’s exteriors.

Even the minor stuff that has chances to stick to the car’s body would remain out of its reach when you have a clear coat protector for your car protection from sunlight. It’s really an affordable way to prevent sun damage.

The only thing you need to keep in mind is that these clear coat protectors for cars are sensitive to scratches and are likely to oxidize over time. You can try it and give your car’s exteriors a shiny appeal and protect it from the sun damage at the same time.

Vinyl Wrap Your Car

If you are looking for something that would ensure an evergreen appeal to your old car, there is only one answer to your “how to protect car paint from sun and rain” question, and that is vinyl wrap your car.

Yes, vinyl wrapping will not only give a new color to your car or truck but also make your vehicle stand out in the crowd with a completely different shade provided to it. Trust me, not only does it help in offering the best color to your car, but it also protects the car paint from sun damage. In short, the original car paint is retained forever.

How to protect car from sun using vinyl wraps for cars? Well, vinyl wrap acts as a shield for the original car paint that you have. The application of these wraps will make sure that the paint of your car never fades or turns dull. The thick wraps help in preventing your vehicle from having scratches or injuries.

In case, if you are wondering – How much does it cost to vinyl wrap a car? Or what are the pros and cons of wrapping a car? Then you should check out this car wrapping vs painting guide where we have discussed almost all the helpful information related to vinyl wrapping a car.

And now once you know exactly how to protect a car that sits outside using the vinyl wraps, you can contact a professional vinyl wrap expert to install the vinyl wrap on your car for significant results.

Always Park Your Car in the Shade (If Possible)

How to protect black car paint from sun and rain? How to protect car headlight from sun damage? How to protect your car dashboard from sun damage? No matter your question, the only solution to protect your black car, your car’s headlight, and your car’s dashboard from sun damage is to park your car in the shade whenever possible.

While it is not always possible to get a shade for your vehicle, it is recommended that even if the parking in the shade is far, you should consider it and go for it. Parking your car in shade will ensure your car’s exteriors, paints, and all other components to remain out of the reach of extreme sun rays.

It is always advisable to try out ways of preventing sun damage (how to protect car paint from sun damage) rather than continue to look for how to repair sun damaged car paint and to try out different faded paint restoration products. And to ensure your car remains protected from the UV rays of the sun and heavy rainfall, you can always search for parking under a shade.

You can consider these above-mentioned 9 best ways to protect car paint from sun damage and choose the one that best suits your requirements and budget.

Do you know? How Often Should You Wash Your Car? What Experts Recommend

Which is the Best Car Wax to Prevent Sun Damage?

Now when you know how to prevent your car paint from being damaged by the sunlight, it is essential that you come across the car care products that can help you keep the vehicles well-maintained regularly. While discussing such products, the best car wax to prevent sun damage is something that automatically comes into the mind.

That being said, here is a list of top-rated products that constitute some of the best car wax with UV protection to ensure the cars remain safe from the harsh rays of the sun. So now just go through this best car wax for sun protection list and choose the longest-lasting car wax for your car:

303 Automotive Spray Wax with UV Protectant

On the list of best car wax to prevent sun damage, the first one is the 303 Automotive Spray Wax and Quick Detailer with UV Protectant, which is considered as the fastest solution to retain the shine of your car. Being gentle, it cleans the car and eradicates the white spots.

The superior UV protection feature of the product remains active for about 30 days and prevents the fading of the car color. Hence, you can apply this very best car wax for UV protection every month to preserve your car paint.

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If you wanted high quality and best car wax with UV protection that’s suitable for use on gel coat, clear coat, paint, fiberglass, plastics, clear plastic, and stainless steel, etc. then 303 automotive spray wax is one of the most appropriate choices for you.

With Carnauba wax included in the product, you can either apply it on a wet surface or dry one. It works great in all circumstances.

Pros:

• Fastest and most flexible.
• Easy to use.
• Safe for use for all types of car paints – gel coat or fiberglass, plastic, chrome or stainless steel, any non-porous surface, etc.

Cons:

• It might make you lazy with the feasibility and perfectness it offers in one-go.

Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax with UVA and UVB protection

Does wax protect car paint from sun damage? Being a 100% carnauba-based wax, this product offers natural cleaning power that keeps off your cars from applying any harsh elements. You must try the Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax at least once to see an unmatched surface shine and deep wet look on your car.

If you want to know how to protect car paint from sun damage or rain damage, you can rely on this vintage butter wet wax. It is an ultra-refined product. When this carnauba-based wax is applied to any car paint, it melts like butter and mixes into the paintwork, offering the car or truck a wet glossy appeal.

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This type of 100% carnauba based formula is considered the best way to protect car paint from sun as it does not only acts as an advanced shield against UVA and UVB rays but also offers a protective layer that effectively fights water spots and road tars.

Pros:

• Natural cleaning power
• Suitable for all kinds of surfaces, including painted wheels, chrome bumpers, stainless steel, etc.
• Better UV protection.
• Carnauba-based formula.

Cons:

• Diluted.
• Frequent applications are required as results don’t last long.

Optimum Car Wax with Long-Lasting UV Protection

Another one on the list while searching for the best car wax to prevent sun damage is the Optimum car wax. Best for all kinds of exteriors, including clear coat, plastic trim, chrome, paint, and glass, this product offers easy application and helps car owners to maintain the shine of their cars or trucks.

You can apply this spray car wax whenever you desire to retain the glossy appeal, and hence, it is the best way to protect car parked outside. The best thing about this powerful spray formula is that it lakes very less time to wax the whole car and it doesn’t create any swirl marks like other traditional car wax and polishes.

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The absence of harsh chemicals makes it a feasible option for every car owner as they don’t require worrying about side-effects post the application. The Optimum Car Wax is expected to last up to five months, making it the best wax to protect car paint from sun.

Pros:

• Application takes less than even 15 minutes.
• No buffing needed
• Smooth polish
• No residues left behind

Cons:

• The trigger design is not as expected.
• It takes time to dry.

CarGuys Liquid Wax with Polymer Paint Sealant Protection

What is the best and longest-lasting car wax for sun protection? If you are looking for a wax that will offer a long-lasting shine for your car, then this ultimate car wax shine with polymer paint sealant protection is what you should go for. You only need to apply it once or twice in a year to your car paint.

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The advanced additives included in the CarGuys Liquid Wax protect the car’s shine. You can apply this full synthetic polymer sealant on your car’s surface yourself without requiring the assistance of experts as it is too easy to apply. Once you use this best car wax for sun protection on your car or pickup truck, you will be surprised to see the results.

If you were still confused about how to keep paint from fading in the sun or how to protect car paint from sun and rain, this is your answer. You should definitely try it out because the CarGuys Liquid Wax is well known for providing long-lasting and excellent UV protection.

Pros:

• Long-lasting effects.
• Use once or twice a year.
• Easy to apply.
• Get mirror shine.

Cons:

• You may not feel like trying another product once you use it.

303 Aerospace Protectant – Ultimate UV Protection

How to protect car from sun in open parking? Does car wax prevent sun damage? If these are the questions doing rounds in your mind, then 303 Aerospace Protectant is your answer. This powerful protectant will correctly take care of the UV rays and offer the protection that your car paint requires.

With the long-lasting effects, this rinse-free formula provides a newer appeal to your car or truck. The protectant is suitable for all kinds of surfaces, be it the ones made of rubber, plastic, finished leather, vinyl, PVC, fiberglass, etc.

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Using the 303 Aerospace Protectant will respond to questions like what is the best car wax for UV protection and the best way to prevent color fading or discoloration of your vehicles. Thus, for any question like what is the best car wax to prevent sun damage, you can refer to this product and get the best results.

Pros:

• Rinse-free formula.
• 100% free from silicone oils.
• Easy to spray.
• Offers newer look to your car.

Cons:

• Might run down after rains.
• Price remains fluctuating.

JetSeal Paint Sealant and Paint Protectant with UV Protection

Which car wax is best for UV protection? Not only UV protection but if you choose the JetSeal Paint Sealant and Paint Protectant for your car, it will also prevent your vehicle from the harmful effects of the harsh environmental conditions. The sealant blends quite well with the car paint and perfectly complements the appeal of your car.

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Being an anti-corrosion sealant, it provides the smoothest and most refined finish to the exteriors of your SUV or truck. Whether you want to know how to protect black car paint from sun or how to enhance the look of your vehicle, the answer to both the questions will be one – JetSeal Paint Sealant.

Once you apply this unique anti-corrosion sealant on your car paint, it will keep your vehicle safe and protected for 12 months. Hence, you would require using it annually as a paint protectant.

Pros:

• Bonds well with the car paint.
• Acts as high gloss shield.
• Offers the finest finish.
• It protects against weather and environmental extremities.

Cons:

• Might not last long if it rains.
• Questionable longevity.

Ethos Handcrafted Car Care Ceramic Wax PRO

Does wax keep paint from fading? Use this ceramic wax and see it for yourself. With a 100% guarantee against customer satisfaction, the Ethos Handcrafted Car Care Ceramic Wax PRO appears to be one of the most widely used and hugely preferred waxes to protect your car paint from the harsh effects.

Once applied, this 3 in 1 formula lasts 10 times longer than the conventional sealants made with carnauba formula. Even if you accidentally touch, it won’t make you feel sticky like other paint sealants for cars available in the market.

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The product is inspired by the brand’s NASA-approved Patented Teflon Resins that were trusted to protect the space shuttle finishes against weathering. So, if you are looking for some answer to how to protect car paint from sun damage or rain damage, you can have this ceramic wax for your car.

The long-lasting Car Care Ceramic Wax PRO by Ethos Handcrafted will nicely prevent your car paint from fading while giving mirror-shine finish to it.

Pros:

• Easy application.
• No water tools are required.
• User-friendly.
• No stickiness, finest shine.

Cons:

• Longevity might vary, still it will last for at least 6 months.

Chemical Guys Quick Detailer and UV Protectant

Here is another wax product that will let you witness how to protect your car from sun damage and will answer all your questions about protecting car paint from sun damage. With ultra-refined white carnauba wax, the Chemical Guys Quick Detailer and UV Protectant make sure to offer excellent shine to whichever surface it is used on.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Whether it is glass, metal, plastic, or any other non-porous material, this UV protectant provides a fantastic finish to your car paint without any staining. When applied, it will not cause the removal of the wax or sealants. With UVA and UVB protection, this Quick Detailer and UV Protectant is gaining enormous popularity these days.

Also, the hi-line modified cleaning agents that the product is made of gently removes the dust and dirt particles while removing the water spots easily and instantly.

Pros:

• Superior results.
• Ultra refined white carnauba wax.
• It removes water spots too.
• It offers shine without staining.

Cons:

• Leaves streaks.
• Spray bottle gets clogged.

After being aware of all the pros and cons of the products explained above (best car wax to prevent sun damage and best car wax with UV protection), it will be easier for you to choose what best suits your requirements. Try the chosen one and see the difference.

You might also like: 9 Important Things to Know Before Changing Your Car Color

FAQs for How to Protect Car Paint from Sun Damage:

Whether it is about considering an answer to questions like how to protect car paint from sun or purchasing the best way to protect car paint, it is likely for you to have some doubts or questions in mind before you finally make your choice, right?

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that have been discussed for you to explore the hidden facts and understand the things clearly to prevent the cars from sun damage and purchase a high-quality wax, sealant or spray to keep the vehicles protected.

The FAQs mentioned above seem to have answered all your queries and doubts. Now you have to just choose the best preventive measure or the best wax for car paint protection and lead a worry-free life. Place your order NOW!!!

What is the Best Way to Protect Car Paint from Sun Damage?

After going through all the preventive measures and proven ways to protect car paint from sun damage, we hope now you know exactly which option is most suitable for your car according to your budget and parking space.

However, if you ask my personal opinion, I would recommend you to use a waterproof breathable all-weather outdoor car cover, wash your car more often, and apply a high-quality car wax to prevent sun damage and rain damage.

In addition to this, if you are still confused about what is the best car wax to prevent sun damage, I would say it ultimately depends on your requirements, car surface, and car color. However, I think three of them as the long-lasting and best car wax for sun protection:

• 303 Automotive Spray Wax with UV Protectant
• CarGuys Liquid Wax with Polymer Paint Sealant Protection
• Ethos Handcrafted Car Care Ceramic Wax PRO

All these car waxes serve to be the best options, irrespective of the requirements you have or the car color you have. You may browse through all the options and find out which one you should go for. Once decided, place your order, get it delivered, and apply as soon as possible for the best results.

If you still have any questions or suggestions regarding how to protect car paint from sun damage and which car wax is best for UV protection, feel free to ask using the comment section below. We would love to help you with the car paint protection.

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