How to Protect Your Car from the Sun

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UV rays don’t just damage the skin. They can also take a toll on your car. With the UK experiencing year after year of summer heat waves, it’s never been more important to protect cars from sun. Here are our top tips on how to beat the heat this summer and keep your car looking and performing at its best:

A coat of UV resistant wax

Coating your vehicle with UV resistant wax is an easy and inexpensive way to protect car from sun. Over time, UV exposure can deteriorate the protective clear coat on your car and cause the colour to fade, flake or develop a white crust. Even an annual coat of UV resistant wax can make a huge difference when it comes to the lifespan of your paintwork.

Wash regularly

Foreign materials like pollen, dust, bird droppings, dead bugs can start to corrode your paintwork if they’re left on for too long. The last two are particularly nasty as they’re acid-rich which can accelerate corrosion. The process is fast tracked in the summer when the sun beats down on your car. A regular wash will get rid of debris and help prevent damage to your paint.

Use a windscreen shield

Investing in a windscreen shield is an easy and affordable way to protect your car from sun. You’re probably already familiar with these accordion-style shields that cover your windscreen and are held in place by your driver and passenger visors. They take a matter of minutes to put up but can drastically reduce the temperature of your car when parked. Not only do windscreen shields make it more comfortable to return to your car but they minimise wear and tear on the interior.

In particular, a windscreen shield can significantly increase the lifespan of your dashboard. Usually made from vinyl or leather, dashboards are often blasted by the sun. A windscreen shield provides a first line of defence and helps prevent issues like cracking and flaking. Installing temporary sun shields on your passenger windows can also be a good way to protect cars from sun. They’re usually made from a mesh-like material and shouldn’t affect visibility.

Condition and protect your interior

Heat exposure can dry out your interior upholstery and interior components over time. Specially made car conditioners are a great way to rehydrate your interior materials and restore shine. They also smell amazing and help give your car that fresh new scent. Finish with a protectant designed to repel UV rays, as well as impurities like dirt and dust.

Park in the shade

Good parking habits are one of the best ways to protect a car from sun. In summer the closest spot isn’t always the best spot. If you have to walk a little further to get to your destination but can park in the shade the payoff is worth it.

Take care of your engine

The sun doesn’t just affect exterior components like your paintwork and upholstery. It can also cause trouble under the hood. Pay close attention to your fluids throughout the summer, especially your coolant. This is one of the best ways to protect your car from sun and prevent it from overheating. It’s best to stash a spare bottle of coolant in the boot for emergencies. The same goes for fluids like oil, which can also run dry in the hot summer months.

Leave your windows open

Depending on where you’re parked, it can be a good idea to leave your windows open a crack as long as it’s safe to do so. This can increase airflow on scorching hot days and help lower the internal temperature of your car by a few degrees. In the height of summer, this can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your upholstery and returning to a car that doesn’t feel like a sauna!

With regular maintenance and a good understanding of the risks, it’s easy to protect cars from sun.

Enjoy a sun-drenched summer with My Car Credit

Thinking of upgrading your set of wheels this summer? Whether you’re on the search for a road-trip ready SUV or a compact city commuter, My Car Credit has you covered with the best rates on auto finance. Use our cost of car finance calculator to crunch your numbers, then get in touch with a team member to discuss options like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP).

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Summer Driving Safety Tips for Hot Weather Road Trips

Man driving in sunglasses

Things are heating up in the UK, and road trip season has well and truly arrived. From coastal escapes to weekends in the countryside, summer is a terrific time to hit the road.

Of course, hot weather comes with a unique set of car concerns, especially when the mercury climbs past 30 degrees. To help keep you safe and on-the-road this season, we’ve put together a roundup of the top summer driving tips.

Check your tyre pressure

Don’t forget to check your tyre pressure before you set off on a summer road trip. The higher temperatures that arrive in months like June, July and August can cause tyres to blowout if they’re at the wrong pressure. Best case scenario, your road trip is delayed for a few hours while you wait for roadside assistance. Worst case scenario, the blowout causes a serious accident.

This is an easy one to stay on top of, so no excuses when it comes to checking your tyre pressure! Once a season isn’t enough. Giving your tyres a quick once over before every road trip is one of our top summer driving safety tips.

Practice defensive driving

It’s the oldest trick in the book – expect the unexpected! Summer comes with an increase in road traffic, which means it pays to be extra alert when behind the wheel. Whether it’s a pedestrian stepping out unexpectedly onto a seafront promenade or a car cutting you off on the motorway, being aware of your surroundings and driving defensively is one of the best summer driving tips.

Keep tags on the dashboard

Skyrocketing temperatures can take their toll on engines, especially if you drive an older car. Keeping tags on dashboard warning lights is one of the best ways to avoid causing serious damage to your car. If you see a warning light flick on, pull over immediately and check it out. The oil light needs to be dealt with immediately. If your engine light comes on, it’s usually okay to continue driving, so long as you investigate the problem ASAP. 

Keep your car cool

Car cooling systems are put through their paces in summer. Checking your coolant regularly and topping it up when needed is a top summer car safety tip. Keep a spare bottle of coolant in the boot for emergencies!

As well as staying on top of coolant levels, here are some easy ways to minimise the risk of your car overheating on a summer road trip:

  • Put up sun shields on the front and back windows when parking the car. This will keep it as cool as possible and make it more pleasant to return to.
  • Park in the shade when possible.
  • Turn off the AC if your car is prone to overheating in hot weather. It’s not always comfortable for passengers but it does take stress off your engine.

Keep your distance

It doesn’t matter how loud the beach is calling your name. You should always keep a safe stopping distance from the car in front of you. As a standard rule, this should be at least two seconds. Remember – if it starts raining, you’ll need to widen the distance to four seconds.

Carry a spare key

There are all kinds of ways to lose keys on a summer road trip. Some drivers forget to take them out of their pockets before a dip in the sea, while others might misplace them in a sun-drenched beer garden. Avoid the stress of lost keys by issuing a passenger with a spare set. It’s one of the easiest summer driving tips and can save you big headaches.

Stay off your phone

This goes without saying – stay off your phone when you’re a designated driver on a summer road trip!

Plan ahead

From accidents to construction detours, there are all kinds of ways a summer road trip can be delayed. Planning ahead and researching your route before you hit the road can save you a whole lot of time and hassle. Charting the fastest route from A to B is also a great way to reduce engine stress during hot weather.

Wear sunscreen and consider installing shades

Just because you’re in the car, it doesn’t mean you won’t get burnt. From lobster-red arms to bright pink noses, it’s all too easy to get fried on hot weather road trips. As well as slathering on sunscreen, consider installing sunshades, especially if you have a baby or toddler strapped into a backseat. They can’t necessarily tell you they’re hot as the sun’s beating down on them through the windows – and by the time you notice, it’s too late.

Best to opt for transparent mesh shades to ensure your visibility isn’t compromised. They’re easy to pick up at your local garage, making this a top summer car safety tip.

Invest in polarised sunglasses

Glare can be a major safety issue on hot weather road trips. Unfortunately, Primark sunglasses just don’t cut it when it comes to cutting out glare. Pro summer driving tip: it’s worth investing in polarised sunglasses, which not only cut out glare but protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Stay alert and energised

From sun-drenched days on the beach to long walks in the countryside, hot weather road trips are packed with good times. But they can also leave drivers feeling exhausted. It’s important not to drive tired and to always pull over and take a break if needed. As a rule of thumb, aim for a 20-minute break every three hours, at a minimum. 

Carry hay fever medication

Not everyone suffers from summer hay fever, but it is quite common. Especially if you’re road tripping in the countryside, where the air can be heavy with pollen. Mild cases aren’t too bad, but serious episodes can leave you watery eyed and sneezing behind the wheel.

Carrying hay fever medication is one of our top summer driving tips if you’re prone to the condition. Make sure it’s non-drowsy if you’re driving! Don’t hesitate to hand over the keys to someone else if you experience a bad hay fever spell – or pull over if you need to.

Hit the road this summer with My Car Credit

Dreaming of a summer road trip but don’t have a set of wheels? We’re here to help with affordable car finance. Use our car loan APR estimator to crunch the numbers and determine how much you can borrow. 

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

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*for illustration purposes only

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Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

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*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.
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Top 5 Fun Summer Cars to Drive in 2022

Fun summer car parked by the beach

Whether it’s style, substance or speed that you’re after, we’ve put together five of the most fun summer cars for 2022 driving.

Fun cars for your summer drives in 2022

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Say hello to a Ferrari-based twin-turbo engine, as well as agile handling, rear-wheel drive, and a smooth automatic gearbox. The car also doesn’t compromise on either style or comfort – the front seats are super supportive, and the ride overall is very comfortable. Admittedly, you might be a little cramped in the rear seats, and the interiors aren’t quite as luxurious as competitors. Still, if you’re looking for a small car that’s both good looking and super fun to drive throughout this summer, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Volkswagen ID Buzz

This one’s a little cheeky on a list of fun summer cars, as it’s both a van and technically not out yet, but you can register for pre-booking. A fully electric vehicle that charges in around 30 minutes, with an advertised range of over 250 miles, the ID Buzz is also designed to emulate the old VW camper vans in look. If that’s not a core summer vehicle, we don’t know what is. Practical, green and conjuring memories of family holidays, the VW ID Buzz and Buzz Life Pro are guaranteed to get a smile on your face.

Mazda MX-5

A classic launched in 2015, the MX-5 is still topping our list of fun summer cars in 2022. It’s a convertible, providing the perfect chance to make the most of sunny weather, but is also comparatively affordable and reliable, too. It’s also a sleek car in terms of design. Plus, the drive is excellent, thanks to the rear-wheel drive layout and sports-car-like feel and control. It’s only a two-seater, so it’s not suitable as a family car – and you certainly won’t be able to cart around large suitcases. But, for a fun summer car, the MX-5 is formidable.

Hyundai i30N

Not to be sniffed at, the i30N has alloy wheels, a two-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and a six-speed gearbox, making it a dream to drive. Note that you can pay extra for a dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a ‘fastback form’, if you want to live out your racing car fantasies. The interiors are sleek and comfortable too, with touchscreen technology and impressive safety features.

Mini Convertible

For urban drivers, a Mini Convertible is hard to beat. It’s expensive, sure, but the running costs are reasonable, and it’s a Mini. That means it’s super fun to drive, and you have your choice of trim, depending on what model you go for – but, being Mini, even the entry-level is pretty swish. The convertible drives well, with good fuel efficiency and agile handling. Be aware, though, that the drive is a little firm.

Take to the road this summer

If these fun summer cars have got you itching for an upgrade, head to My Car Credit for a no-obligation car loan quote, or speak to one of our friendly advisors on 01246 458 810.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

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£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.
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Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Email
or call 01246 458 810