In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the damage UV rays can cause to both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. UV rays can create damage that’s harmful to both safety areas and aesthetics, including some that significantly lower your car’s value.
At Pro Tint Utah, we’re proud to provide numerous vehicle protection methods that limit the impact of UV rays and many other risks. We offer window tinting, paint protection, vehicle wraps and several other services to keep your vehicle looking and running optimally. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll discuss a few additional impacts of UV rays on vehicles to be aware of.
Weather Stripping Issues
In virtually every single vehicle on the road today, there is rubber weather stripping present around every door to keep the interior comfortable. This rubber creates a layer of protection against elements like moisture, dust, debris and even cold or warm air entering the vehicle space, meaning drivers and passengers stay comfortable and safe.
With significant exposure to UV rays, however, weather stripping may begin to experience what’s known as sun rot. Over enough time, it will become less useful and eventually even completely useless. If you apply window tint and protect the stripping with silicone, however, this will not be a concern.
Electrical Component Damage
Another high-risk area when it comes to UV rays is a broad one: Numerous electrical components within the vehicle. We’re talking radios, navigation systems, electrical connectors and many others.
When temperatures rise inside the car on a hot day, these exposed components may expand significantly under the heat. They also might crack or even melt away in some cases, or leave the actual electrical wires exposed as their coverings melt off. This makes it far easier for electrical systems within the vehicle to malfunction, leading to expensive repairs on your end – but once again, proper window tinting will limit the temperature rise in your car even on the hottest day.
Other Components
A few other vehicle components that can be impacted by UV rays include:
- Fluids: Enough heat may cause evaporation of some fluids within the engine, which can lead to overheating or other breakdowns.
- Antifreeze: One specific such fluid is antifreeze – you should have your levels and strength tested.
- Belts and hoses: In some cases, extreme heat from the sun can lead to breaking or detachment of belts and hoses within the vehicle’s engine.
If you’re concerned UV rays are beginning to damage certain components in your car, or even if you’re just looking for an upgrade to your vehicle’s aesthetic and theft prevention, speak to our team at Pro Tint Utah about window tint and many of our other vehicle protection services today.