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How to protect your car or boat during summer
Summer is the best! But there are some aspects of it that are not the best for your car or boat. The harsh African sun can cause irreparable damage. Some parts of South Africa also experience a lot of rain, not to mention the odd hailstorm, which can also cause damage. Let’s look at three key ways to protect your car or boat during this hot, rainy season.
3 ways to protect your car or boat during summer
1. Keep your it under cover
The best protection from the summer sun, rain and hail is cover. If you don’t have a garage to park your car or boat then it would be an excellent investment to put up a carport or fixed elegant awning. A fixed awning is ideal as it looks great and effectively controls exposure to sunlight, rainfall and hailstorms. Don’t put it off until it’s too late – get a quote now. Fixed awnings are also an option for walkways to create a covered path (protecting you from the sun and rain) from your car or boat right up to your front door.
If you’re out and about then it’s best to choose a shady spot under a tree or a park in the undercover section of the shopping centre. The less exposure your car or boat has to the damaging effects of the sun the less likely the paintwork will dry, crack and chip.
2. Look after the interior
We tend to think only of protecting the exterior, but looking after the interior of a car or boat is just as important. Putting seat covers on your car or boat seats will provide another layer of protection from harmful direct sunlight, and they will prevent the material from fading or cracking (if the seats are leather). Making use of a windscreen visor will protect your dashboard and steering wheel, and help to keep the interior cool. In addition, don’t forget to keep the interior vacuumed, wiped and clean because dust and germs can cause damage over time. Also, if you see storm clouds rolling in, make sure your windows are closed to prevent rainwater from getting into your car.
3. Keep it serviced and clean
Remember to look under the hood! Your car or boat’s engine may not be visible, but it’s important to check it. It’s fundamental in summer to regularly check the fluids (water, engine oil and transmission fluid) to avoid overheating and malfunction. Ensure your car is professionally serviced at least once a year, especially before big summer holiday trips. Constantly check tyre pressure throughout summer, as hot roads and soft tyres can result in blowouts. Don’t delay getting new tyres if required, as you need the best tread to deal with wet weather conditions. Lastly, keep your car or boat clean, as removing dirt and dust can prevent scratches. It’s also a good idea to wax your car or boat regularly in summer to protect it from UV rays.
But first things first, let’s get your car or boat under cover. Give us a call and we’ll send one of our team members out to you.
