Living in Florida means sunshine, but for car owners without garage parking, it also means intense UV exposure that can damage your vehicle. You’re right to be concerned about protecting your prized possessions, especially when parking your 2008 Corvette Z06 and 1991 Ford Mustang outside. Let’s dive into the best protection plan, focusing on how Covers For Cars Outside play a crucial role.
Understanding the Threat: Florida Sun and Your Car
The Florida sun is beautiful, but its UV rays are relentless. They cause a multitude of problems for cars parked outdoors:
- Paint Fade and Oxidation: UV radiation breaks down the chemical bonds in your car’s paint, leading to fading, chalking, and a dull appearance. Red and other vibrant colors are particularly susceptible.
- Interior Damage: Sunlight heats up your car’s interior, causing cracking and fading of dashboards, seats, and trim. It can also degrade plastics and vinyl over time.
- Headlight Clouding: UV rays oxidize the plastic lenses of your headlights, leading to clouding and reduced visibility.
You’ve already taken good initial steps with regular washing, Collinite 845, Chadwick’s ceramic coating, window tint, sun shields, and 303 Aerospace Protectant. However, for ultimate protection, especially long-term in Florida, you need to consider covers for cars outside as a cornerstone of your strategy.
Best Protection Protocol for Cars Outside
Here’s a comprehensive protocol focusing on maximizing protection against sun damage:
Paint Protection: Layered Approach
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Washing Regularly: Continue washing your cars every two weeks. This removes dirt and contaminants that can accelerate paint degradation. Use pH-balanced car wash soap.
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High-Quality Wax or Sealant: Collinite 845 is a great durable wax. Applying it every 3-4 months is a solid routine. Sealants offer even longer protection and can be considered. Look for products with UV inhibitors.
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Ceramic Coating (Optional but Recommended): Since your Mustang already has a ceramic coating, maintain it! For the Corvette, consider a professional-grade ceramic coating. They offer superior UV protection, durability, and gloss compared to waxes or sealants. They also make washing easier.
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UV Protective Top Coat (If Desired): While high-quality waxes, sealants, and ceramic coatings already contain UV protection, a dedicated UV top coat can add an extra layer, especially if you want maximum peace of mind. However, with good quality base protection, this might be overkill.
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Car Covers: The Ultimate Shield: Covers for cars outside are your most potent weapon against the sun. A high-quality, breathable car cover designed for outdoor use will physically block UV rays, heat, dust, and other environmental pollutants.
- Choosing the Right Cover: Invest in custom-fit covers for cars outside made from multi-layered, breathable, UV-resistant materials. Avoid cheap, generic covers that can trap moisture and scratch paint. Look for covers specifically designed for outdoor use and your car models.
- Using Car Covers Correctly: Ensure your car is clean and dry before putting on the cover. Secure the cover properly to prevent wind damage. Remove and refold the cover regularly to air it out and prevent moisture buildup, especially in humid Florida.
Interior Protection
- 303 Aerospace Protectant: Keep using 303 Aerospace Protectant on all interior surfaces. It’s excellent for UV protection and preventing cracking and fading. Apply regularly.
- Windshield Sun Shields: Continue using windshield sun shields whenever parked outside. They significantly reduce dashboard temperature.
- Window Tint: Dark window tint is beneficial for reducing heat and UV penetration into the interior. Ensure it complies with local regulations.
- Consider Seat Covers: For leather or sensitive upholstery, consider breathable seat covers for added protection, especially when parked in direct sun for extended periods.
Headlight Protection
- Maintain Headlight Protection: Keep applying a UV protectant specifically designed for plastic headlights. This will help slow down clouding.
- Headlight Restoration: If your Corvette’s headlights are starting to cloud, consider a headlight restoration kit or professional service to restore clarity. After restoration, apply a UV protectant to maintain the results.
Addressing Existing Products and Fade Concerns
- Products Already on Cars: Collinite 845 and Chadwick’s ceramic coating are both excellent products and don’t need to be removed unless you plan to switch to a different type of protection. If you opt for a new ceramic coating on the Corvette, ensure proper preparation, which may involve removing the Collinite 845.
- Detecting Paint Fade: Paint fade often starts subtly. Look for:
- Loss of Gloss: Paint appears duller and less reflective.
- Color Change: Vibrant colors, especially reds, may appear less intense or slightly “washed out.”
- Chalkiness: In severe cases, the paint surface may become chalky to the touch.
- Fade Under Clear Coat: Yes, fading can occur under the clear coat. Minor fading might be correctable with paint correction (polishing).
- Paint Correction for Fade: Paint correction can often remove minor to moderate fading by removing the oxidized top layer of clear coat. However, there’s a limit to how much clear coat can be safely removed. Severe fading or damage that penetrates deep into the paint layers may require a repaint.
Conclusion: Covers for Cars Outside are Essential
To truly prevent sun damage to your Corvette and Mustang in Florida, covers for cars outside are not just an accessory, they are a necessity. Combined with regular washing, quality paint protection products, and interior care, you can significantly extend the life and beauty of your vehicles, even when parked outdoors. Invest in good covers for cars outside and follow this comprehensive protocol to keep your cars looking pristine for years to come.
Alt text: Silver Corvette Z06 parked in outdoor parking in Florida sun, emphasizing the need for car covers outside for paint protection.
Alt text: Bright red 1991 Foxbody Mustang exposed to Florida sunlight, highlighting the importance of using car covers outside to prevent paint fade, especially on vibrant colors.
