If you live in an area where the sun tends to be intense during the summer months, it’s important to make sure that you properly protect your car or truck. That’s because the sun’s UV rays can cause your car’s interior accessories to become faded. One of the best ways to protect your vehicle is to use sun shielding materials.

Not only can UV rays fade the paint on the interior and exterior of your vehicle, but it can also lead to dramatic increases in the temperature of your car’s interior. This can be quite uncomfortable when you get into your car or truck on a hot summer day. Luckily, there are ways that you can keep these rays out of your vehicle. Here are a few things to keep in mind to protect your car from the sun’s UV rays.

Use a Windshield Cover

Using a windshield cover is one of the best ways to keep the sun out of your car. However, it’s important to know what to look for when you’re choosing one. Here are a few important tips to remember:

• Try to find a sunshade that blocks out at least 97% of UV light.
• Make sure that the dimensions of the sunshade that you choose will fit with your car or truck.
• Ensure that it will be easy to adjust the sunshade that you choose.

Most sunshades are made out of Mylar. This material is specially designed to reflect most of the sunlight that hits it. However, fabrics and other materials that are used to make car sunshades can potentially radiate heat back into your car. As a result, it’s typically best to choose a windshield cover that’s made out of Mylar.

Choose UV-Resistant Console Covers

The console of your vehicle can faded from consistent exposure to UV radiation. Luckily, there are UV-resistant console covers available that are made out of waterproof materials. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is protected from both UV light and spills.

Most console covers are made out of polyester, canvas, or neoprene. Polyester is especially UV-resistant, and this makes it an ideal choice for car owners looking to protect their interior from the summer sun. Neoprene console covers are also an excellent option when it comes to UV protection, and both materials are known for their affordability.

Use a Steering Wheel Cover

One area of your vehicle that’s consistently exposed to UV light is the steering wheel. As a result, it can become faded over time. Fortunately, you’ll be able to find cloth steering wheel covers that can keep UV light from fading your car’s steering wheel. Furthermore, you’ll be able to find cloth steering wheel covers with a wide range of designs and patterns.

Many of these products are made out of polyester, which is known for offering exceptional UV resistance. Another popular material for UV-resistant steering wheel covers is neoprene. This material is resistant to damage from both ultraviolet light and ozone.

Choose a UV-Resistant Dashboard

Your dashboard is frequently exposed to intense sunlight, and this can cause it to become faded. A good windshield cover can keep the sun off of your dash when your car is parked.

Not only are some dashboard materials designed to protect against UV radiation, but there are also UV-resistant coatings that you can apply to your dash to protect it. Many UV-resistant coatings can be easily applied at home in only a few minutes. In fact, it’s even possible to get UV-resistant coatings that can be sprayed onto your dashboard.

Use Seat Covers

Your car’s seats can become faded from frequent exposure to sunlight, but it’s possible to keep the sun off of your seats by using UV-resistant seat covers. Here are a few things to look for when you’re choosing UV-resistant seat covers for your car or truck:

• Not only should you consider the UV protection that your seat covers offer, but it’s also important to make sure that you choose a product that’s spill-proof.
• It’s important to make sure that your seat covers are tight fitting. This will help to ensure that the covers do not get wrinkled.
• You’ll want to be familiar with the materials that seat covers are made out of. Most products are either neoprene, velour, leather imitation, or canvas. Canvas tends to be exceptionally spill-resistant, but neoprene is known for offering great protection against the sun’s UV rays.

Choose UV-Resistant Seat Belts

Your car’s seat belts are also susceptible to the effects of UV exposure. However, you can keep them from getting faded by choosing seat belts that are designed to be resistant to the damaging effects of the sun. Here are a few things to look for when you’re choosing UV-resistant seat belts:

• While there are many UV-resistant products on the market, it’s always important to make sure that you never compromise on the protection that your seat belts offer. You’ll be able to find seat belts that are designed to offer exceptional protection in the event of an accident and as well as UV resistance.
• Many UV-resistant seat belts are designed to offer protection against damage from spills and abrasion as well.
• In general, polyester seat belts tend to be more UV-resistant than products made of other materials.

Consider Tinted Windows

One way to keep the sun out of your car’s interior is to install tinted windows. However, it’s important to make sure that the windows you choose comply with all local regulations. Each state is different when it comes to regulations that pertain to tinted windows.

Only New Jersey, Vermont, and New Hampshire ban window tinting entirely. Other states only restrict the percentage of light that your windows can filter out.

Another Option: Park in the Shade

If possible, you should always try to park in the shade. While this is not a custom car interior accessory, it’s still a good tip to adhere to. Parking in the shade will keep the UV rays of the sun off of your car or truck. If you live in the desert or another hot climate, you’re probably familiar with the time-honored tradition of finding a big, shady tree to park under. Try to do this every time you take your car out.

Use Your Garage if You Have One

While not technically an accessory, if your home comes with a garage, then great. Keep your car in it as much as possible. This will ensure that the sun stays off of your vehicle throughout the day. In addition, parking in between two buildings can be a great way to ensure that your car stays in the shade for the whole day.

The products mentioned above can help keep your vehicle’s interior cool on those blistering summer days.