How Different Weather Affects Your Car’s Exterior: What You Need to Know

Weather affects us all. It determines what we wear for the day or how we travel, and we often forget its daily impact on our car’s exterior. The outside of your car is constantly exposed and takes the brunt of sun, wind, and cold damage.

The results of stress from the environment are not immediately noticeable, so it is important to understand how different weather conditions affect the appearance of your car and what you can do to prevent it. This article will discuss how each type of weather can affect your car’s exterior.

Damaging Effects of Weather on Your Car

The condition of your car’s exterior can affect its resale value and longevity. If the effects of weather on your car are ignored, long-term damage can occur that can be costly for repairs and maintenance. If you address these issues swiftly or protect your car from them altogether, you can likely ensure that it stays in perfect condition and is prepared for years to come.

Direct Sunlight and Extreme Heat

Fading Paint and Oxidation

Constant sun exposure can lead to your car’s paint fading over time. The radiation from UV rays causes a breakdown of the paint pigments, causing the colour to appear less vibrant with time.

UV rays can also damage the protective clear coat, making it brittle and begin to crack or peel. Once the clear coat is damaged, the underlying paint becomes exposed and vulnerable to different types of damage.

Tire Pressure

The outside temperature can have an impact on your tyre’s pressure. Higher temperatures mean higher pressure and overinflation.

This pressure can cause uneven tyre wear, reduced traction, and even a blowout. You’ll want to double-check your tyre pressure regularly during summer and adjust when things heat up.

Interior Damage

Nobody wants to be miserable during the heat, meaning your car’s air conditioner works much harder during summer. This leads to regular wear and tear of the system, so regular maintenance can help avoid any mishaps during hot weather.

Freezing Temperatures and Ice

Cracks and Fissures in Paint

Freezing temperatures cause the metal to contract, so during the colder months, the temperature can make your car’s paint more brittle, causing cracks or fractures. This makes removing snow or ice from your car riskier, as you can chip away or scratch the paint in the process. Be mindful when using an ice scraper to remove any ice, snow, or debris from your car during the winter.

Less Efficient Battery

During cold weather, your car’s battery is less efficient and can cause issues when starting. It’s a good idea to test your battery before the winter weather settles in and ensure it can withstand colder temperatures.

Salt and Chemical Corrosion

When you live in areas with heavy snow, you likely will run into salt and de-icing chemicals used on roads. These chemicals and salt can lead to metal corrosion along the undercarriage of your car and even further up onto the car’s body, causing rust and damage to the paint and other exposed areas. 

Humidity and Rain

Rust and Corrosion

Those living near the ocean or in more rainy areas consistently experience salt and moisture in the air. This constant exposure to damp conditions can lead to corrosion and rust over time. To avoid weakening your car’s exterior, you should regularly check and repair any damages to halt corrosion. 

Extreme Winds

Wind is the least common damaging element we pay attention to, but debris, small rocks, or branches can cause scratches, dings and dents to your car’s body. You obviously cannot control the wind, but a well-waxed exterior can help protect your car from minor damages.

Car Body Damage From The Elements? Caversham Coachworks Can Help

There are a few ways you can protect your car from the elements:

• Practise regular inspections and maintenance of your vehicle’s exterior
• Carry out repairs promptly after discovering any damages
• If possible, park your car under a carport or in a garage
• If you’re unable to find proper covered parking, seek out a quality car cover
• Anti-rust treatments carried out by a professional

With the proper precautions, you can save time and money on future repairs. If you’ve run into any damages caused by weather, you should remediate the issue as soon as possible with an auto body repair shop.

At Caversham Coachworks, we provide a wide range of services and repairs to meet your needs. We offer services like alloy wheel refurbishment, cooling systems and air-conditioning maintenance, paintless dent removal, swift same-day repairs, steering component repairs, the use of genuine parts, and electrical system maintenance and refurbishment. We can keep your car protected and running safely and smoothly.

At our convenient locations in Caversham and Abingdon, we are here to help with traditional, modern, hybrid, and EV vehicles with our state-of-the-art equipment. Contact us today or use our free and easy estimator tool.