You might be surprised by how much damage a car can sustain from prolonged exposure to the elements. Wind, rain, dirt, and the sun’s harsh rays can all take a toll over time — leading to costly repairs that could break the bank. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to maintain your car, especially if you park it outdoors regularly (or don’t have another option).
In this article, you’ll discover six practical tips to help protect your car and avoid unnecessary repair costs. Keep reading to learn how to keep your vehicle in great shape, rain or shine.
1. Purchase a Car Cover
A car cover is a simple yet effective way to protect your vehicle from unsightly dings and scratches. If you plan to leave your car parked outside for extended periods, it’s one of the quickest and most reliable solutions to shield it from rain, harsh sunlight, and minor damage.
That said, choosing the right cover can feel overwhelming — there are countless brands, materials, and styles out there. To help you get started, here are a few of my top recommendations (available on Amazon):
- Budge Lite Car Cover: This one is made of polypropylene that can protect against harmful UV rays, dust, and other things that can damage your car. It comes in a neutral gray color, and you can choose between a cover for a sedan or SUV.
- EzyShade 10-Layer Waterproof Car Cover: With ten layers of material, including taffeta, aluminum, and cotton, this protective gear is worth your investment. In addition to a layered cover, it’s waterproof and comes with zippers to easily access your headlights and side mirrors.
- MORNYRAY All Weather Waterproof Car Cover: If you have a sedan and you want your car cover to have a little more pizzazz, I recommend this one. You can choose between a black one with blue, orange, or purple accents, or a silver one with a blue accent. Aside from the color, the material isn’t bad either: It offers enough protection from UV rays and is fairly resistant to most types of damage from the elements.
2. Apply a Weather-Resistant Wax Once a Month
Another great way to protect your car from damage is by waxing it regularly — ideally, about once a month.
Wax acts as a protective layer over your car’s clear coat, which helps preserve the paint underneath. It shields your vehicle from rain, bird droppings, dirt, road grime, and even the sun’s UV rays.
The good news? Waxing your car is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Pick the best type of wax for you. You can choose between carnauba wax or paint sealant. Carnauba wax is an organic product made of Brazilian palm leaves that can leave your car looking radiant. Meanwhile, paint sealant is a synthetic wax that can leave a great shine and can protect your car’s clear coat for a longer period.
- Apply some wax to the part of the car you want to focus on first. With a soft towel or buffing machine, rub the wax into the vehicle in a circular motion. Only a thin layer of wax is needed. Be sure to cover the entire part you’re working on with wax to provide the most protection.
- Let the wax settle and dry. Once you see a chalky, dry texture on your car, grab a soft towel and remove the excess wax. A buffer would be most helpful in this situation, but rubbing your car with fast, repetitive motions will also remove the excess wax and leave your car shiny and protected.
3. Protect the Plastics on Your Car
Many car owners overlook the importance of applying sealants to the plastic moldings on their vehicles. Unfortunately, these parts are especially vulnerable to the elements and can end up cracked, faded, or discolored over time.
The good news is that protecting your car’s plastic trim is simple and can be done in two effective ways:
Wash the Plastics on Your Car Regularly
Every time your wash your car, you should also take care to scrub down any exposed plastics. This includes bumpers, plastic panels around your vehicle’s body (if applicable), and lights. Just letting the soapy water run over these plastics is not enough to fully clean them of pollutants.
Apply a Sealant to All Exposed Plastics
Plastic sealants are synthetic polymers that form a bond with the plastic material on your car to protect it from weather damage. When you use these protectants, keep in mind that they need to be stripped off your car once in a while. If you don’t use a cleaner to strip it off, the sealant will continue to layer and cease to bind to the plastic.
Using a microfiber towel, apply your sealant of choice to any exposed plastic on your car. Most sealants protect from pollutants in rainwater and UV rays from the sun.
If you want a sealant and wax rolled into one, I recommend Meguiar’s G200416 Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax. Even though it’s not your ordinary car wax, you don’t need to take additional steps to use it: Just apply it like regular wax. Best of all, it isn’t going to leave any unsightly white marks on your car, which is always a plus.
4. Use Sun Shades for Your Windows
The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage the paint on your car and even contribute to dry rot in your tires. After long-term exposure to UV rays, the paint on your car will oxidize, making your vehicle look grimy, old, and faded. To protect your car from UV rays, you should use sun shades.
Aside from your car’s exterior, sun shades will protect your car’s interior too. Too much sun exposure can bleach the color out of your seats and dashboard. Also, you won’t have to worry about the inside of your car heating up to an unbearable temperature.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a sun shade, such as size, mechanics, and storage. For example, the Autoamerics Windshield Sun Shade comes with a storage pouch, a non-slip pad, and two panels. On the other hand, the BDK Universal Sun Shade is one solid panel that protects from UV rays and heat and comes in two sizes.
5. Wash Your Car Regularly
Regularly washing your car is one of the easiest ways to prevent long-term damage. As a general rule, aim to wash it every two weeks to remove dirt, pollutants, and residue. If left unchecked, contaminants like dust, dead bugs, and road debris can wear down your paint and clear coat over time. Plus, keep in mind that runoff from at-home car washes often flows into storm drains, which can harm local water systems.
To minimize your impact, use an eco-friendly soap — preferably water-based and phosphate-free, as recommended by the EPA. This helps reduce pollution while still getting your car clean.
If you’re open to spending a little more, consider taking your car to a professional car wash. Not only do they have the right tools and cleaning products, but they also use about 60% less water than washing at home — making it a win for both your car and the environment.
6. Pay a Little Extra for Covered Parking
If you’re lucky, your apartment complex may offer covered parking for an additional fee. While there’s usually a small monthly charge, the extra protection can save you money in the long run by shielding your car from weather-related damage.
Before committing, be sure to inspect the covered parking area. If birds or small animals have access to the rafters, your car could still be at risk of droppings or debris. In that case, it might be better to invest in a high-quality car cover that offers more reliable protection. Alternatively, if you have the space and flexibility, consider installing a carport or a larger covered structure for long-term peace of mind.
Final Thoughts and Tips
You don’t have to leave your car at the mercy of the elements. As shown above, there are plenty of simple, effective ways to protect your vehicle when it’s parked outside. Taking advantage of these solutions is one of the best things you can do for both your car and your wallet.
With regular care and the right preventative steps, you can feel confident your vehicle will stay in great shape for the long haul.
Final tip: Try setting a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar for routine maintenance tasks — like waxing, washing, or checking your car cover. A little consistency goes a long way in keeping your car looking and performing its best.
