Beautiful, sunny days are wonderful for taking calming scenic rides around Hawaii. However, the intense heat and light produced can also be detrimental to your vehicle's interior if the right precautions, like adding window tinting, are not taken. Use this guide to protect the inside of your car from the sun's harmful effects.

How to Protect Your Car Interior From Sun Damage

1. Cover the Dash

The dash areas underneath your front and rear windows experience more sun damage than other spots inside your vehicle. When parked, protect these points by placing a UV blanket on top of them to prevent the plastic or leather from fading and cracking. You can also put up a sunlight-blocking panel over the windshield for extra protection.

2. Add Window Tinting

Car window tinting serves more than a stylistic purpose. It also helps to reduce the interior temperature and block out UV rays, which can fade the upholstery. When you’re inside the vehicle, the film will also protect you from UVA and UVB radiation, lowering your risk of developing skin conditions like premature wrinkles, liver spots, and melanoma.

3. Clean It Regularly

The sun is not the only threat to your car's interior. Dust, dirt, and food particles can all get ground into the different materials and weaken the fibers or scratch the leather. When hit with direct sunlight, this debris can even get baked into the seats, floorboards, console, and dashboard, which can result in permanent stains and premature wear. Try not to eat in your car, and wipe down all surfaces with a microfiber cloth at least once a week.

Safeguard your car's interior from the intense summer sun by visiting Ohana Tinting in Kapolei, HI. This family-owned and -operated tint shop has provided automotive, residential, and commercial window tinting to all of Oahu since 2013. Schedule an appointment today by calling (808) 636-6551, and visit their website to learn more about their offerings.