Beating the Summer Heat: Essential Car Care and Cleaning Products for a Sparkling Ride

Yosef Breindel
Beating the Summer Heat: Essential Car Care and Cleaning Products for a Sparkling Ride

Beating the Summer Heat: Essential Car Care and Cleaning Products for a Sparkling Ride

Summer brings sunshine, road trips, and endless possibilities for adventure. But the scorching sun, relentless heat, and unpredictable weather can also wreak havoc on your car's appearance and performance. From sunbaked dashboards to bug splatter and dusty interiors, keeping your car clean and protected during the summer months requires a dedicated approach.

Here at Fixra, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and well-maintained car. That's why we've compiled a comprehensive guide packed with essential car care and cleaning products to help you conquer the summer elements and keep your ride looking its best.

Sun Protection:

The harsh summer sun can be a major enemy of your car's interior. The UV rays can cause cracking, fading, and discoloration on your leather seats and plastic dashboards. Here's how to fight back:

  • UV Protectant: Invest in a high-quality UV protectant spray or lotion designed for car interiors. Apply it liberally to your dashboard, steering wheel, and leather seats following the product instructions. Reapply at regular intervals, especially after prolonged sun exposure. Some Fixra favorites include Meguiar's Ultimate Interior Detailer or 303 Aerospace Protectant.

  • Window Tints: Consider adding window tinting to your vehicle. This will significantly reduce UV rays entering your car, protecting the interior and keeping it cooler during hot days. Make sure to consult your local laws and regulations regarding permissible window tint darkness.

Interior Cleaning:

Summer often means dirt and dust getting tracked inside from open windows and sandy adventures. Here's what you need to tackle the mess:

  • Vacuum Cleaner: A portable handheld vacuum cleaner is a lifesaver for removing crumbs, dust, and pet hair from carpets, seats, and crevices. Look for a model with a variety of attachments to reach tight spaces.

  • Interior Detailing Sprays: Interior detailing sprays are perfect for cleaning dashboards, door panels, and other hard surfaces. These sprays often contain anti-static properties to repel dust and leave a fresh, clean scent. Fixra offers a wide range of interior detailing sprays like Chemical Guys InnerClean or Turtle Wax Interior Detailer Spray.

  • Leather Wipes: For leather seats and upholstery, opt for dedicated leather wipes. These pre-moistened wipes clean and condition leather surfaces, preventing them from drying out and cracking under the summer sun. We recommend Fixra's Leather Wipes for their non-greasy formula that leaves your leather supple and protected.

  • Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths are essential for removing dust, fingerprints, and smudges from various interior surfaces without scratching. Opt for high-quality microfiber cloths designed for car cleaning.

Exterior Cleaning:

Summer showers and road trips can leave your car looking grimy. Here's how to restore its shine:

  • Car Wash: Regular car washes are crucial during summer. Wash your car at least once or twice a month, or more frequently if you encounter heavy rain, excessive dust, or bug splatter. Use a high-quality car wash shampoo designed for clear coat finishes, and avoid harsh detergents that can strip away wax protection.

  • Bug and Tar Remover: Summer means encountering bug splatter and tar on your car's exterior. Invest in a dedicated bug and tar remover spray. These specialized formulas loosen and dissolve stubborn bug residue and tar without damaging the car's paint. Fixra carries effective Bug and Tar Removers from brands like Meguiar's and Turtle Wax.

  • Waxing: Waxing your car provides a protective layer against the elements, including the summer sun's harsh UV rays. Apply a good quality car wax every few months to maintain a beautiful shine and shield your car's paint from fading and oxidation.

  • Two-Bucket Wash Method: This professional car wash technique separates soapy water for washing from clean rinse water. This prevents re-contaminating the car with dirt from the wash bucket and ensures a cleaner rinse.

  • Wheels and Tires: Don't neglect your wheels and tires! Use a dedicated wheel cleaner to remove brake dust and road grime. Choose a tire shine product that provides a clean, natural sheen without attracting dirt. Fixra offers various wheel and tire care products, including Meguiar's Hot Rims Aluminum Cleaner and Armor All Tire Shine Spray.

Extra Summer Care Tips:

  • Floor Mats: Invest in all-weather floor mats to trap dirt, sand, and moisture from your shoes. These mats are easy to remove and clean, preventing dirt build-up on your car's carpet.

  • Air Fresheners: Choose air fresheners with pleasant scents that are long-lasting and won't overpower the car's interior. Opt for natural air fresheners or vent clips instead of strong artificial scents. 

 

Summer Specific Concerns:

Beyond the general cleaning routine, summer throws some unique challenges at your car. Here's how to address them:

  • Heat-Related Issues:

    • Overheating: Make sure your car's coolant level is topped off with a proper coolant mixture. A 50/50 mix of coolant and water is a good starting point. Consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations.
    • Tire Pressure: Hot weather can cause tire pressure to fluctuate. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips, and adjust it to the manufacturer's recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for optimal fuel efficiency and handling.

  • Air Conditioning: Ensure your car's air conditioning system is functioning optimally. Schedule a routine AC system check-up before the summer heat sets in. Replace the cabin air filter if needed, as it can trap dust and allergens.

  • Sun Visors: Keep your sun visors extended to block direct sunlight from hitting the dashboard and steering wheel, preventing them from overheating and potentially warping.

  • Parking: Whenever possible, park your car in shaded areas to minimize sun exposure and interior heat build-up.

Maintaining Freshness:

  • Deodorizing: Combat lingering summer odors like sweat, sunscreen, or food spills with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and seats, leave it for 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.

  • Leather Care: For leather seats, use a dedicated leather conditioner after cleaning them with leather wipes. Conditioning replenishes leather's natural oils, preventing it from drying out and cracking under the summer sun.

  • Air Purifiers: Consider using a car air purifier to remove dust, pollen, and other allergens that can circulate inside the car during summer.

Dealing with Summer Messes:

  • Bird Droppings: Bird droppings can be acidic and damage car paint if left unattended. Clean them up promptly with a damp microfiber cloth and a mild car wash soap solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that can scratch the paint.

  • Tree Sap: Tree sap can be sticky and difficult to remove. Apply a dedicated sap remover following the product instructions. Be gentle to avoid damaging the paint.

  • Ice Cream Melts: Spilled ice cream can leave sticky residue and unpleasant odors. Address spills immediately by scraping off excess ice cream with a plastic tool (not metal). Then, blot the area with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap solution. Follow up with an interior detailing spray for a complete clean.

Maintaining Visibility:

  • Wiper Blades: Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition. Replace worn-out blades that streak or leave smears on the windshield. Opt for high-quality wiper blades designed for all-weather performance.

  • Windshield Washer Fluid: Keep your windshield washer fluid topped off with a summer-formulated solution. Summer formulas often contain bug-repelling ingredients for improved visibility during road trips.

Proactive Maintenance for Summer Adventures:

  • Emergency Kit: Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit for your car, especially for summer road trips. Include essentials like jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a roadside assistance phone number, and bottled water.

  • Tire Inspection: Before embarking on a summer adventure, thoroughly inspect your tires for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Uneven tread wear or bulges can be dangerous and should be addressed by a qualified mechanic.

Conclusion:

By incorporating these essential car care and cleaning products and techniques into your summer routine, you can effectively combat the challenges of the season and keep your car looking its best. Remember, consistency is key. Regularly washing, cleaning, and maintaining your car will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience throughout the summer months.

Bonus Tip: Consider detailing your car professionally once or twice during the summer. Professional detailers can remove stubborn grime, buff out minor scratches, and apply a protective wax coating for a showroom-quality shine.

Here at Fixra, we are your one-stop shop for all your car care and cleaning needs. We offer a wide variety of high-quality products and helpful resources to help you keep your car looking and performing its best, no matter the season. Visit our website or contact our friendly customer service team to learn more!