How to Protect Your Car from Heat

If you’re leaving your car parked at a UK airport for an extended period, especially during summer, it’s essential to take measures to protect it from heat. Long-term exposure to the sun can harm your vehicle’s tyres, interior, and exterior, but there are effective steps you can take. Here are some practical tips on how to protect your car from extreme heat when parked for weeks at airports like Heathrow or Gatwick.

Find Some Shade or Opt for Covered Parking

Parking in a shaded area or a covered car park can significantly reduce the impact of heat on your car. Many UK airports, including Manchester and Birmingham, offer covered parking options, which shield your car from direct sunlight, preserving your paintwork and protecting your tyres from rapid degradation. If covered parking isn’t available, consider using a quality car cover to shield your vehicle from sunlight and other outdoor elements.

Use a Heat Shield for Your Car’s Interior

A heat shield, such as a windshield sun shade, is an effective and affordable tool for keeping the interior of your car cooler. The reflective material helps block sunlight, reducing UV exposure and preventing the interior from overheating. For long-term parking, a heat shield can be particularly useful in protecting upholstery and dashboard materials from sun damage.

Prep Your Tyres

Heat can affect tyre pressure, with every 10-degree temperature increase leading to a potential 1–2 PSI rise. To protect your tyres from damage, check the pressure before parking and consider lowering it slightly to prevent overheating. Ensuring the tyres are properly inflated will also help prevent flat spots from forming when the car remains stationary for extended periods.

Keep Your Car Clean

Before leaving your car at the airport, make sure it’s clean inside and out. Remove any food or drinks, as leftovers can spoil quickly in high temperatures, causing unpleasant odours and attracting pests. Keeping your car clean ensures a fresh interior when you return and helps prevent damage to interior surfaces caused by lingering food particles or spills.

Consider Cracking the Windows (With Caution)

For extra ventilation, consider cracking the windows slightly to allow heat to escape. This helps prevent the build-up of hot air, keeping the car cooler overall. However, only leave the windows open if you’re parking in a secure, monitored car park with 24/7 surveillance, as open windows can increase the risk of theft.

Tint Side Windows or Cover the Interior

Tinted windows can reduce the amount of sunlight entering your car, keeping it cooler and protecting the upholstery from sun damage. While window tints are a long-term solution, covering dark upholstery with a light-coloured blanket is a quick and cost-effective way to prevent seats from absorbing too much heat during long-term parking.