If you are looking for a fiat dealership Los Angeles will not let you down . . . all with rows of beautiful shiny motors, paintwork gleaming and bright, clean interiors. Unfortunately the savage heat of the summer can soon put an end to all of that. The heat and the sunshine can cause lots of damage to a car both on the inside and on the outside. Just think about how hot it can get inside your car if it’s been parked in full sunshine for even a half hour – we’ve all sat down on a hot seat in shorts or short skirt and had to shuffle around a bit until things cool down (leather seats are definitely the worst culprits for that). Steering wheels can also get too hot to handle in the heat of the summer.

There are other problems too – the sun can damage the paintwork of the car, cause the dashboard to crack and the seats to dry out. The trim can fade and become brittle . . . it really is a recipe for disaster.
Here are a few tips about how to protect your car from the heat and the summer sun.

On the Inside;

• The first tip is certainly not rocket science, in fact it’s remarkably easy – find a shady spot to park. This will help to keep the temperature lower inside the car and prevent the dashboard from drying out and getting cracked – it will also prevent burned legs when you get back in the car. If at all possible it’s also a great idea to leave the windows open just a little to allow the air to circulate and equalize air pressure – this isn’t always safe but is something you should consider if the car is in a safe location.
• Windshield sun protectors are worth their weight in gold during the hottest months. They may not be the most attractive thing in the world but are cheap to buy, easy to use and can help to keep the temperatures lower inside your car.

• Seat covers are another easy solution for protecting both leather and other types of fabric seats. They will help to keep them clean, in good condition and cool in the summer.
• Leather seats are particularly vulnerable in the hot sunshine and can quickly become dry and cracked. Applying a touch of leather conditioner can help to keep them in tip top condition which will prevent them from cracking and tearing.

On the Outside;

• Keep your car nice clean with regular washes and dries. Sunshine and heat can cause the paint to become dull and cracked but regular washes will remove the dust / dirt particles which can cause those tiny scratches on the paints surface and make it appear dull.
• Waxing your motor is another good idea which reaps benefits during the summer; the wax can help to protect your paintwork from the harmful rays of the sun.

• Keep an eye on tire pressures all year round but particularly in the summer. Hot pavements crossed with low tire pressures are a recipe for disaster and can cause blowouts. Even good quality tires may lose up to a pound of pressure per month in the hottest weather. Check these regularly – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

At www.ocfiat.com, they’ve got a great selection of motors all shiny and new . . . but if you want your new car to stay that way through the summer you know what to do about it.