[floridaorange]

My wife’s xc90 sits in the sun probably half the day before shade from our oak tree helps block the rays. What do you reccomend for keeping the car protected from the rather constant sun exposure?

[Clark_Kent]

The interior or exterior?

[floridaorange]

Exterior.

[CarsAndGuitars]

Any rubber seals, matte black etc can be treated with 303 Aerospace protectant

[Burrcold]

Go to an old school detailer and get it waxed a few times a year. Get a sunshade for the interior.

[DocL]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Go to an old school detailer and get it waxed a few times a year. Get a sunshade for the interior.

The sunshade really helps prevent the UV damage to the interior along with window tint.

[Westside Guy]

Have you considered a car cover?

[overcoil]

I think the flat panels: hood, roof, hatch take the brunt of the sun so washing - which I think in itself is helpful, plus carnuba wax ( or any wax which claims UV protection ) will work exceptionally at preventing UV damage.
But I would suggest complete washing and waxing those horizontal panels monthly.

Also try to park where the headlight lenses hit the minimal sun exposure.
If polycarbonate or some similar plastic they might yellow from constant sun exposure.

[floridaorange]

I use a car shade for the interior for her (she usually doesn’t - shocker). I use a spray wax, wash bi-weekly, will go the carnuba route. Thank you.

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by CarsAndGuitars

Any rubber seals, matte black etc can be treated with 303 Aerospace protectant

Just ordered a bottle thank you for the info

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Just ordered a bottle thank you for the info

Same here... will be a run on them at Amazon!

[CarsAndGuitars]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Just ordered a bottle thank you for the info

It is basically what armorAll should be without the slime.

Also great for interior dash, door and console surfaces. But I would recommend not using on seating surfaces, shifter, levers and especially not steering wheel, as it is a bit slick.

Looks fantastic on matte black trim

[M5Rick]

Garage is full of stuff so a canopy cover goes on it to protect the top half and a weekly wash with a shampoo containing carnauba wax looks after the rest.

[P1]

Just keep a nice layer of sealant on there and call it a day.

[GERMAN M3]

Can’t go wrong with this combo.

[arucano]

Carnauba is not suitable for hot / extended direct sunlight. Use a good sealant instead. There are many from reputable brands. My E39 sat outside for years, after the garage shrunk and looked absolutely great when I used the sealant. Most sealants don't give the depth of a carnauba shine but that is probably not you priority

[Forzanerazzurri]

[Ralph III]

It really depends on how often you wash and wax your vehicle!

Carnauba waxes do offer UV protection but they only last for a few weeks, as others have stated. As long as you wax your vehicle once a month or so, then you'd be perfectly fine.

Whereas Sealants can offer protection up to 6 months or so. I often use Eagle One "Wax as You Dry" or a spray wax/sealant after washing. So, our vehicles always have a good protective layer. It also makes it easier to wash next time, because contaminants are less likely to stick to the paint.

I still apply Carnauba on occasion for the look, but I depend on the sealants for the protection. I managed a detail business for 14 years, btw. I've also done quite a bit of professional automotive painting. Mostly for myself and family/friends.

I don't typically recommend car covers because those can scratch the paint surface and cause water to sit on the surface. I would recommend using sunshades to help protect the interior though.

Take care,
Ralph

[P1]

Originally Posted by GERMAN M3

Can’t go wrong with this combo.

I couldn't agree more! 845 is a bit of a pain to apply and remove unless you go really, really thin. But Power Lock has been my go-to for years and years.

[bmw1racer]

Car cover.

I put the cover on my car every day when I'm at work and the exterior and interior are as good as day one.

[DanG]

I just use Groit’s Liquid Glass Poly wax. My 5+ year old M2 looks like new. I do have a sun screen for the windshield. No added tint.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

Car cover.

I put the cover on my car every day when I'm at work and the exterior and interior are as good as day one.

Companies like California Car Covers, make fairly lightweight all-weather covers which are user-friendly, easy to put on and takeoff and will give the car protection from the sun. 😎