UV rays, hail, and even windblown debris can wreak havoc on your car's appearance. Hail and debris primarily affect the exterior, while br4ight sunlight and UV light can damage both the exterior paint job and the upholstery and dash of your car's interior. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid weather issues. The following three tips can help keep your car looking its best.

Tip #1: Use protectant products

Protectants are one of the major keys to preventing weather-related damage. The simplest way to do this is to wax your car after every wash. Modern auto waxes aren't sticky, and they bring the paint to a high shine while also adding a layer of protection against scratches and UV damage. An undercarriage seal treatment can also be useful, particularly in areas where the roads are salted in winter. There are even chrome waxes to protect chrome accessories, interior protectant waxes to prevent UV damage to dashboards and similar, and rubber protectants for use on tires.

Tip #3: Consider tinting or shades

When UV damage to the car's interior is your primary concern, blocking the extraneous light is your best option. Tinting your windows as dark as legally allowed helps prevent most sun damage. You can use a removable window shade to block out the rest of the light from the front windshield when the car is parked. As an added benefit, this will also keep the car cooler in summer. If you spend long hours parked outside, such as at work, orient the car in a different direction each day, so one side isn't exposed more to direct sunlight than the other. This will help prevent the slight interior fading that can still occur even with tinting, or at least ensure that everything fades evenly so any minor sun damage isn't immediately noticeable.

Tip #3: Invest in a carport

Carports are an excellent option if you don't have a garage to park in. Skip the flimsy tarp or canvas style carports and instead invest in a more secure and heavier metal version. A sturdy carport protects your vehicle from hail, falling branches, and a large amount of windblown debris. The shade can also cut down on both exterior and interior sun damage. There are also side panels available for most metal carport models, which can provide even more protection from weather damage.

Talk to a carport company for additional info.