Sun can cause serious damage to many things, from boats to lawn furniture—and your car is no different.

“The sun and heat can be very damaging to a car,” according to State Farm. “During testing conducted at the State Farm Vehicle Research Facility, interior air temperatures have been recorded well in excess of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight had recorded temperatures in excess of 195 degrees Fahrenheit.”

While today’s car finishes are extremely durable, unlike paint in decades past that oxidized more easily, there are some things you can do to ensure that both the exterior and interior of your car do not suffer from sun damage.

• Keep Your Car Clean and Waxed. To protect your finish, keep the car clean and apply a hard-shell wax several times each year. The extra care will help your car’s durable finish stay so, even in the face of summer heat.
• Park in the Garage. The best way to beat the heat is to keep your car out of the sun. At home, park in the garage. When you are out, try to park in the shade. The regular use of a car cover can also keep harsh UV rays off your finish.
• Monitor Tires, Fluids and Battery. Extreme heat can have an impact on your car’s mechanical parts. It can affect tire inflation, cause batteries to fail and burn through fluids such as engine coolant. Keep a close eye on your car’s systems during the summer months (newer cars have monitoring systems that can help) and take care of problems quickly. Preventive care can minimize the chance of breaking down in the heat.
• Use a Windshield Protector. The dashboard and the front of your car’s interior often receive the most exposure to the sun. One cost-effective way to reduce that exposure is to use a windshield protector, a folding device that can be unfurled inside your car’s windshield to block out sunlight while you are parked. It then folds up to be stored while you are underway.
• Cover Your Seats. No matter what material your seats are made of, covers can shield them from direct sunlight and prevent fading and cracking. Covers are available in many styles and price ranges, from ready-made models to custom treatments.

If you have an older car that is losing the war against the sun and its harmful rays, it may be time to consider upgrading to a more recent model, or even a new car. Start by getting pre-qualified with Credit Acceptance. By taking care of your auto financing first, you can shop for your next car with a realistic budget in hand. Both inside and outside, newer cars are made with materials that withstand heat much better than their older cousins.