Though you park your car in the garage, it’s not safe from theft. Whether it’s in a parking lot, your neighbourhood or any public place, car theft is real, and you never know when it strikes. It’s your duty to protect your vehicles as much as you can.
As your car is more than just a means of transport, you need to protect your investment to reap the benefits of convenience and comfort. Protecting your vehicle is as important as servicing it. You have to ensure that it has tolerance to the outside weather, dirt and other damage.
Below are some tips to ensure vehicle protection so that you can save it from theft and other damage at home:
Don’t Ignore the Car Cover
Never leave your car alone. Always cover it using a high-quality cover to protect the exterior of your car from extreme weather elements like harsh sun and heavy rainfall. You can also prevent dust, dirt, and debris from gathering on the surface of the car. Investing in a quality cover will protect your car, especially if you have to park the car for a long time. Whether it’s in your home or on the street, covering will help deter unwanted attention on your car.
Upgrade Your Garage
If your home has a garage, upgrading it or regularly cleaning it will help protect your car from environmental damage. For instance, if there is high humidity, you can protect the car from rust formation. Also, decluttering your garage will prevent accidental scraps from forming on the car. When you have to put your car in the garage, ensure to keep door mats and drip pans under the car to collect oil and coolant leakage.
Having a clean, ventilated and secured garage keeps your car protected from harsh weather and possible theft.
Protect Your Vehicles from the Sun
If you leave the car for too long under the sun, the UV rays can damage the paint, cause cracks on the dashboard and weaken the upholstery. Even if you park in the sun's shade, it will negatively impact the exterior of the car. To prevent it, you can use a windshield sunshade and tint your windows to minimise the damage. Additionally, you can also apply UV-protectant sun spray to reduce sun damage to interior surfaces.
Regular Washing and Waxing
If you want to protect your car from bird droppings, tree sap, and other pollutants, you have to regularly wash and wax the car. It’s best to use car-safe soap to wash the car every 2-4 weeks. Also, waxing the car every 3-6 months will prevent the car from gathering dust, dirt and other impure particles.
Rotate Parking Spots
You have to change the direction of parking your car to prevent uneven sun exposure and rain damage. It will also protect the car from inconsistent paint fading or tyre wear and tear. So, rotating parking spots is essential.
Secure Your Car – Lock, Cover and Monitor
Thefts can happen anywhere and anytime, even in the quiet and peaceful neighbourhoods. To have peace of mind, it’s best to lock your car always even when you are home.
For additional security, install CCTV cameras near your garage and driveways to keep track of the activities happening at your home. If your area is theft prone, you can think of having a steering lock or wheel clamp.
Install a Carport If You Don’t Have a Garage
If you have a garage, sealing garage doors will prevent air drafts and protect your car from extreme weather damage. However, if you don’t have a garage, think of installing a carport. It’s a smart investment that protects your car from sun, rain, hail and debris. Though it’s an investment, it’s still less needed to have a garage and provide similar protection to your vehicle. It helps in the car's exterior and interior health.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your vehicle need not be hard. Ensure that you have foresight and provide consistent care. Be alert of your surroundings and take action immediately. Whether it’s to protect your car from theft or external damage, following the above-mentioned steps will help preserve the car's value and appearance.
