How to Fix Weather-Caused Interior Damage of your Car
People often keep their cars clean and shiny from the outside, and why not? Exterior cleaning is vital as everyone takes a look and admires a clean and shiny car. On top of it all, it feels enjoyable to drive a clean car as well doesn't it? Well, it certainly does. Who would disagree with that!
A common mistake that people often make is that they do not pay much attention to inside cleaning of the car. Interior cleaning is much more important than outside cleaning. Why? You and your loved ones sit inside the vehicle and are directly affected by it. Therefore, people must pay attention to the inside of the vehicle.
Many people think that if they dust their floor mats or use pressurized air, the interior is clean. However, it does not work like that. You need to take out the seats, clean the floor carpeting, air dust, and much more to ensure that the interior is tidy. Apart from this, the weather also plays a vital role in the car interior.
People fail to realize that rainwater, dust, or even direct sunlight is harmful to the interior. For instance, direct sunlight can damage the leather seats or fade the colour of the plastic. The rainwater if not dried properly, might damage the electric system or leave a stinking smell. Trust us when we say that you would not want this!
It is now time to explain the different types of weather damages and how to fix them.
Water Damage & Its Solution
Well, it includes the damage from the rainwater or any other type of liquid finding its way to the vehicle's inside. Many people leave their windows open during light rain. What they fail to realize is that the rainwater is harmful to the interior. The car flooring in almost every car is of fabric, and it is usually neglected when it comes to cleaning.
If not cleaned, it can absorb a lot of dust and is on the forefront when it comes to damage caused by moisture. All of this can cause bacteria to develop and a foul smell. So, it is imperative to regularly clean the car's flooring with a vacuum cleaner or anti-bacterial spray to keep it clean and smell fresh.
A more safe and permanent solution is installing leather flooring to prevent water from absorbing on the fabric. If you opt for leather flooring, you can clean the dust easily with a cloth. Mats and seats are also fabric. In other words, they are front runners for moisture damage and are the main reason for the foul smell caused inside the car.
It is recommended to install leather, or any polyester seat covers to prevent water from absorbing on the seat and stinking them. For the floor mats, buy rubber mats and place it on top of the fabric mats as they do not absorb water and can be easily cleaned and dried. During the rainy season, you should keep spare clothes and shoes inside the car as the rain causes shoes and clothes to get wet and as a result, causes damage to the mats and seats.
Before getting in the car, wear dry clothes and shoes to prevent damage and avoid getting sick. Water can easily drip onto the dashboard or door panels if door or window seals are damaged. It is important to dry the water with a cloth immediately as the water can reach the electrical components through the dashboard and door panels.
We all know what happens when electrical components come into contact with water. It needs no further explanation, and all you need to remember is that you will be forced to pay a very hefty repair bill. Therefore, check your window or door seals regularly and get them fixed if there is an issue.
Sunlight Damage & Its Solution
Just like the weather, direct sunlight is also damaging to the vehicle’s interior. For instance, direct sunlight can damage the leather seats or dashboard plastic. It can cause the airbags and other safety features to malfunction. How to fix it? There are numerous options. If you are based in the UAE, opt for window tinting.
Remember, PitStopArabia is offering window tinting services in UAE. We offer different types of tints, and all of them are in line with the UAE rules and regulations. For more information on window tinting in the UAE, check our earlier blog post. If you are not a fan of window tinting, you can place a cloth on the dashboard and the seats. If not, use a windshield sun protector.