UV rays in the form of sunlight can age the interior and exterior surfaces of one's vehicle just as they can a person's skin.
A great deal of attention is devoted to getting people to use sunscreen and protect themselves because of health risks from the sun.
However, little is ever said about protecting one's vehicle from the ravages of the sun.
Providing UV protection for a vehicle is not too difficult in today's world.
In fact, many of us do it without even thinking about it.
The most common method is simply parking inside a garage when the vehicle is not in use.
Since most homes are built with a carport or garage attached, this becomes an automatic habit for most.
But, what about when one is away from home and the automobile will be parked for several hours? In many cities, people park in multilevel parking garages.
Here, one can provide protection for the vehicle simply by avoiding parking on the top deck or near the edges.
Very little sunlight filters into the in-between decks beyond the first ring of parking spaces around the outside.
Another option is below ground parking decks.
These have the advantage of being completely protected from direct sunlight.
This eliminates the need to be careful about where one parks to avoid prolonged exposure of his/her automobile to UV rays.
Unfortunately, not everyone has these options.
Those that live in rural areas are less likely to have an enclosed carport attached to their homes.
Small towns are not as likely to have access to parking decks that provide adequate coverage to protect cars from direct exposure to sunlight.
This means that individuals must find another option for providing UV protection for a vehicle.
Automobile covers exist that can be stretched over a vehicle so that sunlight is completely blocked out.
These are made from different materials, usually canvas or vinyl.
In either case, they are also waterproof as well as light proof.
This provides additional protection for the vehicle that can be considered a bonus.
Fortunately, one can purchase a car cover at almost any parts supplier or discount store.
Some dealerships even offer the option of buying one when buying an automobile.
These come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making it possible to find one that will fit any automobile.
Application is a simple matter of draping it over the auto and pulling the edges down to the ground.
Elastic around the edges helps to secure it in place.