How to Protect Your Vehicle From Summer Heat and Sunlight

June 1st, 2026 by

Summer Road Trips

How to Protect Your Vehicle From Summer Heat and Sunlight

Extreme summer temperatures and direct sunlight can take a toll on your vehicle’s paint, interior, battery, tires, and overall performance. By following a few smart habits and preventative care tips, you can keep your vehicles cooler, cleaner, and running more efficiently all summer long. At Spitzer Ford Hartville, we want to be your partner after you purchase, and want to help you protect your investment with expert service, seasonal maintenance specials, and quality new and used vehicles.

Browse our new vehicle inventory, explore reliable used vehicles, save with our monthly specials, and schedule certified service using our available service specials. Don’t forget to learn about the exclusive benefits available through Spitzer VIP when you purchase with us.

Best Ways to Protect Your Vehicle This Summer

    • Park in shaded areas whenever possible – Parking under trees, in garages, or inside covered parking structures helps reduce cabin temperatures and minimizes UV exposure that can fade paint, crack dashboards, and damage upholstery over time.
    • Use a windshield sunshade – A reflective windshield shade blocks direct sunlight from entering the cabin and can significantly reduce interior heat buildup. This also helps protect your steering wheel, dashboard, touchscreen, and seats from sun damage. If you can get a sunshade made for your specific vehicle, so much the better, as it should block out more sun. Check with our parts team to see if we have your sunshade in stock!
    • Wax will protect your paint – Wax acts as a protective barrier between your vehicle’s paint and harsh UV rays. Regular waxing can help prevent oxidation, fading, and premature paint deterioration during hot summer months.
    • Check tire pressure frequently – Hot weather causes air inside tires to expand, which can lead to overinflation and uneven wear. Maintaining proper tire pressure improves safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Tire pressure should be checked at least every month, and before trips.
    • Keep your cooling system maintained – Your radiator, coolant, hoses, and water pump work together to prevent overheating. Summer heat places extra stress on your vehicle’s cooling system, making routine inspections and coolant flushes essential.
    • Protect interior surfaces with UV protectants – Applying UV-protective products to leather, vinyl, plastic, and dashboard materials helps reduce cracking, fading, and drying caused by prolonged sun exposure.
    • Wash your vehicle regularly – Dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and tree sap can become more damaging under intense sunlight. Frequent washing helps preserve your paint finish and prevents contaminants from bonding to the surface.
    • Maintain your battery – Excessive heat can shorten battery life by causing battery fluid to evaporate more quickly. A battery inspection can help identify corrosion, weak connections, or reduced charging performance before problems occur.
    • Use seat covers or tinted windows – Seat covers help protect upholstery from heat damage, while professionally installed window tint can reduce UV exposure and help keep your cabin cooler.
    • Avoid carrying unnecessary exterior cargo – Roof racks, sports carriers, and cargo boxes create aerodynamic drag that forces your vehicle to work harder. Removing unused accessories can improve fuel efficiency and reduce strain on the engine during hot weather driving.
    • Keep fluids topped off – Engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid all play important roles in warm-weather driving. Proper fluid levels help prevent overheating and ensure optimal vehicle performance.
    • Schedule regular seasonal maintenance – Professional inspections can identify worn belts, aging hoses, weak batteries, low refrigerant levels, and other issues that may worsen during extreme summer temperatures.

Why Summer Vehicle Care Matters

High temperatures and UV exposure can accelerate wear on nearly every part of your vehicle. Heat impacts batteries, fluids, tire pressure, air conditioning systems, and engine performance, while sunlight damages paint and interior materials. Staying proactive with summer vehicle maintenance helps improve comfort, efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability.

If your vehicle struggles with summer driving conditions, consider upgrading to one of our fuel-efficient and feature-packed models from our new inventory or browse affordable options in our used inventory.

Summer Vehicle Protection FAQs

Does driving with the windows up help efficiency?

Yes. At higher speeds, driving with the windows down increases aerodynamic drag, which can reduce fuel efficiency. Keeping windows up while using the air conditioning moderately is often more efficient during highway driving.

Does removing a roof rack or sports carrier improve efficiency?

Yes. Exterior cargo carriers and roof racks increase wind resistance, making your engine work harder. Removing unused accessories can improve fuel economy and reduce stress on your vehicle during hot weather.

How does regular vehicle service help summer efficiency?

Routine maintenance helps ensure your engine, cooling system, tires, battery, and air conditioning system operate efficiently. Clean filters, proper fluid levels, and well-maintained components can improve fuel economy and reduce the risk of overheating.

How can I keep my vehicle interior cooler in the summer?

Using sunshades, parking in shaded areas, cracking the windows slightly, and applying window tint can help reduce cabin temperatures and protect interior surfaces from heat damage.

Can extreme heat damage my car battery?

Yes. High temperatures can evaporate battery fluid and shorten battery lifespan. Summer battery inspections help identify weak batteries before they fail unexpectedly.

How often should I check tire pressure during summer?

Drivers should check tire pressure at least once a month and before long road trips. Hot temperatures can increase tire pressure rapidly, affecting handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency.

Keep your vehicle protected this summer with professional maintenance and expert service from Spitzer Ford Hartville. Save on maintenance with our current service specials, browse our latest monthly offers, and discover premium ownership benefits through Spitzer VIP.

View Our Service Specials

Lifetime Warranty

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Pay – Over – Time

90 Day Same As Cash Financing Available On All Repairs or Maintenance

With approval. 90% approval rate and no hard credit pull. See dealer for details. Expires at month end.

Get a $20 rebate or earn 5,000 Ford Rewards bonus Points on The Works® Package.*

• Synthetic Blend Oil and Filter Change
• Tire Rotation and Pressure Check
• Brake Inspection
• Vehicle Checkup
• Fluid Top-Off
• Battery Test
• Filter Check
• Belts and Hoses Check

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Includes up to 6 quarts of Motorcraft® oil and Motorcraft oil filter. Excludes hybrid battery test. Limit 1 offer per vehicle. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 08/31/2026

Ford Employees and Retirees - Get four $50 instant service discounts to use or share.*

Eligible Services Include: The Works® Package, Tires, Brakes, Batteries, and More!

*Active U.S. Ford Employees and Retirees only. Generate up to 4 PINs at FordServiceDiscount.com from 4/15/26-9/7/26 for personal use or to share. Limit 1 PIN per VIN. Receive a $50 instant discount on eligible maintenance services with a minimum $100 customer-pay repair order. Eligible services include oil changes, The Works®, brakes, batteries, tires, wipers, and filters. Requires purchase and installation of genuine Ford/Motorcraft® Parts or select name-brand tires. Valid only on Ford and Lincoln vehicles at participating U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® Store. Present PIN at write-up; prior authorization required. PINs expire 60 days after generation. See Service Advisor for full details through 9/7/26. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Quick Lane®, Motorcraft®, and The Works® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 09/07/2026

We'll beat your best price on a set of four tires,* plus get up to a $125 rebate.**

On these name brands: Goodyear®, Bridgestone, Yokohama®, Hankook, Firestone, Pirelli, Toyo®, Nitto®, Cooper®, Falken, and Kelly®.

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Dealer-installed retail/fleet purchases only. Must present competitor's current ad for the exact tire within 30 days of purchase. Online quotes must be for new tires from direct retailer sites (excludes marketplaces/third-party resellers). See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. **Dealer-installed purchases only. Limit 1 tire rebate per retail vehicle (15 per fleet). $125 rebate or 27,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Goodyear® Assurance WeatherReady 2, Wrangler DuraTrac RT, Eagle F1 All-Season, and Wrangler Steadfast HT; Bridgestone Alenza Prestige and Dueler A/T Ascent; and Yokohama® Geolandar X-AT, Geolandar M/T, and Geolandar X-MT. $100 rebate or 22,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Hankook, Bridgestone (excludes Alenza Prestige and Dueler A/T Ascent product lines), Firestone Destination A/T2, Destination X/T, and Destination M/T2; Pirelli, Toyo® (excludes medium and commercial/Motorsport), and Yokohama (excludes Geolandar X-AT, Geolandar M/T, and Geolandar X-MT product lines). $80 rebate or 18,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Nitto Motivo 365, NT555 G2, Invo, Neo Gen, NT05, NT420V, EXO Grappler AWT, Dura Grappler, Nomad Grappler, Ridge Grappler, Recon Grappler A/T, Trail Grappler M/T, Terra Grappler G3, and Mud Grappler (excludes 37" and larger sizes). $70 rebate or 16,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Goodyear (excludes Assurance WeatherReady 2, Wrangler DuraTrac RT, Eagle F1 All-Season, and Wrangler Steadfast HT product lines), Cooper®, and Firestone (excludes Destination A/T2, Destination X/T, and Destination M/T2 product lines). $60 rebate or 14,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Falken WILDPEAK A/T4W. $50 rebate or 12,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Falken AKLIMATE, WILDPEAK A/T Trail, and ZIEX CT60 A/S. $40 rebate or 10,000 Ford Rewards Points on a set of 4 Kelly. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See U.S. dealer for details.
Expires: 08/31/2026

Military and First Responders - Receive an $80 instant discount with the purchase and installation of four select tires.*

On these name brands: Goodyear®, Michelin, BFGoodrich®, Continental, General, Pirelli, Hankook, Bridgestone, Falken, and Toyo®.

*Available to active and retired Military and First Responders. Receive an $80 instant discount on a set of four qualifying tires from participating brands (Goodyear®, Michelin, BFGoodrich®, Continental, General, Pirelli, Hankook, Bridgestone, Falken, and Toyo®). Excludes Toyo medium and commercial/Motorsport patterns. Combinable with other eligible offers. Dealer-installed purchases only at participating U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® Store. Present nontransferable Hero Code at purchase (requires ID.me validation). Limit 2 Hero Codes per calendar year per customer. Valid for tires purchased and installed 1/1/26-12/31/26. Unused codes expire 12/31/26. See Military and First Responders Tire Discount for details. Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Get a $20 rebate or earn 5,000 Ford Rewards Points with purchase and installation of a Motorcraft® Tested Tough® PLUS or MAX Battery.*

Submit rebate online or by mail; rebate payment will be sent by mail.

*Dealer-installed retail purchases only. Visually inspect and test battery using tester. Excludes hybrid battery test. Limit 1 rebate per vehicle. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid 7/7/26-8/31/26. Submit by 9/30/26 at Ford.com/Service-Rebates or by mail. To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of purchase. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Allow 8 weeks for Points. See Service Advisor for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 08/31/2026

Low Price Tire Guarantee*

Find a better price within 30 days, and we'll beat it on over a dozen major tire brands for all makes and models.

*Dealer-installed retail/fleet purchases only. Must present competitor's current ad for the exact tire within 30 days of purchase. Online quotes must be for new tires from direct retailer sites (excludes marketplaces/third-party resellers). See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

The Works® Package Synthetic Blend Oil Change and More*

• Tire Rotation and Pressure Check
• Brake Inspection
• Vehicle Checkup
• Fluid Top-Off
• Battery Test
• Filter Check
• Belts and Hoses Check

*Includes up to 6 quarts of Motorcraft® oil and Motorcraft oil filter. Excludes hybrid battery test. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee*

*Available for Motorcraft® brake pads purchased after 7/1/14. Nontransferable. Requires copy of original repair order and completion of any necessary brake service (e.g., rotor service). Pads must be installed by a U.S. Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, or Quick Lane® technician. Covers pads only; labor costs excluded. Excludes commercial delivery, taxi, limousine, postal, police, tow, racing, and emergency vehicles. See Service Advisor for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Quick Lane® and Motorcraft® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Complimentary Brake Inspection*

Performed by an expert technician.

*Inspect brake friction material, caliper operation, rotors, drums, hoses, and connections. Inspect parking brake for damage and proper operation. See Service Advisor for details. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Motorcraft® Tested Tough® PLUS Batteries, $149.95 MSRP, or redeem 30,000 Ford Rewards Points.*

With 24-Month Battery Replacement Warranty

*With exchange. Taxes and installation extra. Warranty includes complimentary towing on dealer-installed batteries. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. See Service Advisor for vehicle applications and limited-warranty details. Expires 7/6/26. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Have your battery tested at no charge.*

Be sure you have the starting power you need.

*Visually inspect and test battery using tester. Hybrid battery test excluded. See Service Advisor for details. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Earn and redeem Points on Ford Service with Ford Rewards.*

Ford Rewards members can redeem Points for service and earn 10 Points per $1 spent on eligible Ford Service.**
Join and activate Ford Rewards by downloading the Ford app† or visiting FordRewards.com.

*To earn Points, activate Ford Rewards account within 60 days of qualifying activity. Points have no cash value; see FordRewards.com for terms, including Points expiration. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time. **Limitations apply. Earn Points for the purchase of Ford, Motorcraft®, or Omnicraft™ Parts and associated labor at participating Ford Dealers. See FordRewards.com for terms and FAQ. Motorcraft® and Omnicraft™ are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. †The Ford app is compatible with select smartphone platforms and available via download. Message and data rates may apply. Visit Ford.com for privacy notice.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Pickup & Delivery

When you need service, your dealer will pick up your vehicle, service it at the dealer, and deliver it back to you. It's complimentary and available at participating dealers.*

*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. Nonoperational vehicles are not eligible and require Roadside Assistance. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Mobile Service

Let your dealer come to you at your home or office to perform routine vehicle maintenance there on the spot. It's complimentary and available at participating dealers.*

*Offered by participating dealers. May be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer criteria. Excludes parts and repair charges. See participating U.S. dealer for details. Ford may change or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Motorcraft® Warranty: Two years. Unlimited mileage. Includes labor.*

Motorcraft parts are covered for a full two years with unlimited mileage. Even limited labor costs are included.*

*See your U.S. dealer for a copy of the limited warranty. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time. Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Expires: 12/31/2026

Ford Parts Warranty: Two years. Unlimited mileage. Includes labor.*

Ford Parts are covered for a full two years with unlimited mileage. Even limited labor costs are included.*

*See your U.S. dealer for a copy of the limited warranty. Ford reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue this program at any time.
Expires: 12/31/2026

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