Parking my car in the open: What can go wrong & precautions I can take

Light car covers simply give up within 6 months because of the high heat. A temporary shade is not possible because of certain restrictions.

BHPian soulfuel recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Now, I am in such a situation where I have no option but to park the car under the open sky. The weather is mostly extreme in summer and winter when the temperature goes above 45 in summer and drops below 7 in winter. The weather is mostly dry in this region.

I use a car cover most of the time but the car cover does not last more than a year due to the high heat. The heavy, waterproof cover saves the car in rain but accumulates moisture on the inside. Light car covers simply give up within 6 months because of the high heat. A temporary shade is not possible because of certain restrictions.

Therefore, I was thinking, "what can go wrong while keeping the car parked outdoor with or without a cover?" The possible answers:

• Paint damage.
• Plastic trim damage.
• Rubber part (door seals etc.) damage.
• Rusting?

I am concerned because I am looking to keep the car for a long time and the car is Tata Tigor 2019.

Looking for suggestions and advice.

Here's what BHPian DicKy had to say on the matter:

In addition to the above, there can be fading of the dashboard top and rear parcel tray area.

Another big thing to take care of is falling leaves, twigs and tree gums. These will get into little nooks and crevices, creating conditions perfect for rusting as well as clogging the drainage holes. The areas around the front and rear windshield, and especially the windshield scuttle panel area. Otherwise even for a well maintained car, the firewall, scuttle panel area will be prone to rusting and other problems caused by clogging of the drains.

Here's what BHPian AROO7 had to say on the matter:

Our beater car Hyundai i10 was kept in such condition for 8 years, of which for the first 6 years we used car cover but for the next 2 years it used to sit outside without a cover. Now the car is 11 year old and I can assure you if the OEM paint quality is good then it won't fade. My car paint still shines after a wash.

How I managed to do so?

Used only microfiber cloth to clean it using two bucket method. First some water to run-off loose dirt then one bucket filled with soapy water and one with clean. Dip in soapy water and rub the cloth on body then take it back and rinse in the clean water, then repeat. After this again hose down the car with clean water and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth. Next take the car for a spin so water sitting in nook and crannies will be blown out. Avoid using compound on your car as it cuts some clear coat (clear coat protects the paint underneath and metal from the elements).

Coming to the second point, plastic trim sadly you can't do anything here. They will fade and black plastics will look horrible once they fade. Headlights will have yellowish tinge and in my case the wiper rubber used to get hard more often.

Coming to the third point, door seals gave up on me this year and I'm planning to get it replaced next week.

Coming to the fourth point, rusting won't happen unless there is any exposed metal due to a scratch or stone chip. Also wash your car less frequently, this will also prevent rusting. Recently I've switched to water less wash and wax formula. Works like a charm and leaves a smooth surface after it is buffed up.

Pro tip- try to park your car where any building's shadow fall when the sun goes up. I could park in such a way and this also helped. Plus you can look at putting sunshades and windshield screen to block too much sun-rays getting inside the cabin and heating it up.

Here's what BHPian batish had to say on the matter:

Don’t worry at all. You’ll have to do a little more TLC, that is all what is required.

There won’t be any paint damage if it’s under open sky. Keep it clean and wax it regularly. Paint will be fine. In your case only bird droppings can cause it to deteriorate quickly, avoid parking under trees. These droppings have acid which if not cleaned in time can blemish the paint.

For plastics, use dressings of good brands. They have UV protectors in them which will prevent it from fading.

Rubber parts you can replace when they give up. There’s not much which can be done here. Even in your circumstances they will easily last further 3-4 years.

Regarding rusting, just make sure car is clean from leaves or any dead materials which decompose and have moisture. Rust only starts where there is bare metal and it needs moisture. Like other members have mentioned, keep drains unclogged. Important areas to check are cowl panel and boot.

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