Summer in Olathe and the Kansas City area can be tough on your vehicle. When your car sits outside in direct sunlight, the temperature inside the cabin can rise quickly, putting additional heat and UV exposure on your dashboard, seats, steering wheel and other interior surfaces.
Over time, repeated exposure to heat and sunlight can contribute to fading, drying and cracking of interior materials. The good news is that protecting your vehicle doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
From a simple windshield sun shade to interior UV protectants and microfiber towels, there are several products that can help you take better care of your vehicle during the hot Kansas summer.
Here's how to protect your car's interior from heat and sun damage, plus where Olathe drivers can find the supplies they need.
1. Use a Windshield Sun Shade
One of the easiest ways to help protect your vehicle's interior is to use a windshield sun shade whenever you park in direct sunlight.
A reflective sun shade helps block direct sunlight from reaching the dashboard and steering wheel while also helping reduce heat buildup inside the cabin.
Sun Shades Worth Considering
For the best fit, look for a shade designed specifically for your vehicle's year, make and model. A custom-fit shade can provide more windshield coverage than a universal option.
2. Park in the Shade Whenever Possible
A sun shade is helpful, but parking in a garage, covered parking area or shaded spot can provide another layer of protection.
If you're running errands around Olathe, consider parking where your vehicle will receive less direct sunlight when practical.
Even a few hours out of direct sun can help reduce how much heat your interior absorbs.
3. Protect Your Dashboard From UV Exposure
Your dashboard receives a significant amount of sunlight, particularly when your vehicle is parked outside.
Over time, UV exposure can contribute to fading and deterioration of plastic, vinyl and other materials. Using an interior product specifically designed to clean and protect compatible surfaces can help you maintain your dashboard.
UV Protectants to Consider
Always check your owner's manual and the product label to make sure a protectant is appropriate for the specific material you're treating.
4. Keep Your Interior Clean
Dirt, dust, fingerprints and spills can build up on your vehicle's interior. Regular cleaning can help keep surfaces looking their best and makes it easier to spot spills before they become stains.
You don't need an elaborate detailing setup. A quality interior cleaner and a few microfiber towels can go a long way.
Interior Cleaning Products
Target currently carries products including Armor All wipes, Meguiar's interior cleaner and Chemical Guys interior cleaner and protectant.
5. Don't Forget Your Seats
Your seats are exposed to heat and sunlight every time your vehicle is parked outside.
For leather or leather-trimmed seats, use a cleaner and conditioner designed specifically for automotive leather. For cloth seats, regular vacuuming and appropriate fabric cleaning can help keep dirt and spills from becoming embedded.
Avoid using household cleaning products unless they're specifically approved for your vehicle's interior materials.
6. Consider Window Tint
Quality window tint can help reduce sunlight, glare and solar heat entering your vehicle.
If you're considering tint for your Chevrolet, make sure you understand the applicable Kansas window-tint laws and choose a professional installer familiar with the requirements.
Window tint should be viewed as an additional layer of protection rather than a replacement for a windshield sun shade.
7. Consider a Dashboard Cover
If your vehicle spends most of its day parked outside, a dashboard cover can provide another physical barrier between the dashboard and direct sunlight.
Look for a cover designed specifically for your vehicle so that it fits properly around vents, sensors and other dashboard components.
A dashboard cover can also be useful if you want to reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching the dashboard while the vehicle is parked.
8. Use Seat Covers When Appropriate
Seat covers can provide another layer between your seats and direct sunlight, as well as help protect against spills, dirt and everyday wear.
If you purchase seat covers, make sure they're compatible with your vehicle's seats and do not interfere with seat-mounted airbags or other safety equipment.
For vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, check the owner's manual before installing aftermarket accessories around seats or airbags.
9. Let Hot Air Escape Before Cooling the Cabin
If your vehicle has been sitting in the Kansas City heat, the cabin may be extremely hot when you first get inside.
If it's safe and practical, allow some of that hot air to escape before beginning your drive. Once you're moving, use your vehicle's climate-control system to cool the cabin.
Using the air-conditioning system's recirculation setting after the cabin begins cooling can also help circulate cooler interior air.
10. Don't Leave Heat-Sensitive Items Inside
The heat inside a parked vehicle can affect more than just your car's interior.
Whenever possible, take heat-sensitive items with you instead of leaving them in a parked vehicle. Electronics, food, certain medications and other temperature-sensitive items may be damaged by excessive heat.
And most importantly, never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a short time.
Where to Buy Car Interior Protection Supplies in Olathe
You don't have to order everything online to protect your vehicle. Several stores in Olathe carry automotive cleaning supplies, interior protectants and accessories.
O'Reilly Auto Parts
O'Reilly Auto Parts has an Olathe location at 1115 W. Dennis Avenue. O'Reilly carries automotive detailing products, including interior cleaners and protectants, and offers online shopping with local pickup. Its current interior-detailing selection includes brands such as 303 Products, Armor All, Chemical Guys, Griot's Garage and more.
Shop O'Reilly's interior detailing products:
O'Reilly Auto Parts Interior Detailers
AutoZone
AutoZone Auto Parts is another convenient Olathe option for car-care supplies.
AutoZone's current interior-cleaner selection includes products from brands such as Armor All, Chemical Guys, Griot's Garage and Turtle Wax.
Shop AutoZone interior cleaners:
AutoZone Interior Cleaners
Walmart
Walmart Supercenter is another easy place to pick up vehicle-care supplies while you're already shopping for groceries or household items.
Walmart currently lists hundreds of interior-cleaning products, including Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant and Armor All protectants.
Shop Walmart interior car-care products:
Walmart Interior Car Detailing Supplies
Target
Target at 15345 W. 119th Street is another Olathe option for automotive cleaning products.
Target currently carries products such as Armor All cleaning and protectant wipes, Meguiar's interior cleaner and Chemical Guys interior cleaner and protectant.
Shop Target car-care supplies:
Target Interior Cleaners & Protectants
What Should You Keep in Your Summer Car-Care Kit?
You don't need a garage full of detailing products. A simple kit can cover most everyday interior-care needs.
Consider keeping:
- A windshield sun shade
- Microfiber towels
- Interior cleaner
- UV protectant
- Leather cleaner and conditioner if applicable
- Glass cleaner
- Small detailing brushes
- A vacuum or handheld vacuum
- Seat covers if appropriate for your vehicle
Keeping these supplies together makes it easier to give your vehicle a quick cleaning instead of waiting until the interior needs a major detail.
A Simple Olathe Summer Interior-Care Routine
Protecting your vehicle from Kansas heat can become a simple routine:
Every time you park outside:
Use a windshield sun shade when practical.
Once a week:
Remove trash, vacuum the seats and floor and wipe down frequently touched surfaces.
Every few weeks:
Clean the dashboard, door panels and other interior surfaces with an appropriate automotive product.
As needed:
Condition leather, clean spills and replace worn or damaged accessories.
Before using any new product:
Check the owner's manual and product instructions to make sure it's safe for your vehicle's materials.
Keep Your Chevrolet Ready for Kansas City Summers
Protecting your interior is just one part of summer vehicle care. High temperatures can also affect your vehicle's battery, tires, fluids and cooling system.
If your Chevrolet needs routine maintenance or you're considering a newer vehicle for your family, McCarthy Chevrolet of Olathe is here to help.
Shop Chevrolet in Olathe
Shop New Chevrolet Inventory:
New Chevrolet Inventory at McCarthy Chevrolet of Olathe
Shop Chevrolet SUVs:
Chevrolet SUV Inventory
From a simple sun shade to regular cleaning and UV protection, a little preventive care can help you keep your vehicle's interior looking its best through another Kansas summer.
When you're ready for your next Chevrolet in Olathe or the Kansas City area, visit McCarthy Chevrolet of Olathe and find a vehicle that fits your everyday needs. Have a great rest of your summer!
