Your car's interior is constantly exposed to the harsh effects of the sun, especially in summer, which can cause significant fading and damage over time.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the windows, gradually deforming materials such as leather, fabric, and plastic. In addition, high temperatures inside the vehicle can accelerate this process, causing colours to fade, surfaces to crack, and components to warp.
In this blog, we'll explore how sun exposure affects car interiors, the types of materials that are most vulnerable, and how sun-blocking window films can protect your vehicle from fading and damage.
Leathers used in cars are heavily processed to enhance their durability, still, they remain susceptible to sun damage.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause the leather to dry out, losing its inherent flexibility. Over time, this can result in the leather becoming flaky, causing cracks and splits to form on the surface.
Additionally, UV rays can break down the pigments used in the dyeing process, leading to noticeable fading. This fading diminishes the rich, vibrant appearance of the leather, leaving it dull and worn. The combination of drying and fading can significantly reduce the aesthetic appeal and longevity of leather interiors, making them look prematurely aged and neglected.
Fabric interiors are also vulnerable to the damaging effects of sun exposure. The fabric used in car seats, in particular, is susceptible to degradation when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays over extended periods.
The fibres within the fabric can weaken, making the seats more prone to tearing, fraying, and other forms of wear and tear.
In addition to structural damage, the sun's rays can cause significant fading of the fabric. The dyes within the fabric break down under UV exposure, resulting in a loss of colour vibrancy and uneven discolouration across the seats and other fabric surfaces.
Click here to upgrade your vehicle with heat-blocking window film to reduce interior temperatures and protect your car's surfaces from sun-induced damage.
Plastic and vinyl are used in automotive dashboards, door panels, and consoles. These materials are designed to be durable and high-temperature resistant. The plastics used in cars are typically thermosetting plastics, which do not melt however, they can still suffer significant damage over time due to prolonged UV exposure.
UV rays can cause plastics to degrade, leading to discolouration fading. This degradation occurs as the UV radiation breaks down the chemical bonds within the material, making it more prone to cracking. Over time, this can result in unsightly cracks on dashboards or warped door panels. While these components may not melt, the loss of flexibility and the development of cracks can compromise both the appearance and the functionality of the interior.
Modern vehicles are equipped with a range of electronic components, including infotainment systems, touchscreens, and other digital displays. These components, while enhancing the driving experience, are also vulnerable to damage from sun exposure and excessive heat. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause screens to develop spots, impairing visibility and readability.
The heat accumulated inside the vehicle can also lead to malfunctions in electronic systems, such as unresponsive touchscreens, faded displays, or even complete failure of certain electronic components.
Additionally, the plastic casings and connectors within these electronic systems can become brittle and prone to breaking due to the combined effects of UV rays and heat.
One of the primary ways that sun blocking window films protect your car’s interior is by filtering out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
When sunlight passes through your car’s windows, it carries with it a spectrum of radiation, including UV rays. Over time, these rays break down the chemical bonds in interior materials, leading to fading, discolouration, and structural damage.
Sun blocking window films contain special coatings and materials that absorb and reflect UV radiation. This process is akin to how sunscreen protects your skin; the car interior UV protection film acts as a barrier that blocks up to 99% of UV rays.
For example, among the products available, Solargard VTXPRO offers the highest level of UV protection making it the best sun blocking window film. It blocks nearly all UV rays that can cause interior damage. Ion Ceramic, a medium-grade film, also provides substantial UV protection, making it an excellent balance between performance and cost. Oz Films CCX offers strong UV protection as well, but slightly less than Solargard VTXPRO, making it an option for those seeking good protection at a lower price point.
Another function of sun blocking window films is their ability to reduce heat penetration and accumulation inside the car.
Sun-blocking films achieve heat rejection primarily through their ability to block infrared (IR) radiation, which is responsible for the heat you feel when sunlight enters your car. Infrared rays have longer wavelengths and carry heat energy that can make the interior of your vehicle unbearably hot. The window film to block sun heat contains special chemicals that reflect or absorb a significant portion of this infrared radiation, thereby reducing the amount of heat that enters the car.
For example, Solargard VTXPRO excels in this area with an impressive 96% infrared rejection rate, making it one of the best choices for keeping your car cool and comfortable. Ion Ceramic offers a solid 78% infrared rejection, striking a balance between effective heat reduction and affordability. Oz Films CCX provides an 88% infrared rejection rate, offering substantial heat reduction for those who want a high level of comfort without the premium price of Solargard VTXPRO.
Protect your vehicle’s interior from the damaging effects of the sun with premium window films from TINTD.au.
Our advanced solutions, including Solargard VTXPRO, Ion Ceramic, and Oz Films CCX, offer unmatched UV and heat rejection to keep your car's interior looking new and cool.
Contact us to find the perfect window film for your needs and experience the ultimate in sun protection. Visit our website or call us now to get started.
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