Southern owners that have kept their car outside

[woodsman]

don't fool yourself- the sun damages everything including the obvious like paint and roof material as well as every piece of trim and even tires! If you care for it, protect it. These are the things that separate the 'nice' cars from the 'as new'- our eyes pick up details that we aren't even conscious of!

[thstone]

A car cover is your friend. 100% preventive damage from direct sun. Leave the windows 1/3 open underneath. A bit of a PITA (on/off) but everything in life seems to be a trade off.

[patssle]

Originally Posted by thstone

A car cover is your friend. 100% preventive damage from direct sun. Leave the windows 1/3 open underneath. A bit of a PITA (on/off) but everything in life seems to be a trade off.

I do have a car cover - but my car gets dusty even sitting in my garage. I've read it's bad to use a car cover if there's dirt on the car - it will scratch? Washing the car every single week isn't an option. Plus I'm a little terrified of car covers - one on my 914 leaked and the sun baked it to the paint after it got wet. Left some major stains on my hood and trunk (I would have gone insane if the car hadn't needed a paint job anyways).

I think we need to keep all of the rubber trim coated in a high quality protecter.There is a thread somewhere about preserving the rubber trim/seals.

I rub some of the same stuff I use on my top on the trim - 303 Aerospace Protectant. Makes everything look great and has the highest SPF UV protection (according to mfg).

[litespeedp]

Totally agree as my 2000 Box S hates to fry its Arctic Silver in the hot Arkansas sun.Trying to keep it garaged as much as possible.I use the sun shade in the windscreen and I need to put a good coat of high quality carnauba wax on the paint and plastic headlight covers.I think we need to keep all of the rubber trim coated in a high quality protecter.There is a thread somewhere about preserving the rubber trim/seals.Summer is too long in the South!

[Topless]

A car cover goes on pretty quick and will indeed preserve your car for a long time. I believe it is a felony in some states to leave a Porsche outside in the weather for an extended period.

[woodsman]

Originally Posted by litespeedp

Totally agree as my 2000 Box S hates to fry its Arctic Silver in the hot Arkansas sun.Trying to keep it garaged as much as possible.I use the sun shade in the windscreen and I need to put a good coat of high quality carnauba wax on the paint and plastic headlight covers.I think we need to keep all of the rubber trim coated in a high quality protecter.There is a thread somewhere about preserving the rubber trim/seals.Summer is too long in the South!

ye and too short in the north!