How to Protect Your Car’s Interior from Sun Damage & Cracks

Living in Malibu’s sunny coastal climate means almost year-round beautiful weather, but prolonged sun exposure can cause damage to your car’s interior. Over time, UV rays, heat, and humidity can lead to cracked leather, faded upholstery, and brittle plastic surfaces, making your car look older than it is.

At Malibu Car Wash, we specialize in interior cleaning and conditioning services designed to protect, restore, and maintain your vehicle’s interior against sun damage. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your car’s interior looking fresh and new.

How Sun Damage Affects Your Car’s Interior

1. Fading and Discoloration

UV rays penetrate your car’s windows, causing dashboards, seats, and door panels to fade over time. This is especially noticeable in vehicles with dark leather or fabric interiors, which absorb more heat and are more susceptible to color fading.

2. Cracked and Dried-Out Leather

Leather seats and trim lose moisture when exposed to direct sunlight, making them dry, stiff, and prone to cracking and peeling. Without proper conditioning, even high-quality leather can degrade quickly.

3. Warped and Brittle Plastics

Dashboard panels, center consoles, and other plastic components become brittle and prone to cracking when continuously exposed to heat. This can lead to permanent damage that is costly to repair or replace.

4. Overheated Cabin Temperatures

A parked car in direct sunlight can reach temperatures of 130°F or higher, causing:

Dashboard materials to deteriorate faster.
Electronics and touchscreens to overheat.
Uncomfortable driving conditions and excessive AC use.

How to Protect Your Car’s Interior from Sun Damage

1. Regular Interior Conditioning for Leather & Upholstery

Applying a high-quality leather conditioner or fabric protectant helps maintain moisture levels and prevents cracking and fading. Our Clean & Condition Leather Interior Service includes:

Deep cleaning of leather seats and trim to remove dust and dirt.
Application of premium conditioners to restore moisture and flexibility.
Protection against UV damage, stains, and fading.

For fabric interiors, our Interior Shampoo & Condition Service removes deep-set stains, dust, and allergens while keeping upholstery fresh.

2. Use Sunshades to Block UV Rays

A windshield sunshade is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce cabin heat and prevent UV damage. When parked in direct sunlight, a sunshade can:

Lower interior temperatures by up to 30°F.
Prevent dashboard and seat fading.
Reduce the strain on air conditioning when you start driving.

3. Keep Windows Slightly Cracked When Parked

Leaving windows slightly open (about an inch) allows heat to escape, preventing extreme temperature buildup inside the cabin. This reduces warping of plastic components and makes your car more comfortable when you return.

4. Park in the Shade Whenever Possible

If available, parking in a garage or under shade significantly reduces sun exposure and heat buildup. If shade isn’t an option, consider using a car cover to protect your vehicle from direct sunlight.

5. Get Window Tinting for Extra UV Protection

Tinted windows block up to 99% of UV rays, protecting your car’s interior while also keeping the cabin cooler. Window tinting:

Reduces glare and eye strain while driving.
Prevents upholstery and leather from fading.
Helps regulate cabin temperature, reducing AC use.

Best Interior Detailing Services to Prevent Sun Damage

Clean & Condition Leather Interior

Removes dust, dirt, and oils that can accelerate wear.
Restores and moisturizes leather surfaces to prevent drying and cracking.
Protects against UV damage, stains, and fading.

Interior Shampoo & Condition

Deep cleans fabric upholstery, carpets, and floor mats.
Removes embedded dust, dirt, and allergens.
Helps maintain a fresh, odor-free cabin.

Full Complete Deluxe Detail

For the best long-term protection, a Full Complete Deluxe Detail includes:

Leather or fabric deep cleaning and conditioning.
Dashboard, door panels, and console treatment.
Glass cleaning to remove smudges and streaks.
Comprehensive vacuuming and odor elimination.

Protect Your Car’s Interior While Enjoying Malibu

Don’t let sun damage, cracking, or fading age your vehicle’s interior before its time. At Malibu Car Wash, our professional interior detailing services help keep your car’s seats, dashboard, and upholstery looking and feeling brand new.

Drop off your car while you shop or dine at Malibu Country Mart, and let our expert team take care of your vehicle.

Visit Malibu Car Wash today for the best interior conditioning and protection services.