Summers in the UAE are hot and humid. Therefore, during summer, a shaded parking space is considered ideal to park your vehicle mainly when the shade is provided by a tree. This is because the temperature under the shaded tree is lesser contrary to artificially shaded areas. However, there are multiple aspects associated with parking your vehicle under a tree that you must consider before choosing it as your parking spot.
Let’s get through some of the reasons why you should not park your car under a tree for a long time in more detail.
Reasons You Should Not Park Your Car Under a Tree for a Long Time
Parking your car under a tree is suitable for a small period, but it’s not advisable for lengthened durations. There are certain consequences that you might face in doing so. For instance, fruits or debris might fall which may cause damage to the car’s windshield and body.
Listed below are some reasons that show why you should not park your car under the trees.
Sap from trees and insects
One of the main reasons why you should avoid parking your car under a tree is sap and insects. The sap is acidic and when left on a car’s surface for a long time, it will start to etch away the paint coating.
Apart from trees, small insects (aphids) also produce sap that can contribute to car paint damage. It is suggested to wipe any traces of sap if noticed on your windshield as soon as possible because once it hardens, it can be very difficult to remove.
Fallen leaves
Using a microfiber towel to clean your car helps in removing pollutants and dirt.
Leaves might fall on your car which initially doesn’t look like a big problem. However, if left unattended for a long time, they might clog the air conditioning inlet of the car, affecting its performance.
Leaves also emanate a liquid that corrodes the paint of your car. Moreover, if they get into the nooks and crannies of your engine, it might create problems because of the rusting and blockage of pipes.
Broken Branches
Parking your car under a tree also means dealing with fallen broken branches and twigs. It is advised to take a look inside the bonnet before starting your for any fallen twigs that might congest the engine.
Parking your car under a tree during bad weather should also be avoided because it may result in broken branches that might smash the windshield and windows.
Spoiled paint job
Due to tree sap, broken branches or fallen leaves, your car paint might get tarnished. This is usually caused by fallen debris and sap from the trees. However, it does not cause much damage at first, but if left untreated for a long time, it will remove the top coating of the paint and leave stains and discolouration.
Precautions for Parking Your Car under a Tree
It is always suggested that you take precautionary measures when parking your car under a tree.
We have gathered some prevention methods that would help you in taking care of your vehicle when parking under a tree or dealing with the aftermath.
Exterior Protectants
Exterior protectants help in protecting your car from pollutants and contaminants. Car covers or car shades are designed to be draped according to each car’s design and size.
You can opt for an appropriate car cover which would protect your car from dust, fallen leaves and tree sap and would rid you of unnecessary hassle. Likewise, you can also go for a car windshield cover to prevent any scratches.
Tree Sap Removal
Sap from infested trees can be very difficult to remove once it turns into a hardened form. Following are some methods that are used to remove tree sap.
Warm washing
It is important that you wash your car thoroughly and with proper cleaning equipment to rid it of any contaminants and dust on the external body.
Use a hose and rinse off your car with warm water and a detergent specifically designed for autos. You can use cleaning mitts to clean the exterior of the car and make sure to dry the vehicle thoroughly with a microfibre towel. There are also car washing stations and services that wash your car and provide car maintenance services.
Clay bar
A clay bar is a piece of kneaded clay for cleaning vehicles, it is rubbed over the car’s surface to remove dirt and contaminants like water spots, metal dust and road grit from the car’s paint coat.
Apply a clay bar lubricant to the surface of the car and rub the clay over the paint to remove any dust particles, grime or sap.
Alcohol Based Solutions
Solutions that have a diluted isopropyl alcohol base help in removing tree sap. Dip the solution in cotton balls and gently rub it across the surface to remove the tree sap. However, if applied harshly, it can damage the paint job.
Hand sanitisers can also be used to serve the purpose since they are a good substitute for alcohol in cleaning and also disinfecting your car.
Car Polishing and Waxing
An effective method to retain your car’s lustre after removing sap from it is to polish and wax it. It also helps in protecting against UV rays as well as environmental pollutants. Polishing your car gives it a shiny exterior and waxing it afterwards provides a protective layer.
All things considered, if you intend to park your car under a tree, make sure that you are aware of the consequences and have taken the necessary preventive measures. These preventive measures are necessary, as they can directly affect your car’s paint. Repainting can get expensive sometimes: therefore if you are looking for a used car for sale in the UAE, make sure it has proper exterior paint.
Parking the car under a tree is suitable for a short time. However, if you temporarily want to store your car due to vacations or an emergency, there are facilities available across the Emirates such as in Dubai. When doing so, remember to follow the tips for temporary car storage such as removing spark plugs and cleaning the interior.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car maintenance tips and methods.
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