During dry spells, certain components of your car can become dry and brittle. Without proper maintenance, these parts will deteriorate and eventually need to be replaced, incurring costly expenses.
Rubber Seals Around Car Doors
The rubber seals around your car doors and leather seats are prone to cracking and damage in dry weather. This reduces their ability to seal out noise and water, as well as affecting the smoothness of the door opening and closing mechanism.
There are various maintenance solutions available on the market to help maintain the softness and elasticity of these rubber seals. It is recommended to spray these solutions onto the rubber seals every three months. These solutions not only protect the rubber but are also safe for painted or chrome-plated surfaces.
Rubber seals around car doors are susceptible to cracking during dry spells. (Illustrative image)
As an alternative, car owners can use household ingredients such as vinegar or baking soda to clean the rubber seals with a soft cloth. After about 15 minutes, wipe the area again with warm water.
Leather Seats and Trim
Leather seats and trim are also vulnerable to the effects of dry weather. When the humidity drops, the leather loses its natural moisture, leading to dryness, stiffness, and cracking.
To protect your leather seats, professional leather conditioning solutions are available. These help maintain the softness and suppleness of the leather surface. Alternatively, a mixture of baking soda and diluted javen can be used. After cleaning, use a soft cloth dampened with warm water to wipe down the leather, ensuring it retains the necessary moisture.
Wiper System
During dry spells, the rubber wiper blades can become dry and brittle. Additionally, due to the constant friction and environmental factors, the wiper blades tend to wear out quickly. It is recommended to replace wiper blades every 12-18 months.
Paintwork and Chrome Trim
Dry weather, combined with intense sunlight, can take a toll on your car’s paintwork and chrome trim. The buildup of dust in dry conditions, along with sunlight exposure, can accelerate oxidation and corrosion of metal surfaces.
To maintain the shine of your paintwork and chrome trim, regular car washing is essential. After washing, apply a protective layer of wax to the painted and chrome surfaces to shield them from dust and sunlight damage.
By VTC News