If you’ve come across the aisle of detailing products at an auto parts store, you’ve likely seen the claims of UV protection being applied to either the interior or exterior of your vehicle. Wow, one simple spray and your vehicle is now protected from the harsh UV rays of the sun just like sunscreen, right? As you’ve probably guessed, it’s not that simple.
Many products claim to apply UV protection in one simple step, but exactly how long does that protection last and what is the amount of UV protection? Detailing products are not like sunscreen. For one, the substrate is completely different; there is no need for worry of cancer or burning like our own living skin. Yes, there can be small amounts of UV inhibitors in car care products but they are nowhere near the same capacity as our personal UV protection.
Secondly, most vehicles are already built with their own protection: clear coat and UV filtered glass windows. The vast majority of modern vehicles have clear coat as the top layer of paint. Its main purpose is to filter UV rays and protect the color coat underneath from fading and oxidation. It is the best UV protection you have and that is why washing and maintaining it is important. The glass of modern vehicles is also very good at absorbing UV rays. The windshield and sunroof is typically the best by design but many popular car manufacturers are building better side windows as well.
Interior products that claim UV protection, in my opinion, are mostly marketing hype because of the modern vehicle’s glass. The plastics in a vehicle will be more affected by the heat in a car rather than the light entering it. On a sunny summer day, the inside of a vehicle can reach up to 130 - 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the best prevention for plastics is a reflective windshield-screen. The main culprit for leather degradation is simply loss of oils and general wear and tear from use over time. Unless, you own a convertible or open-top vehicle such as a Jeep, UV protection doesn’t have to be a main concern.
So are these products a waste of time and money? No, they do have other benefits. As I mentioned earlier, cleaning and maintaining your clear coat is beneficial for UV protection for your vehicle’s exterior. Applying these waxes and sealants will help the clear coat stay clean and therefore work properly. Interior cleaners and conditioners help similarly. Cleaning, maintaining, and conditioning your leather will help prolong its life significantly. Plastic dressings are not a necessity however, but they can add some depth and shine back to your interior if you prefer. Personally though, I prefer a factory matte-finish to my interiors.
Hopefully this has helped you understand some of the nuances of marketing and buying detailing products for your own vehicle. My advice is to find a product from a reputable company and try it, but don’t let the marketing claims fool you.