Paint protection from the Arizona sun?

We're moving our daughter to Arizona in August, does anyone have recommendations on paint protection?

 

Shade.

 

Shade for sure and a good coat of wax. Car cover? Tucson also has possible hail during monsoon season.

 

Finding a place with shade or cover is difficult. As much wind as they get I'm afraid it would blow dust up under a cover and scratch the paint.

 

I would try a California Car Cover if diligent to put it on and off


https://www.calcarcover.com/

In all seriousness this is a great company and can give you a lot of advice. I’ve purchased various products from them and have been very happy. I have a custom fit one for my 4R for winter storage. They make other lighter ones though for more regular use.

 

Unless you plan on leaving the truck out in the sun every day for the next 15 years it ll be fine. Better spend the money in some good ceramic tint to avoid entering inside a furnace

 

I recommend a reflective windshield shade to keep interior temps down. I like the ones made by Weather Tech.

 

Got the ceramic tint a a great windshield shade.

 

Hopefully the car is not black. Front windshield sun shade and if black interior, white sheet over driver's seat.

 

Here's some things about Arizona: It's hot in the summer. You need to protect your vehicle mechanically and cosmetically. For the paint you're going to want to make sure it has a good protective coating in the form of waxing or some sort of ceramic coating at least annually. Try to park in shaded areas or garages if possible. Buy a good windshield sunshade. Weather Tech makes good custom fitted shades. Tinting on door glass is also very helpful. Again, get a good ceramic tint professionally done. Remote starting can be really helpful to pre-cool the inside before you get there. Mechanically you also need to be diligent. Make sure the coolant is good and always full. Make sure the A/C system is charged and in good condition. Here's one most people don't think about: Batteries. The heat KILLS car batteries. I'm on a 2 1/2 - 3 year replacement program for lead acid batteries. They need maintenance as well. You need to be checking that the cells are full of liquid. I add distilled water about every 6 months and check levels every month. Find a good mechanic, get regular maintenance, and don't worry about it too much.

 

I have Weather Tech sun shade for my 4Runner and was not impressed with fit and ease of putting it up.

 

$90 Covercraft UVS100 Custom Sunscreen | Fits 2020-2024 Toyota 4Runner | Blue Metallic

https://www.amazon.com/Covercraft-UVS100-Sunscreen-UV11761BL-Compatible/dp/B09X81P3P1?af=eyJ2ZWhpY2xlTmFtZSI6IjIwMjQgVG95b3RhIDRSdW5uZXIiLCJ2ZWhpY2xlIjoiMjAyNC03Ni0xMDA1LTUwODYtLTktNi04LTE4OTg3LTI3NTAtMS0xLTIyMjktMTE2LSJ9&content-id=amzn1.sym.36e470cf-bb1a-4d75-8f47-af7f6d4f4c80%3Aamzn1.sym.36e470cf-bb1a-4d75-8f47-af7f6d4f4c80&crid=257SMTYHS4QHI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bvlQMslUwf0ejUw-JD4m0RTi_Ug0VQ0qTyMejxg_PqVEIvGZgbUg85n3beBXZk_pBvJENecqqdJ99lEcPWOx5mfO1DmmutQC60a2taE0dqgWcQHMFaxAepKe7FN316C_.edIWfHBmJrE21lokFMjEr36_KimIwCNCtx0oiv3KxKE&dib_tag=se&keywords=covercraft+sunshade&pd_rd_r=1902cceb-2334-42e3-8f82-8a40113894ff&pd_rd_w=wP0PL&pd_rd_wg=8oOSy&pid=IjqfaLN&qid=1748485915&sprefix=Covercraft%2Caps%2C245&sr=1-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.9fe8cbfa-bf43-43d1-a707-3f4e65a4b666&vehicle=2024-76-1005-5086--9-6-8-18987-2750-1-1-2229-116-&vehicleName=2024+Toyota+4Runner
I love this one.

 

This. The fit and ease of putting it up and removing it is way better than the Weathertech one I have.

 

I’ve never had the Weathertech, but this one is super easy to put up and take down. I fold it and put it right next to the passenger seat against the center console. Slide it back between the seat and console just a little and it stays there. My wife has very long legs and it doesn’t bother her one bit. I’ve had this one for 4 years, since I had my 2021, and it’s still in great shape. And down here in Texas I use it solid 9 months of the year.

 

I absolutely love my WeatherTech, the thing fits exactly to the windshield. Fantastic product. I would have thought i would have learned a lesson by now. I have bought like 8 universal ones and get pissed every time because it doesnt fit well, finally bought the WeatherTech. I have no excuse not to buy weathertech, the company is 15 minutes from my house. You just walk in, order and then go to a free coffee bar they have inside and about 15 minutes later they bring you everything.

 

The Weathertech one is life changing. Never thought id say that about a sun screen but it is. Fits perfectly, stays up, no gaps. Love it

 

Covercraft are the best - perfect custom fit - using them for years - a must in AZ

 

I think a cover is unrealistic. Its not like a honda civic, it would take some effort and possibly two people to accomplish that.

 

HeatShield makes good quality windshield covers.

As others have said, ceramic tint will DRASTICALLY reduce interior temps as it blocks UV rays, could even put a clear film over the windshield to help.

Since you're asking specifically about paint protection, i would try to do something a little more 'permanent' since i doubt your daughter will be out waxing her car regularly (maybe she will?). I have no experience with ceramic coating but sounds like it works. Just need something with UV blockers.

 

Park in a garage or carport if possible, otherwise there is no escaping the heat and UV damage over time to the paint, plastic and rubber trim pieces, and parts underneath.

I think this is one case where a roof top tent or a full roof rack has an unintended benefit of providing shade as the largest horizontal surface that is exposed to the sun. Horizontal areas are hit hardest by exposure to the sun. The windshield is famously vertical so that actually benefits the interior as long as a good windshield sun shade is used. The other weak spot is the plastic cowling under the windshield but not much can be done about that one.

 

yes, 100% what others have said CERAMIC tint. Have to say ceramic or they will install the same tint used in the 80s which is counter productive - that actually traps heat inside the car. Ceramic tint does an amazing job blocking the UV rays from getting in and literally makes a noticeable difference in the cabin temperature. Plus, you can drive with your left arm up on the door and you cant even feel the sun on your arm. Pair the tint with a WeatherTech windshield shade and you're good to go

 

Consider adding a dash mat for protection from the sun, which will also cut glare if black.

 

I worry about dust blowing under the cover and scratching the paint. I will get her a monthly pass at Mister Car Wash and encourage her to use it. I think applying a nice ceramic coat before she leaves and then try to find a reputable shop every 6 months to apply it again.

 

I recently bought a cover. Started reading the instructions and got to the part about removing it and folding it back up. Paraphrasing, but lay it on a clean surface to fold it. And where, exactly, is that “clean surface”? In the parking lot? In the driveway? I returned it.

 

I don’t do that to be honest. I’ve been using covers for years but mostly inside the garage or outside on occasion. I just start at the back and roll forward and do the opposite to put it back on. It never touches the ground.

I recognize though that perhaps a college student is probably not going to do that on a regular basis. There are a lot of different materials these days though that are light in weight and easier to manage.

The one I have for my 4r is a bit heavier and I bought that one mostly for winter storage in my tight garage. Putting it on the 4r though is more work for sure than a standard car.

I agree with what someone else said above. Caring for it mechanically is equally important. My buddy in Phoenix tells me this all the time. He gets new batteries every 2-3 years tops and he also buys new tires every 3-4 yrs regardless of mileage because the heat and sun causes them to crack.

He has two cars one for everyday use in the sun and then drives his Mustang on weekends in evenings when the sun is not intense.

It’s actually funny because he is from Detroit where we protect cars from winter and then moves out there and now protects car from intense heat and sun. Everything is a trade off I guess.

 

I use a cover for my 4runner when the weatherman is predicting hail. My truck sits outside because my wife's Rav4, her convertible and the family LX600 all get the garage. It looks like we are getting an apartment with covered parking and spending $726 for a garage parking pass at the University.

 

You'll be fine. The only other thing I would add is to make sure the cabin air filter is regularly changed. It greatly affects how the A/C blows.

 

Any suggestions for a shade for a 3rd gen? Or are the windshields about the same for all generations?

 

I like to get a big ass sheet sized beach towel at Costco and lay it over the outside of the windshield. Shut it into the doors and lock in the bottom with the wipers. This way the sunlight doesn't even get into the vehicle. It's kind of a production though so I have to be sure I'm actually leaving it for a reasonable amount of time...