Ben'sBenz

So everyone knows it's been hotter than sh#t lately. I used to have the benefit of a parking garage until I changed jobs in May. Now I have to park out in the elements. I REALLY miss the parking garage. So, would you rather park under a tree and deal with tree sap and bird crap? Or do you park in the sun and deal with the damage heat and sunlight can cause? Just wondering...

Sportstick

Paint is tested for years-equivalent of UV exposure, but nothing short of some outstanding aftermarket coating can protect against the rapidly corrosive effect of sap and bird droppings. If you cannot get a whole car cover, at least get a windshield reflector and rear sunscreen and park in the clear as much to the east-west as you can to minimize the internal temperatures. Instrument panel top pads, seats, and door trim panels do not have the UV resistance of exterior paint.

victort

park under the tree and wash your car very often

Carsy

Park under tree & evaluate .

Depending on the tree situation you can have the benifit of the shade without parking directly under tree. ie on northern side in the Northern Hemisphere.

If parking in sun add a cover for the leather steering wheel to the list.

Nice & cool here in Australia . 23'c & sunny today.

ulovemybenzo

+1 and dont forget clay and wax...

2nice4me

Same as above, park under the tree and deal with the tree sap. I do this at work everyday but for different reason (I want corner spots)

Tree sap comes off fairly easy, but it is the bird crap that you need to watch as they can really leave a mark on the finish if left on for a few days.

Typically i wash the car 2x per week.

homepukes

I vote for tinted windows and front and rear sun shades.

IGB

It depends on how long you plan on keeping the car. If its only a few years, then it really isn't going to matter much; park in the shade simply to know you'd have a somewhat cooler car to get into.

If you're keeping it forever, leave it home and carpool or take public transportation

AZN Optics

park in sun. Your paint can handle the sun, but your clear can't handle the acid in bird crap. Just get front windshield cover to keep the inside somewhat cool.

C300CA

If it's safe in the area, roll down all four windows a little for hot air to escape. Or use a solar powered little cooling fan (never seen it myself).

alexis.jones

Park under tree and buy this
http://www.performancemotorcare.com/...y_Bar_Kit.html

tanktube67

Stay away from the tree.

canes1

Do not park under trees for extended periods of time. Besides birds and sap droppings you'll deal with creepy-crawlys as well. Trees are like mini ecosystems and are home ants, roaches, etc... Need I say more. Wash your car often no matter where you decide to park. I hope you can park in a spot where no one can park too close to you and ding your door. We all know who these people are - LOL - I work with a bunch of them! Anyway, dont park under the tree too often if you can help it. Once or twice a week should be fine. Oh - I forgot to mention that rats love trees, too. Good luck...

Ben'sBenz

Thanks for the feedback. I plan on keeping the car for many years so I want it to look good for as long as possible. I usually park in the sun and wash my car at least once per week. My neighbors probably think i'm a freak for keeping it so clean. I'd like to buy a cheap beater for a daily driver, but I love driving my MB too much!

ucfbeta92

I avoid parking under trees like the plague... even more so in the spring / fall. First there's the massive amounts of pollen (no escaping it, but under a tree it's even worse), then there's the bird-poop, and lastly, there's all the leaves that get stuck in the gap between the windshield and the hood / trunk - those are a royal PITA to remove.

JimPap

Buy a junk car to drive to work. Park it where ever you want.

LandSeaAir

While we're on the topic with this sort of thing, what do you think is the best way to leave your car parked in a hot parking lot? Windows slightly cracked? However there is a dusty gravel road nearby, so I guess to guess close it all up?

envyxc350

Park in the sun, get tinted windows and sun reflector and crack the windows a bit. An inch on each window and tilt the sunroof will allow a great breeze to flow through the car.

Bayou Benz

Get a quality cover check out carcoversdirect.com different applications available.

Ben'sBenz

@ doworklax09, I'd keep the windows closed if you are near a gravel road. Once that dust starts settling in all the cracks and crevaces, you'll never get it all out. I guess if you pay attention to the wind direction and forecast, you could keep them open on certain days.