Mechanic warns: This tire sign is ignored by many, and summer can end in a shooting

This summer, many people have sun cream on their hands, but it can cause lasting damage to their cars. A single touch with oily fingers on car doors, the boot lid, or roof can leave visible marks that won't always disappear with regular water washing, especially after exposure to intense summer sunlight, according to the British organization for drivers' assistance, RAC. The group warns that sunscreen can seriously damage the exterior surfaces of vehicles if it gets onto the paint. This issue becomes particularly apparent during annual holidays, when travelers apply sunscreen just before entering the car, lean against the bodywork, or bring beach towels, bags, and equipment covered in its residue into the vehicle. Sunscreen contains oils, various chemical compounds, and ingredients that filter UV radiation. These substances can leave greasy and stubborn traces on painted, chrome parts, and glass. The most common appearances are fingerprints and palm prints on doors or the boot lid. Marks can also appear when someone leans on the car with their hands or feet, or after contact with a bag, towel, or other beach gear. Residue from sunscreen attracts dust and dirt, making stains more noticeable and harder to remove. A special problem arises when a car is parked directly under the sun. High temperatures on the bodywork can contribute to the residue sticking more strongly to the surface and leaving a visible mark. Particular attention should be paid to areas that passengers frequently touch, handles, door edges, roofs, bumpers, and the boot lid. Don’t wait until returning from your holiday The RAC advises drivers to regularly wash their cars and promptly remove sunscreen from the bodywork. The longer the stain remains on a heated surface, the greater the chance it will be difficult to clean later. If you notice a fresh imprint, it's best to rinse it immediately with clean water. After that, the surface should be washed with automotive shampoo and a microfiber cloth. It is not recommended to vigorously scrub dry and dirty surfaces. Dust and fine sand particles can act like sandpaper and scratch the paint. It is also advisable to avoid aggressive cleaning agents not intended for car paint, such as household degreasers, strong solvents, or rough sponges. They can cause more damage than the sunscreen itself. If the mark cannot be removed by normal washing, it is safer to take the car to a professional detailer rather than randomly trying stronger chemicals. Be especially careful after returning from the beach The simplest protection is to wash or wipe your hands before touching the car. A bottle of water and a package of damp wipes can be very useful before preparing items for the boot. It’s also a good idea to keep the sunscreen in a sealed bag or special pouch. If the bottle is left open or starts leaking in the door compartment, boot, or seat, it can soil materials inside the vehicle. Parents with young children should be especially cautious. Children often touch doors, windows, and seatbacks after applying sunscreen, so marks can spread quickly throughout the entire car. Of course, this warning does not mean that sunscreen should be avoided. Skin protection during the summer is far more important than the appearance of the car. It simply means being mindful that its residues don't end up on the bodywork and removing them as soon as they appear. It's a small habit that takes only a few seconds and can prevent stubborn stains and unnecessary costs for professional cleaning or polishing. Mechanic warns: This sign on tires is often ignored, and in summer it could lead to a blowout An automobile technician, David Hartson, points out that tires under the influence of heat can start to separate precisely at places where minor cracks have already appeared. Such damage may initially seem harmless, but at higher speeds and on hot asphalt, the risk of sudden loss of pressure or tire blowout increases significantly. Looking at the profile alone isn't enough Drivers often conclude that a tire is safe if it still has sufficient tread depth. However, age, sun exposure, and years of heating and cooling gradually dry out the tire. As a result, cracks can appear between the blocks even if the tire is not completely worn out. The mechanic therefore advises checking all four tires before a trip, including the inner side which is less visible. You should also check the pressure because low pressure further heats the tire during driving, increases its bending, and can accelerate damage. Special caution should be taken with cars that are used little or remain parked outside for long periods. Their tires may look good due to preserved tread, but the material can be old and cracked. If deep cracks, bulges, or deformations are noticed, the tire shouldn't be driven "just a little more" simply because the tread appears sufficiently deep. Checking with a tire specialist before a trip is much cheaper than the consequences of a tire blowout on the highway.