Moving to Houston, Texas...

[MyFirstES300]

Within a year or less I will be moving to Houston. This climate will be very different from the Northeast climate I have lived in for the past 40+ years of my life. No snow, no frigid temperatures and nothing other then searing heat that can add to the destruction of my car's paint.

I'd like to hear from those of you in hot climates if there is anything special you do to protect your car's paint finish, or if there is anything I should know about so my paint's finish doesn't get damaged by the heat. All replies are appreciated. Thanks! -Ed

 

[TH3M B0N3Z]

Within a year or less I will be moving to Houston. This climate will be very different from the Northeast climate I have lived in for the past 40+ years of my life. No snow, no frigid temperatures and nothing other then searing heat that can add to the destruction of my car's paint.

I'd like to hear from those of you in hot climates if there is anything special you do to protect your car's paint finish, or if there is anything I should know about so my paint's finish doesn't get damaged by the heat. All replies are appreciated. Thanks! -Ed

I live in Florida and the summer can be pretty hot, but I just make sure my car is washed once a week, sometimes twice, and I just keep my paint regularly sealed and topped with Meg's D156 after each wash. I've successfully kept the paint on two of my cars looking great. Just watch out for bird poop and tree sap as the harsh sun will really bake those contaminants on the paint and will literally etch the paint in an hour or two. As long as you perform routine washes and such, you should be fine. I'm anxiously awaiting the cooler months so I can wash my car without having to go through three or four shirts. It's terrible.

 

[stemyx]

Welcome to Houston buddy! I always have a coat of sealant on my car to protect it from the sun and UVA/UV rays. And after a maintenance wash, coat it with a wax. The summers are tough to get through but its almost over good luck!

Sent from my Nexus 4 using AG Online

 

[RTexasF]

The humidity and traffic might be quite a shocker. I don't know of anything special needed for the paint but you will need window tint and a sun shade for the windshield. Oh, make sure your air conditioner in both car and residence are in top working order.....they will be required for most of the year.

 

[MyFirstES300]

The humidity and traffic might be quite a shocker. I don't know of anything special needed for the paint but you will need window tint and a sun shade for the windshield. Oh, make sure your air conditioner in both car and residence are in top working order.....they will be required for most of the year.

Going to get the tint done in a few months :xyxthumbs:

Cars are 2013's, so the AC's are in top shape.

Funny about the house AC, the builder is letting me choose the manufacturer. I understand Carrier, York and Lennox are really good. Do you have a preference? Also, I contemplated having vents put in the garage so I can detail in there and just close off the vents when not in use.

 

[dpscoupe]

Welcome to Texas! You'll love it. Where around Houston exactly?

 

[MyFirstES300]

Welcome to Texas! You'll love it. Where around Houston exactly?

I'm moving to the Cypress area. Trying to get a job transfer in the works and stay with my current company. It could take 6 months to a year IF I stay with them.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Also, I contemplated having vents put in the garage so I can detail in there and just close off the vents when not in use.

If you are having a new house built why don't you go whole-hog and get some A/C for the garage? Up here in the north we would do a mini-split (heat pump) which would provide both heat and A/C; don't know if you need the heat down there.

 

[CDot]

The humidity and traffic might be quite a shocker. I don't know of anything special needed for the paint but you will need window tint and a sun shade for the windshield. Oh, make sure your air conditioner in both car and residence are in top working order.....they will be required for most of the year.

Houston is real good for both of these.

 

[dpscoupe]

I'm moving to the Cypress area. Trying to get a job transfer in the works and stay with my current company. It could take 6 months to a year IF I stay with them.

Beautiful area, good choice!

If you are having a new house built why don't you go whole-hog and get some A/C for the garage? Up here in the north we would do a mini-split (heat pump) which would provide both heat and A/C; don't know if you need the heat down there.

Mini-split is definitely the way to go for garage HVAC.

 

[RhetoricMixes]

Welcome from a fellow Texan! The humidity and traffic do suck but then again I live 60 miles south of Houston so its no issue for me.