Are Cars Afraid of Sun Exposure?
2 Answers
Cars are indeed afraid of prolonged sun exposure, as it can accelerate the aging of the paint surface and diminish its gloss. Here are the reasons why cars are vulnerable to sun exposure: 1. Paint Oxidation: The car's paint undergoes oxidation when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, leading to a loss of gloss. Light-colored paints are particularly prone to discoloration. 2. Aging of Rubber Components: Tires and door seals, among other rubber parts, harden, crack, and age faster when exposed to high temperatures. Seals around doors and windows, as well as wiper blades, can also harden and lose their effectiveness. 3. Deterioration of Plastic Parts: Many interior components, such as the dashboard, sun visors, and door panels, are made of plastic. These can become brittle and hard under UV exposure, speeding up the aging process. 4. Risk of Glass Cracking: Excessive heat can cause glass to crack, especially if the window tint is too dark, creating a mismatch in the expansion coefficients between the inner and outer layers of the glass. Minor external forces or sudden cooling can then lead to cracks. 5. Impact on Fuel Tank Charcoal Canister: Fuel inside the car can reach temperatures of 70-80°C in hot weather. When the tank is full, fuel vapors and overflow can enter the charcoal canister. However, since the canister has limited capacity, excess fuel may spill into the buffer zone or even leak out. Therefore, it's advisable not to overfill the tank in summer. 6. Increased Risk of Spontaneous Combustion: Older vehicles with aging fuel lines are at higher risk. High temperatures can cause gasoline vapors to evaporate, and if combined with electrical shorts, high-temperature sparks, or turbocharger heat, this can lead to spontaneous combustion. Thus, when modifying electrical circuits, it's crucial to check for aging connectors.
I've been driving for over a decade and found that parking a car outside all day in the summer sun is really bad for the vehicle. The paint is the first to suffer—over time, it fades, especially on red or black cars, which show it most noticeably. The interior is also a problem; leather seats can crack, and plastic parts may warp and emit unpleasant odors. Once, my windshield got so hot from the sun that it was scalding to the touch. Tires also age faster, developing cracks. So, I always try to park in the shade or an underground garage. If there's no other option, I use a car cover. Regular waxing also helps protect the paint. In short, cars really don't like the sun. Protecting it can extend the car's lifespan and reduce repair costs—it's definitely worth paying attention to.
