Are Cars More Afraid of Rain or Sun Exposure?
2 Answers
Cars are more afraid of sun exposure. The most damaging factor to the paint layer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Under UV exposure, the paint layer oxidizes, making the car body appear as if covered in chalk dust. UV rays also have an oxidizing effect on the clear coat paint, which is popular on modern new cars, as well as the base paint layer. Here are the specific details: 1. Rain Damage: In heavily polluted urban areas, the air is filled with large amounts of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and suspended particles. When mixed with rainwater, these form acid rain that falls on the car body, corroding the paint surface. Long-term exposure to such corrosion can cause the car's paint to lose its luster, age, or even crack. Therefore, it's advisable to rinse the car after rain. 2. Sun Exposure Damage: Prolonged sun exposure accelerates the oxidation of car paint, especially for white cars, which may turn yellow and look aged. Additionally, sun exposure damages the genuine leather materials inside the car, causing significant harm both inside and outside the vehicle.
In my opinion, cars are afraid of both, but it depends on the extent of the damage. When rain falls on the car, especially continuous rain for several days, watermarks will form all over the body, and over time, the paint will become dull. Moreover, the acidic substances in rainwater can corrode the metal joints of the chassis and doors, and rust holes are difficult to repair. Sun exposure is no joke either—summer UV rays can fade the car paint, turning white cars yellow. The interior suffers even more; high temperatures can make plastic parts of the seats brittle and prone to cracking, and even the dashboard may warp. My advice is to avoid parking in open lots whenever possible and invest in a good car cover to protect against both rain and sun.
