Can a car be exposed to the sun for a long time?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to leave a car exposed to the sun for extended periods, as prolonged exposure can cause certain damages to the vehicle. The consequences of long-term sun exposure for a car include: 1. Engine problems: In high-temperature environments, the engine cooling system has a smaller heat dissipation temperature difference and reduced cooling capacity, making the engine prone to overheating. 2. Oil system issues: Under high temperatures, fuel and related components may experience a series of problems, accelerating component wear and significantly affecting the engine's lifespan. 3. Unstable battery voltage: When the battery temperature is high, the electrodes may oxidize due to insulation layer aging, especially the negative electrode, which can produce white oxide deposits on the terminal, leading to unstable battery voltage. 4. Paint damage from high temperatures: Prolonged sun exposure may cause the car paint to fade or lose its gloss, and may even lead to cracking.
I've been driving for over 20 years and found that long-term exposure to sunlight causes many problems for cars. The most obvious is paint fading, especially on dark-colored vehicles - after a few years they turn pale and look aged. The roof and hood suffer the most damage. Rubber components can't withstand it either, with door seals hardening and cracking easily, while wiper blades deform and fail to clean the windshield properly. The most annoying issue is getting into a sun-baked car in summer - the steering wheel burns your hands, leather seats could literally grill meat, and plastic dashboard components release pungent odors. I've tried using sunshades with limited effect. Now I'd rather walk extra steps to park in shade or invest in a reflective car cover - money well spent. Remember not to leave lighters or other flammable items in the car as high temperatures can cause hazards.
Working in the repair shop for a long time, I've seen too many cases of sun damage. The engine oil in the compartment oxidizes faster when heated, and oil that normally needs changing every six months may deteriorate in just four months. Car batteries fear heat the most—high temperatures cause the electrolyte to evaporate, reducing lifespan by 20-30%. After prolonged exposure to the sun, the wiring inside the dashboard tends to become brittle, and the infotainment screen often crashes due to overheating. My advice: open the hood to dissipate heat when parking in summer, check the battery fluid level monthly, and replace the coolant every two years. Metalized films actually work better than dark tints, with a difference of over 30% in heat insulation. Parking with the front of the car facing away from the sun can lower the temperature by 7-8 degrees. These small tips can save a lot on repair costs.
