Can Cars Be Exposed to Direct Sunlight?
2 Answers
Car should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Here are the specific impacts of prolonged sun exposure on cars: 1. Interior: Many components inside a car are made of plastic and bonded with adhesives. These materials can deteriorate when exposed to prolonged sunlight, releasing substances similar to formaldehyde. The longer the exposure, the more these harmful substances are released, posing risks to human health. 2. Paint: Prolonged sun exposure can damage the car's paint, causing it to crack, blister, or even peel off, affecting the car's appearance. To protect your car, consider applying paint sealant, ceramic coating, or installing reflective and heat-insulating window films, which can effectively prevent damage from high temperatures and UV rays.
Leaving a car exposed to direct sunlight is indeed harmful, but many urban dwellers like myself face limited parking options, often forced to park in uncovered areas. The most immediate issue is the rapid temperature spike inside the cabin—easily exceeding 60°C (140°F) in summer, turning the interior into a sauna-like environment with genuine burn risks. Personal items like smartphones or lighters may warp or even combust; I've witnessed a neighbor's melted plastic trim. Prolonged UV exposure accelerates rubber degradation, causing premature tire cracking and wiper blade brittleness, compromising driving safety. Practical solutions include seeking shaded spots or underground parking, using sunshades and heat-rejection window films, plus regular washes to preserve paintwork. A critical reminder: Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles—heatstroke fatalities occur annually. Always ventilate the cabin before driving and carry water during summer months as a precaution.
