Can You Wash a Car After It Has Been Exposed to the Sun?
2 Answers
You should not wash a car after it has been exposed to the sun. Precautions for car washing: 1. Do not wash the car when the engine has not completely cooled down, as it may cause premature aging of the engine; 2. Do not wash the car under direct sunlight, as it may leave dried water spot marks on the car body; 3. Do not wash the car in very cold weather, as water freezing may cause the paint film to crack; 4. Do not use water other than soft water for washing, as it may damage the paint. Hazards of not washing the car for a long time: 1. Affects driving: A dirty car surface can affect the driver's vision, especially when driving at night, as refraction makes the vision more blurred, affecting driving safety; 2. Sealing strip aging: If the car's sealing strips are not cared for in time, they will age, leading to reduced sealing performance and decreased comfort during rides.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I remember one summer when my car was parked under the scorching sun and turned into an oven. My neighbor rushed to spray it with a water gun, only to cause several cracks on the paint surface, which later required a costly repaint. I later learned that exposing a hot car to cold water is like pouring ice water into a hot pot—the paint expands when hot and contracts when cold, making it prone to damage, and the glass, especially the thinner areas like the windshield, might even crack. Now, my approach is to first park the car in a shaded area after prolonged sun exposure and wait at least half an hour for the temperature to drop, or drive around with the AC on to cool it down before washing. If I'm in a hurry, I use lukewarm water to rinse gently, avoiding direct cold water streams. For regular maintenance, I prefer washing the car in the early morning or evening to avoid the midday heat, protecting the paint and extending its lifespan.
