Can You Wash a Car That Has Been in the Sun All Day?
3 Answers
It is best not to wash the car under direct sunlight. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Avoid washing the car under intense sunlight: When washing the car under strong sunlight, water droplets left on the car body act like small convex lenses. The direct sunlight, when focused through these droplets, concentrates heat over time, which can potentially damage the car's paint. 2. Wash the car once a week: Some car owners are very fond of their cars and wash them every two or three days, while others wait until the car is extremely dirty before washing it. Both approaches are incorrect. Washing the car too frequently can cause damage, while not washing it often enough can lead to damage from accumulated dirt. It is recommended to wash the car once a week.
Back in college, I once parked my car under the scorching summer sun all day and rushed to wash it immediately. As soon as I sprayed water on the front bumper, several small bubbles appeared in the paint. Later, at the repair shop, I learned it was due to thermal expansion and contraction. Under high temperatures, both the paint and glass soften and expand. Cold water hitting them creates a 'fire and ice' effect, which can easily cause cracks or bubbles. Now I've learned to be smarter—I either park in the shade first to let the car's temperature drop to match the ambient air or wait until evening to wash it. This not only saves money on repairs but also reduces water spots. For regular washes, I recommend using lukewarm water or a pH-neutral car shampoo to minimize shock. The waiting time depends on the car's size—half an hour is usually enough for a sedan. Don’t take risks by impulsively spraying water!
As someone who frequently works on vehicles, I must say washing a car that's been baking in the heat all day is absolutely not advisable. When the car's surface temperature is high, both the paint layer and window glass are in a state of extreme expansion. Suddenly splashing cold water on it is like pouring ice water on a hot iron rod, which can easily cause stress cracks. Over time, the glass may shatter or the paint may bubble and peel, making repairs both troublesome and expensive. Even worse, plastic components like bumpers can also be damaged and deformed. If you must wash your car, it's best to let it cool down completely. I usually wait until the sun goes down or turn on the ventilation system to lower the temperature. This also helps avoid moisture issues caused by water evaporation, protecting the car body more effectively and ensuring a cleaner wash.
