Can You Wash Your Car After Prolonged Sun Exposure?

[GarrettRose]

You should not wash your car after prolonged sun exposure. Below are the risks of washing a sun-exposed car and some precautions to take when washing your car: Risks of washing a sun-exposed car: After prolonged sun exposure, the surface temperature of the car will be very high. Washing it at this time can cause the paint to become brittle and crack due to the sudden temperature change, and the gloss may also fade. Therefore, it is best to wash your car on cloudy days or during the early morning or evening. Precautions for washing your car: Do not use laundry detergent, scouring powder, or low-quality soap when washing. Use a dispersed water stream for spraying, as high water pressure can damage the car's paint. If there is stubborn dirt or mud on the car, soak it with water first and then rinse it off.

[CharlieLynn]

I often wash my car myself, but you need to be careful when washing a car that's been exposed to the scorching summer sun. Spraying cold water directly on a hot car body can cause a 'thermal shock' effect on the paint surface, potentially leading to cracking or crazing, which accelerates paint aging. It's best to park the car in a shaded area and wait about half an hour for the body to cool down before washing. I've developed a habit of washing my car either early in the morning before the sun comes out or in the cooler evening hours, which feels much safer. Also, if using a pressure washer, extra caution is needed - avoid direct high-pressure sprays on hot surfaces; start with lukewarm water and gentle rinsing first. This way, your car maintains its fresh look and saves you from repair hassles.

[DeMiranda]

I've encountered similar issues when washing my car. It's not impossible to wash under the scorching sun, but it's really not recommended. When hot car paint comes into contact with cold water, the significant temperature difference can easily cause micro-cracks, and over time, the body may fade or peel. I usually wait until the car body is no longer hot to the touch before starting, or move the car to the shade to cool down for a few minutes. Additionally, if using a spray bottle when washing, you can control the water temperature and volume to prevent rapid evaporation and water stains. These are all lessons from experience—protecting the paint is more important than saving time.

[VivianLynn]

I've been playing with cars all my life and have personal experience with washing cars after sun exposure. Once on a hot day, I took a shortcut and rinsed it directly, resulting in small cracks in the paint, which cost me a lot to repair. The lesson is simple: wait for the car body to cool down before washing, as the paint can't handle the sudden temperature change. Now, I always touch the car body before washing to make sure it's not hot before I proceed.