Does a Black Car Absorbing Heat in Summer Harm the Vehicle?

[HavenMarie]

Black cars absorbing heat in summer do not harm the vehicle. Below are specific details about car colors: 1. The relationship between car color and resale value: White cars retain value better. 2. The relationship between car color and temperature: After exposing several identical models of different colors to sunlight for one hour, the temperatures at the hood position were measured with a thermometer. The test results showed that the green car body was 60.2°C, the pure white car body was 61.7°C, the silver car body was 66.7°C, the red car body was 75.6°C, and the black car body reached the highest temperature of 88.8°C. This 30-degree temperature difference is indeed surprising. Therefore, the darker the car color, the higher the interior temperature in summer.

[GabriellaRose]

I've been driving a black car for several years, and summers are indeed a headache. If the car is parked in the sun for just a while, the surface temperature of the paint can soar to 60-70 degrees Celsius. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the paint to lose its luster or even crack. More critically, the interior suffers—leather seats age faster under high temperatures, and plastic components on the dashboard are prone to warping. The most noticeable impact is on the air conditioning system; every time I get in the car, I have to crank the cooling to the max, forcing the compressor to operate under high load for extended periods, which shortens its lifespan. That's why I now try to park in the shade or use a sunshade, and I don't skimp on buying heat-insulating film. Tires also suffer under intense sunlight, with rubber aging noticeably faster than on lighter-colored cars, so remember to check tire pressure regularly.

[SilasLee]

From a vehicle maintenance perspective, black cars do face some challenges in summer. Prolonged heat exposure accelerates paint oxidation, especially noticeable when parked outdoors. Rubber seals tend to harden and crack under high temperatures, potentially causing leaks over time. Don't overlook electronic components inside the car - heat makes circuit boards more prone to aging. My experience suggests performing a thorough cleaning monthly, focusing on radiator grilles and engine compartment dust to prevent overheating. When parking, try choosing east-west oriented spaces to reduce sunlight exposure. A simple windshield sunshade can lower interior temperature by over 10°C. Keeping a spray bottle to mist water on the roof for cooling is also effective. Remember to check coolant levels, as summer places higher demands on the cooling system.

[Frederick]

With over a decade of auto repair experience, I've seen numerous cases of sun damage. The heat absorption issue with black cars is indeed significant. The most common victims are interior components – plastic parts become brittle and warp after prolonged exposure, particularly dashboard edges and door handles. For electrical systems, high temperatures challenge sensor durability and wire harness insulation, especially in older vehicles. A lesser-known detail: headlight housings yellow and degrade faster under direct sunlight. My recommendation? Install a solar-powered vent fan to enable automatic heat dissipation when parked. Prolonged high engine temperatures also affect oil lifespan, so frequent checks are always wise.