Does prolonged exposure to sunlight affect a car?
4 Answers
Prolonged exposure to sunlight does affect a car. Below are the potential damages and corresponding solutions: 1. Surge in formaldehyde levels inside the car: High summer temperatures can activate the release of pollutants from various sources inside the car, which may lead to long-term carcinogenic effects. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong pungent odor, posing significant harm to human health. 2. Accelerated vehicle aging: Sun exposure speeds up the aging of car paint and interior plastic components. Ultraviolet rays hasten the deterioration of plastic parts, rubber components (such as tires), and paint. After prolonged exposure, opening the car door often releases a pungent odor. 3. Park in shaded areas: Parking in shaded areas is always the best option, such as in underground parking spaces, even if it means walking a bit farther. Alternatively, park in the shadow of tall buildings. Be sure to consider the sun's angle to ensure the car remains shaded for several hours. 4. Use sunshades for the front windshield: Extended exposure to sunlight accelerates the aging of the car's paint and dashboard, while the high interior temperature increases the air conditioning load, leading to higher fuel consumption. The most common aluminum foil sunshades, when placed on the front windshield after parking, effectively protect the interior and reduce temperature.
I usually drive to and from work in a southern city, where my car is often exposed to the scorching sun. The most frustrating issue is the aging of the interior: the leather seats turn yellow and crack, feeling burning hot to the touch; the plastic parts on the dashboard discolor and become brittle, eventually cracking over time. The windshield also gets so hot that it seems to emit smoke, and the air conditioning takes forever to cool down when I get in. To prevent these problems, I always park in the shade or use a car cover; placing a reflective sunshade on the windshield also helps. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight also damage the paint, causing severe bubbling and fading, and repairs can be quite costly. I recommend that car owners avoid parking in direct midday sunlight during summer and use more protective measures to extend the vehicle's lifespan.
From a maintenance perspective, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause significant damage to vehicles. High temperatures accelerate battery aging, leading to failure within just one or two years. Increased tire pressure raises the risk of blowouts, compromising safety. Rubber fuel lines in the engine compartment are prone to cracking and leaking, while the air conditioning system struggles under heavy load, resulting in poor cooling performance. Excessive interior heat also affects electronic systems, potentially causing short circuits. I make it a habit to check tire pressure when parking, ensure adequate coolant levels, and use sunshades to lower temperatures. Over time, these practices have saved me considerable repair costs. Paying attention to small details helps maintain more stable vehicle performance.
Safety-wise, prolonged exposure to sunlight should not be underestimated. The temperature inside the car can soar above 50 degrees, causing plastic interiors to release harmful gases, which are detrimental to human health. There's also a high risk of burns when entering the car, especially for children. Aging components, such as failing electronic systems or malfunctioning air conditioning, can lead to sudden issues on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents. I've seen many cases where neglecting this led to significant trouble. It's recommended to use sunshades daily to block heat and to open windows for ventilation for a few minutes before driving. Healthy driving starts here.
