How Long Should You Wait to Wash Your Car After It Has Been Exposed to the Sun?
3 Answers
You can wash your car immediately after it has been exposed to the sun, but be aware that you should not use cold water to wash a car that has been exposed to prolonged sunlight. Related information: 1. Reason: When the temperature is very high, washing the car with cold water can cause certain damage to the paint surface. In severe cases, it may even lead to paint cracking and affect the metal structure inside the car. Therefore, it is best to choose early morning or evening, or cloudy days for car washing in summer. If you are in a hurry to wash the car, use warm water. 2. Additional information: When there is a significant temperature difference between cold water and the hot car body, directly rinsing the glass with cold water may cause the glass to crack.
I often encounter this issue in summer when my car gets scorching hot under the sun and I feel like washing it immediately. However, spraying cold water directly might cause the paint to expand and contract too rapidly due to thermal shock, leading to cracks or fine fissures in the glass—especially older cars are more susceptible. My usual practice is to let the car cool down naturally for 30 to 40 minutes before washing, during which I can do other tasks like checking tire pressure or cleaning out interior clutter. When washing, it's best to start with the hood to minimize drastic temperature differences. An extra tip: choosing a cooler time slot for car washing, such as after 4 PM, is safer. Washing once a week is sufficient; doing it too frequently can actually harm the paint. In short, being patient and letting the car cool down significantly contributes to long-term vehicle maintenance.
As part of my routine for maintaining the family car, I always make sure the vehicle isn't too hot to the touch before washing it. After being exposed to the sun, the car's surface temperature can be extremely high. Washing it immediately with cold water is like pouring cold oil into a hot pan, which can easily cause stress damage. I usually wait for about an hour, allowing the temperature to drop to room level before starting. During this time, I might make a phone call or tidy up the trunk to make good use of the time. By the way, don't rush when washing the car. Use a neutral car shampoo and a soft sponge to avoid scratches. Additionally, check the film on the roof and windshield, as large temperature differences can cause bubbling. Every time I wash the car, I've made it a habit to first feel the body temperature, starting only when it doesn't feel hot. This method is simple, practical, and protects the beloved car.
