Is Car Paint Afraid of Sun Exposure?
3 Answers
Car paint itself is not afraid of sun exposure, but it can affect the interior facilities. There are 4 methods for car paint maintenance: Rinse promptly after rain: Rain stains on the car body will gradually shrink, increasing the concentration of acidic substances in the rainwater. If not rinsed with clean water promptly, the rain stains can damage the topcoat; When washing the car: It should be done after the engine has cooled down. Avoid washing the car under intense sunlight or high temperatures to prevent the detergent from drying and leaving marks. Use specialized detergents and neutral water for washing, and avoid using highly alkaline laundry detergent, soap water, or dishwashing liquid, as they can strip the oils from the paint surface and accelerate aging; Use a clean cloth for wiping: Use a soft cloth or sponge to prevent mixing in metal shavings or sand particles. Avoid using dry cloths, dry towels, or dry sponges to wipe the car to prevent scratches; Extremely corrosive stains: These need to be removed promptly with specialized cleaners. Avoid using blades to scrape or gasoline to remove them, as these methods can damage the paint surface.
I've driven cars all my life and witnessed several vehicles suffer severe paint damage from prolonged parking under the sun. In my younger days, lacking maintenance knowledge, I parked in open lots where daily exposure to scorching sunlight caused paint to fade and turn chalky within just a few years, even developing fine cracks in spots. UV rays are the ultimate enemy—they oxidize surface paint molecules, erasing gloss and accelerating aging, especially under summer's intense heat. Now I've wised up: I always park in garages or use reflective car covers, wash weekly to maintain cleanliness, and apply wax regularly to create a protective layer. These simple habits require minimal effort but can extend paint life by a decade or more, saving the hassle of costly repainting.
Last month, I left my car parked outdoors for two weeks, and the paint became dry and noticeably faded. After chatting with my car-savvy friend, I learned that UV rays from the sun can penetrate the paint, damaging its internal structure and causing oxidation and fading. Black cars, in particular, absorb more heat, making the problem worse. I started washing my car regularly to prevent dust buildup and applying a coat of wax with UV protection—simple and affordable. I also try to park under trees or in shaded areas whenever possible. Now, the paint has regained some of its shine. Developing these small habits is truly worth it, protecting the car while saving money.
