Is it bad to leave a car exposed to the sun?
3 Answers
Leaving a car exposed to the sun is not good, as it can have significant impacts on the paint, tires, interior, and even human health. Solutions include applying ceramic coating or parking the car in an underground garage. The most straightforward method is to park the car in a shaded area. Here is additional information: 1. Paint: Many car paints are quite thin. Prolonged exposure to the sun can accelerate paint aging and fading, causing the car body to lose its shine and affecting its appearance. In severe cases, it may lead to paint cracking, bulging, or peeling, shortening the paint's lifespan. 2. Tires: Tires are made of rubber. Extended exposure to sunlight can cause deformation, cracking, and reduced lifespan. Additionally, tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes. During long high-speed drives or sudden braking, localized overheating may even lead to tire blowouts. 3. Interior: Many car interiors are made of plastic, which can soften and deform under prolonged sun exposure. Car seats, typically made of leather, can harden and age in high temperatures, leading to a poorer tactile experience. 4. Human Health: Since most car interiors are plastic and assembled with adhesives, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can release harmful gases like formaldehyde, posing health risks to occupants.
Honestly, leaving your car in the sun for extended periods is really not a wise choice. I have an old Accord that was exposed to intense sunlight for two consecutive months last summer, and the paint on the roof started bubbling and turning yellow—it even felt hot to the touch. After that experience, I learned my lesson and now always try to park in the shade. What worries me the most is interior damage. A colleague’s SUV had all its dashboard plastic components become brittle and crack due to prolonged sun exposure. And believe it or not, the plastic parts under the windshield can release a foul odor when baked by the sun for too long—turning on the AC won’t even help. My advice? If you really can’t find a shaded spot, at least invest in a reflective sunshade for the windshield. This little $10 item can lower the temperature by over 10 degrees.
My experience is that prolonged sun exposure can be quite damaging to cars. That time I was on a business trip for three days, and my car turned into an oven—when I returned, I found the steering wheel cover had faded from the sun. What’s even more annoying is that the interior temperature can soar to over 60°C after intense sun exposure, making the leather seats unbearably hot to sit on. I had to leave the doors open for a while to let the heat out. I’ve also noticed that tires age much faster under high temperatures—the last time I replaced them, the mechanic said the sidewall cracks were caused by long-term sun exposure. Electronics don’t fare well either—a friend’s car navigation screen developed color spots from sun damage. I’d recommend parking in a spot that avoids direct afternoon sun and using a car cover if possible. It’s also a good idea to roll down the windows and ventilate the car for a few minutes before driving—it’s better for your health too.
