Is It Good to Leave a Car Exposed to Sunlight?

[Jodie]

Leaving a car exposed to direct sunlight will definitely have certain negative effects on the vehicle. Especially in summer, when temperatures are already high, prolonged exposure to sunlight can easily damage the car's paint. Over time, it can also accelerate the aging of the car's interior and release harmful substances from the materials inside. If the tire pressure is too high, prolonged exposure to heat can even lead to tire blowouts. Additionally, if flammable or explosive items are left inside the car, extended exposure to sunlight may increase the risk of spontaneous combustion. Here are the impacts of leaving a car exposed to sunlight: 1. Car Paint: Many car paints are relatively thin, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can accelerate paint aging, fading, and loss of gloss, affecting the car's appearance. In severe cases, it may cause the paint to crack, bubble, or peel, shortening its lifespan. To protect the paint, you can cover the car with a car cover, which provides sun protection, dust resistance, rain protection, and prevents bird droppings. Alternatively, applying paint sealant or ceramic coating can effectively shield the paint from damage caused by UV rays and high temperatures. 2. Tires: Tires are made of rubber, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause deformation, cracking, and reduced lifespan. Additionally, tire pressure fluctuates with temperature changes. Under conditions of long-distance high-speed driving or sudden braking, localized overheating may lead to tire blowouts. 3. Interior: Many car interiors are made of plastic, which can soften and deform under prolonged sunlight exposure. Car seats, typically made of leather, may harden and deteriorate in texture due to high temperatures. Since sunlight usually enters through the windshield and side windows, applying reflective or heat-insulating window films can help. Alternatively, using a sunshade on the windshield can effectively block direct sunlight.

[DeIvan]

Actually, I think it depends on the specific situation, but long-term exposure to sunlight is really not good. Last week, my car was parked under an office building for two days, and not only was the steering wheel too hot to hold, but the entire interior felt a bit stiff. An experienced mechanic told me that the UV rays in sunlight accelerate the aging of car paint and rubber components, especially noticeable on black cars, which show fading within a year or two. Moreover, with so many electronic devices in cars nowadays, my neighbor's car's central control screen developed bubbles due to high temperatures. Every time before getting in the car, you have to turn on the AC to cool it down, which consumes quite a bit of fuel. If you must park outdoors for long periods, I suggest buying a car cover or sunshade—it costs just a few dozen bucks at most.

[McMakayla]

As someone who has been driving for twenty years, my advice is to avoid the sun whenever possible. Back when I drove an old Santana, the dashboard cracked in several places from sun exposure, and I later learned that plastic interiors are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. Although newer cars use better materials, a friend's Tesla showed a noticeable drop in battery range after being parked in the scorching sun. High temperatures can also cause tire pressure to spike dangerously—once, before hitting the highway, I measured my tire pressure 8 kPa higher than usual. Some people think rain damages cars more, but in reality, wiper rubber deteriorates much faster from sun exposure. It's best to park in the shade, but avoid parking under large trees, as tree sap is even harder to clean. Lifting the wipers when parking can extend their lifespan.

[Cayden]

Last summer, my car was parked in the residential area without any shade, and the borders of the rearview mirrors turned white from sun exposure. The most annoying part was the foul odor after being exposed to the sun—a mix of plastic and leather smells—forcing me to roll down the windows for five minutes before driving. The mechanic said this is due to increased formaldehyde release, especially worse for new cars. Genuine leather seats are prone to cracking under direct sunlight, but using suede seat covers has helped a lot. Tires also need attention—I always walk around the car to check tire pressure before driving on hot days, and if there’s any bulge on the sidewall, I replace them immediately. Even if the company has an underground parking garage that requires a bit more walking, it’s worth it—after all, one repair could cost as much as half a year’s parking fee.

[VonIsabela]

A couple of days ago while washing my car, I noticed fine sun swirl marks on the hood. The auto detailer said it was due to prolonged sun exposure causing cracks in the clear coat. Nowadays, I deliberately look for shaded parking spots at work every day. If none are available, I use an aluminum foil sunshade on the windshield. High temperatures can significantly damage the battery—my colleague's car battery failed prematurely due to excessive sun exposure. Also, pay attention to stickers on the windshield; my annual inspection sticker got curled and faded from the sun. Wiper blades are particularly prone to deformation under high heat, so now I only buy UV-resistant wipers. If the car is continuously exposed to sunlight, it's best to wash it every two weeks to prevent dust particles from baking into the paint.