Is it harmful for a car to be exposed to sunlight for a long time?
2 Answers
It is harmful for a car to be exposed to sunlight for a long time. Here are some sun protection methods for cars: 1. Physical sun protection: This is similar to using an umbrella or wearing sunscreen clothing in summer. It involves covering the car with a sunshade, which effectively blocks sunlight, prevents the car paint from being damaged, and also avoids excessive interior temperatures. Additionally, when parking, pay attention to the direction of the sun and try to position the rear of the car towards the sunlight to reduce the interior temperature. 2. Car waxing: This is a common car beauty treatment. Waxing forms a protective film on the car's surface, effectively safeguarding the paint from damage. Moreover, after waxing, the car's body will appear very shiny and attractive. However, waxing should not be done too frequently, as it may harm the car.
I've been driving an old Santana for almost ten years, so I'm quite qualified to speak on this issue. The most obvious effect of long-term sun exposure is accelerated aging of the interior—the dashboard turns pale and cracks, plastic parts become as brittle as soda crackers. The paint fading is particularly noticeable; my black roof has now turned almost gray. The most troublesome part is the hardened weatherstrips causing leaks—during last year's typhoon, my car interior could've doubled as a fish tank. Rubber tires exposed to prolonged heat will develop premature cracks, and if they feel burning hot to the touch in sunlight, it means the internal structure is getting damaged. Now I'd rather park two blocks away to find shade, always use aluminum foil sunshades on the windshield, and get wax protection for the paint every six months.
