What are the effects of a car being exposed to sunlight for a long time?
2 Answers
Exposing a car to prolonged sunlight has the following effects: A surge in formaldehyde levels inside the car: High temperatures during summer can activate the release of pollutants from various sources inside the car, which may become carcinogenic over time. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong pungent odor, posing significant harm to human health. Vehicle aging: Accelerates the aging of the car's paint and interior plastic parts; UV rays speed up the aging of plastic components, rubber parts (such as tires), and paint. After prolonged exposure to sunlight, opening the car door may release a pungent odor. Using a sunshade for the front of the car: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can accelerate the aging of the car's paint and dashboard, while the high temperature inside increases the air conditioning load, leading to higher fuel consumption. The most common aluminum foil sunshade on the market, when placed on the front window after parking, can effectively protect the interior and reduce temperature.
I've always found it quite annoying that my car is constantly exposed to sunlight. My car has been parked in the yard for years, and under the sun, the paint has become patchy with fading and cracking, feeling rough to the touch. The interior is even worse—the leather seats are severely cracked, uncomfortably hot to sit on, and emit a strong leather smell; the dashboard plastic has turned brittle and yellow, making cracking sounds at the slightest touch. The high temperatures also make the air inside stuffy, requiring the AC to run for a long time to cool down, which wastes fuel and money. The tires suffer too, as UV rays accelerate rubber aging, making the ride feel uneven. I suggest parking in the shade or using a car cover to avoid extra repair costs.
