What are the effects of a car being exposed to sunlight in summer?
3 Answers
Exposure to sunlight in summer has several effects on a car: 1. The wear resistance of the interior will decrease, and whitening may occur; 2. Later-installed electronic devices may malfunction; 3. The air quality inside the car will deteriorate; 4. Exposure to sunlight will cause the car body temperature to rise, and when the temperature drops at night, thermal expansion and contraction will cause the paint and rubber to peel and age; 5. The car paint will oxidize under the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, leading to a decrease in gloss; 6. Tires will harden, crack, and age faster when exposed to high temperatures; 7. Flammable items should not be left in the car, as prolonged exposure may cause explosions, posing safety hazards.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've personally witnessed the various damages caused by prolonged summer sun exposure to vehicles. Parking under the sun all day can cause the interior temperature to soar above 60°C, turning the car into an oven. Firstly, the interior suffers severe damage: leather seats are prone to cracking and fading, plastic dashboards become brittle and crack under UV radiation, and the roof fabric may even detach. Secondly, there are significant safety hazards: increased tire pressure raises the risk of blowouts, high temperatures accelerate battery aging, and a drained battery can leave you stranded. Additionally, the car's paint will fade and lose its luster faster, while rubber seals on the body may warp and degrade, leading to leaks during rainy seasons. To minimize these issues, I recommend parking in shaded areas or using sunshades, and maintaining interior cleanliness to prevent bacterial growth. In short, frequent sun exposure will only shorten your car's lifespan and increase repair costs.
As a father of two children, my biggest concern during summer is the impact of leaving the car exposed to sunlight for too long. The main issue is the terrifyingly high interior temperature: it can soar to over 50 degrees Celsius within minutes, making it feel like stepping into a barbecue pit—especially dangerous for kids and pets, increasing the risk of heatstroke. Material-wise, leather seats release harmful gases like formaldehyde, which can cause allergies over time; plastic dashboards may crack from thermal expansion, making them unsafe for children to touch. Additionally, there are significant safety risks: tires can’t handle thermal expansion pressure, raising the chance of blowouts during long trips, and the AC system works harder, consuming more fuel upon startup. I teach my kids to ventilate the car before getting in, use sunshades to protect the interior, and keep windows clean to reflect heat. These steps prevent health issues and make family trips safer.
