What are the effects of exposing a car to direct sunlight?
3 Answers
The main impact of exposing a car to direct sunlight is the production of harmful gases. Most interior materials in cars are made of plastic or leather, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can generate harmful substances such as formaldehyde. Below are some relevant introductions about car sun protection: 1. Parking in the shade: When parking, try to choose an underground garage or a shady, well-ventilated area, and avoid leaving the car directly under the sun. 2. Car wax for sun protection: If there is no good parking environment, consider applying "sunscreen" to your car. Generally, car washing and waxing can provide some "sun protection" effect. If possible, you can also consider applying a glaze coating to your car, which adds a layer of "protective film." This uses a polymer paint care agent containing UV reflectors and a curing agent with special ingredients to resist UV rays. 3. Car window tinting for sun protection: In addition to protecting the car's paint, window tinting (also known as solar film) is an essential choice for protecting the interior and passengers. Solar film is designed to "deal with" the scorching summer sunlight. It can block UV rays and has excellent heat insulation properties, blocking over 90% of the heat from sunlight, reducing air conditioning load while driving, and improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, it can minimize injuries caused by broken glass. Solar film also provides one-way visibility, reduces glare, enhances personal privacy, and improves driving safety. 4. Using sunshades for protection: You can choose appropriate sunshades to reduce sunlight exposure, such as sunshade panels, electrostatic side window sun films, and sunshade nets. Sunshade panels have a silver side that reflects UV rays, are lightweight, and foldable. When unfolded, they act like a screen and can be placed on the front and rear windshields inside the car to effectively reduce sunlight radiation and protect the dashboard. Sunshade panels come in two types: bubble and striped, with the striped type being slightly more effective.
The impact of sun exposure on cars is truly significant. My sedan has been parked under the scorching sun a few times, and the paint has noticeably faded. The once glossy black now appears dull and whitish, which is quite heartbreaking. The interior plastics and leather have also suffered - the seat leather has developed fine cracks, and there's a strange odor when the AC is turned on in summer. I've heard high temperatures can cause materials to degrade and release harmful substances. Even worse, the window seals have become brittle, letting rainwater leak in and making the interior damp. Experts warn this also accelerates tire aging and cracking, affecting driving safety. I've since been using sunshades and parking in garages to avoid these issues.
Having driven for over a decade, I've personally experienced the severe damage caused by prolonged sun exposure! The rubber hoses under the hood tend to harden and crack, and I once had to spend a fortune fixing an oil leak. Interior issues are even more noticeable—the dashboard fades and turns white, looking cheap. High temperatures also shorten the air conditioning's lifespan, making it slower to cool and less enjoyable to drive. The battery suffers too, aging faster and causing starting difficulties. To prevent these issues, I make it a habit to inspect the entire car before summer. Applying sunshade film works well and extends the lifespan of components.
