What are the effects of exposing a car to sunlight?
3 Answers
The effects of exposing a car to sunlight: 1. Harmful gases will be produced. Most of the materials inside the car are made of plastic or leather, and prolonged exposure to sunlight will produce harmful substances such as formaldehyde, which can be harmful to the human body; 2. Sun exposure affects the car's interior, paint, and tires, leading to a shortened overall lifespan of the vehicle; 3. The window sealing rings, when directly exposed to sunlight for a long time, are prone to aging and cracking, reducing the sealing performance of the windows and leading to water leakage or seepage; 4. The car glass, after being exposed to sunlight, will experience a rapid increase in temperature, causing changes in its physical properties. Using cold water to wash the glass after exposure can easily lead to cracking or damage to the glass's performance.
I've parked my car in the sun several times and noticed many drawbacks. The interior tends to fade and age, especially the dashboard and plastic parts of the seats, which become brittle and crack after prolonged exposure, also emitting unpleasant odors. When getting in, the heat is overwhelming and the steering wheel is too hot to touch. The air conditioning starts slowly, consumes more fuel, and wastes money. The battery's self-discharge accelerates in high temperatures, shortening its lifespan and increasing replacement frequency. The paint also suffers, with colors fading and gloss disappearing, affecting the car's appearance. Tire temperatures rise, possibly causing slight deformation. It's advisable to park in the shade or use a sunshade to reduce damage, avoid these troubles, save money, and extend your car's lifespan.
From the perspective of car maintenance, I know that sun exposure can cause significant harm. UV rays severely damage the paint, leading to rapid oxidation and fading, which is more noticeable on dark-colored cars. The interior plastics and leather can age, deform, and emit unpleasant odors due to high temperatures. Components near the engine heat up quickly, the battery loses charge faster, the air conditioning starts slower, fuel consumption increases, and emissions rise. I make it a habit to regularly wax the car and use a sunshade cover to protect the paint, check wire connections to prevent aging, and recommend parking in a garage or under a tree in summer while avoiding placing flammable items. Emphasizing prevention and protection helps reduce future repair costs.