What are the effects of frequent sun exposure on a car?
3 Answers
The most significant impact of prolonged sun exposure on a vehicle is the generation of harmful gases. Most interior materials are made of plastic or leather, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can produce harmful substances such as formaldehyde. If you enter the car and turn on the air conditioning immediately without opening the windows, these harmful gases can be inhaled, posing health risks. The effects of prolonged sun exposure on a car include: Paint aging: Extended sun exposure accelerates paint aging and fading, causing the car to lose its original glossy appearance and reducing the paint's lifespan. Plastic deformation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight accelerates the aging and deformation of interior plastics, damaging the lifespan of the interior components. Generation of harmful gases: Extended exposure to sunlight can produce harmful substances like formaldehyde, which can be inhaled and pose health risks. Tire aging: Tires exposed to prolonged sunlight will age faster, leading to deformation over time and reducing their lifespan.
My car is often parked outdoors under the sun, and over time the paint starts to fade and turn white, especially noticeable on darker-colored vehicles. Plastic components like bumpers and door handles become brittle after prolonged exposure, making them prone to cracking with even slight impact. What's worse is the interior—steering wheels and seats age faster, with leather prone to cracking and fabric becoming deformed or wrinkled. In summer, stepping into the car feels like entering a steamer. Tires also degrade more quickly, with hardened rubber reducing grip, which can lead to skidding in rainy conditions. The air conditioning system faces higher loads, increasing the risk of compressor failure. That’s why I now try to park in shaded areas or use a sunshade car cover.
As a parent with two children, I'm particularly concerned about the car being exposed to the sun all day. The temperature inside can soar to over 50 degrees Celsius, making it very uncomfortable for the kids. The plastic interior ages quickly, releasing unpleasant odors that affect respiratory health, especially the strong plastic smell in new cars. It takes a long time for the air conditioning to cool down, increasing fuel consumption. The seat materials suffer severe damage—leather cracks and becomes unsightly and prickly, while fabric seats become rough and moldy. Even more annoying, the rubber around the windows and door frames becomes brittle, leading to poor sealing and drafts. It's advisable to park in shaded areas regularly and open the windows to let fresh air in before the kids get in the car.
