What Are the Effects of High Temperature and Sun Exposure on Cars?
4 Answers
The following is a detailed introduction to the effects of high temperature and sun exposure on cars: 1. Accelerated vehicle aging: Summer sun exposure can accelerate the aging of a car due to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most severe impact is on the car's exterior paint, which gradually loses its gloss, fades in color, and may even peel, especially for bright colors like white, which can turn yellow after prolonged exposure. 2. Accelerated tire aging: The car's tires also age under UV exposure, becoming prone to cracking, which increases the risk of blowouts during high-speed driving. 3. Vehicle interior: Many cars today have interiors made of plastic and leather materials. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause toxic components in plastics to be released, posing health risks to occupants. Additionally, long-term exposure accelerates the aging of rubber components like window seals and wiring, potentially leading to electrical leaks or water seepage. 4. Vehicle fire risk: Sun exposure can lead to vehicle fires—this is not an exaggeration, as news reports have documented multiple cases of spontaneous car combustion. After prolonged exposure, issues like wire aging and fuel leaks may occur, making regular vehicle inspections crucial to ensure the safety of electrical circuits and wiring. It is also important to avoid leaving items like lighters, perfume bottles, batteries, power banks, or glasses in the car, as they can become hazardous under high temperatures.
I usually take great care of my car. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can significantly damage the paint, causing it to fade and turn yellow, and may even lead to fine cracks on the surface. The leather seats inside can become extremely hot, making them prone to cracking and deformation, especially the steering wheel and dashboard, which can get uncomfortably hot to touch. The window sealing strips can harden and deteriorate under high temperatures, leading to water leakage during rainy days. The tire pressure also increases with heat, not only accelerating rubber aging but also raising the risk of a blowout. Nowadays, I always try to park in the shade or underground garages. If that's not possible, I use a sunshade to cover the windshield, and I also apply wax to the car's paint every month for protection.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've noticed that high temperatures can cause significant damage to a vehicle's interior. The infotainment screen and electronic components are prone to overheating and crashing when exposed to direct sunlight, and a sudden blackout of the navigation system can be dangerous. Battery life is also affected, as high temperatures accelerate the evaporation of electrolyte—I even experienced a no-start situation a few days ago. The air conditioning system is under heavier load, leading to reduced cooling efficiency, and opening windows for ventilation increases fuel consumption. Even the bottled water in the trunk turns hot. Now, I've developed the habit of leaving the windows slightly open for ventilation when parked, regularly checking the battery fluid level, and applying heat-insulating film to the windows to protect the electronic equipment.
High-temperature driving poses many hazards. Once while driving on the highway, I noticed my tire pressure had surged by nearly 40%, so I immediately pulled over to let them cool down. The rubber on my windshield wipers became brittle from sun exposure, making them ineffective during rain and impairing visibility. A perfume bottle in my car nearly exploded due to expansion under intense heat. Now, during summer, I always check tire pressure before trips, remove flammable items from the car, and use sun shields for the wiper blades. Many people aren't aware that sudden cold water on a hot windshield can cause it to crack. Keeping a fire extinguisher in the trunk is crucial—overlooking these details can easily lead to accidents.
