What are the effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight on a car?
3 Answers
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can have several negative effects on a car: 1. Accelerates the aging of interior materials. Car interiors are typically made of plastic, which can deform and produce unusual noises when exposed to prolonged sunlight. 2. Affects the vehicle's sealing performance. Many parts of a car are made of rubber, which can deteriorate under prolonged sunlight, reducing their sealing effectiveness. 3. Generates harmful gases. When exposed to high temperatures, car interiors can release harmful gases such as formaldehyde. Inhaling excessive amounts of formaldehyde can be hazardous to human health and affect overall well-being.
Last year, my car was parked outside in direct sunlight for two months, and the dashboard discolored severely. The originally black plastic turned pale and felt hot to the touch. The leather seats also hardened and developed small cracks, making them uncomfortable to sit on. The UV rays in the sunlight aged the interior materials, causing the plastic to become brittle and prone to deformation. The air conditioning's cooling effect was poor, taking a long time to cool down. I recommend parking in the shade or an underground garage, or buying a sunshade to avoid spending a lot on replacement parts. Regularly applying interior protectant can help reduce cracking issues and extend the car's lifespan. These small tips are what I've learned from daily car use and are very practical for frequent travelers like me.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight has significant effects on a car's exterior. The paint on my new car has noticeably faded, appearing lighter after extended parking under the sun, with some fine cracks developing. Rubber components like wiper blades and door seals age rapidly, sometimes causing squeaking noises when opening doors. This is primarily due to UV rays damaging the surface coating and rubber structure. I've tried frequent washing and waxing, but the results aren't as effective as parking in the shade. Now, I make an effort to park in garages to avoid summer heat damage. Tires can also deform from heat – I once had a blowout because prolonged sun exposure hardened the tires. Developing a habit of checking tires can reduce unexpected incidents.
