What Are the Effects of Vehicle Exposure to Sunlight?
2 Answers
Exposing a vehicle to prolonged sunlight has the following effects: 1. Generation of harmful gases: The primary impact of vehicle exposure to sunlight is the production of harmful gases. Most interior materials are made of plastic or leather, and prolonged exposure can release harmful substances such as formaldehyde. If you enter the vehicle and turn on the air conditioning without opening the windows, these harmful gases can be inhaled, posing health risks. 2. Plastic component aging: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can easily cause plastic components to age. Particularly, the window seals, when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, are prone to aging and cracking, which reduces their sealing performance and may lead to water leakage or seepage. 3. Glass cracking: When vehicle glass is exposed to sunlight, its temperature rises sharply, altering its physical properties. If cold water is used to wash the glass after such exposure, it can easily cause the glass to crack or suffer performance damage.
I've been working with cars for decades and have seen too many problems caused by prolonged sun exposure. First, the interior: leather seats become stiff and fade in color when exposed to the sun, plastic parts turn brittle and crack easily, not to mention they get uncomfortably hot and emit strange odors. The paint job suffers too—daily sun exposure fades the color, and cracks spread all over the body, making the car look old and worn. Tires age faster, and softened rubber increases the risk of blowouts on highways, while replacement tires cost a fortune. In summer, the car interior heats up like an oven, and even blasting the AC struggles to cool it down, consuming more fuel and shortening the battery's lifespan. And let's not forget the electronics—navigation screens can overheat and break, forcing costly repairs. That's why I recommend parking in the shade or using a sunshade and keeping up with maintenance—it saves both hassle and money.
