What Happens When a Car Is Exposed to Prolonged Sunlight
2 Answers
Leaving a car exposed to sunlight for extended periods can accelerate the oxidation of the car's paint. Once the paint oxidation speeds up, the glossiness of the car's paint will diminish, and it can also affect the lifespan of the fuel tank's carbon canister. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to aging of the car's fuel lines, increasing the risk of spontaneous combustion. The car may suffer from the following damages: 1. Engine damage: If a car remains in a high-temperature environment for a long time, its cooling capacity will deteriorate, causing the engine temperature to rise more easily. This means its performance will decline, which is a fatal blow to the engine. 2. Fuel system damage: Outdoor temperatures can be relatively high, often exacerbating wear and tear on the car's components, thereby affecting the engine's service life. 3. Battery damage: When the battery temperature rises, issues may arise with the negative terminal due to the aging of the insulation layer, such as unstable voltage.
Leaving the car parked outside under the sun for too long is extremely uncomfortable. The worst part is getting inside when it's as hot as a sauna, with temperatures soaring above 50°C. The AC takes forever to cool it down, and the seats are scorching hot to sit on. The interior suffers the most, especially leather seats, which crack and fade after a few years of sun exposure, becoming stiff and uncomfortable. Plastic dashboards can warp and emit unpleasant odors, ruining the driving experience. Tires are another issue—high temperatures accelerate rubber aging and cracking, posing safety risks and shortening their lifespan. It's best to park in the shade or use sunshades and car covers, which help in both summer and winter. Also, avoid leaving plastic bottles or similar items in the car, as they might melt and leak, staining the floor. In short, dealing with extreme sun exposure requires caution—don’t cut corners to avoid costly repairs later.
