What Happens When a Car is Exposed to Prolonged Sunlight?

[StMaximus]

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause damage to rubber components and accelerate the aging of car paint, while also increasing the emission of harmful gases. Below is relevant information regarding the effects of prolonged sunlight exposure on cars: 1. Car Paint: The exterior of a car is coated with paint, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to oxidation reactions between the metal ions in the paint and oxygen ions in the air. For example, some white cars may turn a faint yellow color after being parked and exposed to sunlight for an extended period. 2. Sealing Strips: Many parts of a car are made of rubber, which serves functions such as waterproofing and sound insulation. Long-term exposure to sunlight can degrade the sealing performance of these components. Additionally, prolonged exposure to sunlight can shorten the lifespan of tires, and high temperatures can increase tire pressure, raising the risk of tire blowouts.

[DiMaya]

In summer, I often park my car without paying attention to the location. Once, I left it in an open parking lot under the scorching sun for an entire day. When I got back in, the dashboard was too hot to touch, and the steering wheel was even hotter, making it unbearable to hold. After enduring such treatment, the interior materials started cracking within two years, especially the steering wheel, which peeled and significantly affected the grip. The instrument panel also warped, with gaps widening and creaking noises appearing. The most troublesome part was that the prolonged high temperatures accelerated the wear and tear of electronic components, causing the navigation screen to become sluggish. Now I’ve truly learned my lesson—whenever I park for more than half an hour, I make sure to find shade or an underground garage. No matter how inconvenient, it’s better than having parts fail prematurely. I advise everyone not to underestimate the hassle—high temperatures cause cumulative damage to car components over time.

[BrielleLee]

Last week, I saw news about a car accident caused by a tire blowout on the highway, which was due to the tire strength decreasing after prolonged exposure to sunlight. I’ve also had my own experience with this—last summer, the temperature on my car roof measured over 70°C, and the tire pressure alarm went off immediately. Now, I’ve made it a habit to walk around the car and check for tire bulges before driving after it’s been parked in the sun. Also, be extra careful with small items inside the car. A friend’s perfume bottle once exploded after being left in the sun, so now I don’t even dare to keep bottled water next to the driver’s seat. Before getting in, I always open the doors to ventilate for five minutes—otherwise, the seats are too hot to sit on. These tips might seem trivial, but they’re really important for safety.

[VanMaria]

The car cabin after being exposed to the sun is like a steamer. Last time when I picked up my child from school, the car thermometer showed 58 degrees. The leather seats have noticeably hardened and discolored, and it takes more than ten minutes for the air conditioning to take effect. A friend's new car had its sun film bubble after just half a year, but I'm more concerned about health issues. High temperatures cause the formaldehyde levels in the leather to exceed the standard by more than twice, and I feel chest tightness every time I get in the car. Now, I always remotely start the car in advance to cool it down before letting my family get in, especially when there are elderly or children, as a high-temperature cabin is particularly unfriendly to the respiratory system.