What Happens When a Car is Exposed to Sunlight for a Long Time?
2 Answers
Hazards of prolonged sun exposure to a car are as follows: 1. Paint aging: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the car's paint to age, resulting in a dull surface finish. Additionally, the car's interior will become increasingly aged or even worn out, and in severe cases, the car's sealing performance may significantly deteriorate. 2. Odor generation: Harmful substances accumulate inside the car. When the vehicle is exposed to sunlight for a long time, opening the doors will release a very unpleasant odor. This odor is filled with various harmful gases emitted by the plastic and leather materials inside the car, which are extremely harmful to human health. 3. Accelerated aging of interior and paint: The car's interior also contains many plastic and artificial leather components, which can undergo prolonged changes under high temperatures, making the surfaces feel sticky and soft to the touch. This is a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and will also accelerate the aging of the car's paint surface.
As a seasoned driver with twenty years of experience, I can tell you that prolonged exposure to the sun will definitely cause the car paint to fade and turn white, especially on dark-colored bodies. Just a few days under the sun can leave the surface dull and lifeless. Interior plastic parts are even more prone to cracking and damage, while genuine leather seats harden and split, and rubber seals age, deform, and start leaking. The dashboard becomes scorching hot to the touch in high temperatures, and the air conditioning system works harder, consuming more fuel. I recommend regular waxing to protect the paint and parking in the shade or using sunshades to avoid direct sunlight. High temperatures also accelerate battery wear, cutting its lifespan in half—regular checks can save a lot on repairs. Long-term exposure like this speeds up vehicle depreciation, slashing resale value by 20%, which is heartbreaking and leads to expensive refurbishments.
