What happens when a car is exposed to the sun?
4 Answers
Exposing a car to the sun may lead to the following issues: 1. Engine: The engine is prone to problems. In high-temperature environments, the engine's cooling system has a reduced heat dissipation temperature difference and poor heat dissipation capability, making the engine susceptible to overheating. 2. Oil system: The oil system is prone to problems. Under high temperatures, the oil and related components may experience a series of issues, accelerating component wear and severely affecting the engine's lifespan. 3. Voltage issues: The battery may experience unstable voltage in high temperatures. When the battery temperature is high, the electrodes may oxidize due to insulation layer aging, especially the negative terminal, which can develop white oxide deposits on the electrode head, leading to unstable battery voltage.
In summer, I always park my car under the sun, and the interior damage is obvious: the dashboard plastic becomes brittle and cracks, the leather seats fade quickly, and the smell is as unpleasant as chemical residue. Once during a car wash, I noticed fine cracks on the paint surface, costing me thousands in repairs. High temperatures also cause electronic components to overheat, accelerating battery aging, sometimes making it difficult to start the car. Now I've learned my lesson—I use a reflective sunshade to cover the windshield, which can lower the interior temperature by over ten degrees. I recommend everyone try this, as maintaining a new car isn't easy. It's best to park in the shade or in a garage with an awning to protect the car, saving money and hassle.
When the weather gets hot, I worry about my child suffering in the car. The scorching sun can raise the temperature inside the car to over 50°C, causing plastic toys to deform. Kids start crying and sweating as soon as they get in, making them prone to heatstroke. The accumulated odors contain harmful substances that are hard to dissipate even with windows open. As a parent, I remind everyone not to leave children or pets alone in the car. Before parking, I always place a thermometer to monitor the temperature, noticing that high heat accelerates interior aging and drains the battery faster. Using sunshades and parking under trees are simple yet effective ways to protect your family's health—it's what matters most.
After long-term observation, prolonged sun exposure accelerates component degradation: UV damage turns paint yellow, tire rubber softens and leaks, and electronic control systems overheat and malfunction. I've learned to conduct regular inspections: using a car cover outside to block heat and placing a sunshade inside. Parking away from the midday sun peak can extend the vehicle's lifespan. These protective measures don't cost much but save a lot of hassle.
