What Problems Can Occur When a New Car Is Exposed to the Sun?

[AndresRose]

New cars exposed to the sun may experience the following issues: 1. Damage to the paint: Outdoor temperatures frequently fluctuate, and prolonged exposure to sunlight primarily affects the car's paint. The metal body and paint undergo thermal expansion and contraction, leading to fine cracks in the paint. If the sun is extremely hot and the paint quality is poor, there is a risk of peeling, causing the paint to melt quickly and lose its original gloss. 2. Tire aging: Parking the car outdoors for extended periods can cause tire aging. Since tires are made of rubber, prolonged sun exposure triggers chemical reactions, unlike when parked in the shade. The rubber may soften over time, significantly reducing tire lifespan. In severe cases, this can lead to blowouts while driving. 3. Harmful gases from decorations: Many people enjoy decorating their cars with accessories for a cozy feel. However, these decorations can release harmful gases when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, seat covers bonded with strong adhesives may peel after prolonged exposure. 4. Glass damage: Car windows exposed to intense heat undergo rapid temperature changes, altering their physical properties. If washed with cold water immediately after exposure, the glass may crack or suffer performance degradation. 5. Risk of spontaneous combustion: Due to climate change, peak temperatures are rising. A car exposed to the sun can become significantly hotter than the ambient temperature, increasing the risk of fire.

[OGavin]

Leaving a new car exposed to the sun for several hours can easily lead to various issues. I remember after buying my new car, I once forgot to put on the sunshade and left it parked under the scorching sun for half a day—the interior became so hot it was untouchable. Particularly, the plastic components on the dashboard quickly faded and turned white, feeling like they could crack at any moment. The leather seats also became dry and stiff, with temperatures soaring to nearly 60 degrees Celsius, making it unbearable to sit on, and the air conditioning had to work extra hard to cool down. Tires are also affected, as increased tire pressure causes instability while driving, and prolonged exposure accelerates tire aging. The chemical odors released by new cars become more intense in high temperatures, making the air uncomfortable to breathe and potentially harmful to health. I recommend finding a shaded parking spot or purchasing a sunshade to cover the car in advance, which can prevent many problems. I've seen a friend's car develop glare reflections on the windshield after sun exposure, which interfered with visibility while driving, increasing risks. In short, taking good care of a new car can extend the lifespan of its interior and avoid costly repairs.

[ODaniella]

Exposing a new car to intense sunlight not only turns it into an unbearable oven but also degrades indoor air quality. Under high temperatures, plastics and upholstery release more harmful volatiles like formaldehyde, making prolonged exposure unhealthy and causing dizziness. Interior deformation is minor, but prolonged direct sunlight accelerates paint fading and blistering, severely compromising aesthetics. I once experienced dashboard softening, rendering buttons unresponsive. Batteries drain faster in heat, increasing the risk of summer dead-starts. Tire pressure spikes dangerously, causing unstable handling. For outdoor parking, install sunshades or car covers to block UV rays and reduce heat. Post-sun exposure, I always ventilate by opening doors for minutes before entering—a health-conscious practice. Chronic exposure depreciates resale value and hikes maintenance costs. Never underestimate the sun—early protection is crucial.

[RyleeDella]

New cars damaged by sun exposure often suffer first in appearance and interior. Paint can darken and peel under UV rays, while interior plastics may soften and deform, with steering wheel cracks being a common issue. High temperatures accelerate the release of odors from cabin materials, affecting health. Tire pressure increases due to thermal expansion, potentially causing instability. Batteries age faster in high heat, possibly shortening lifespan. When parking in direct sunlight, it's best to use a sunshade or find a shaded spot.