Which is more harmful to a car: exposure to direct sunlight or parking under a tree?
1 Answers
When it comes to parking a car under direct sunlight or under a tree, parking under a tree is relatively better than exposure to sunlight. First of all, leaving a car parked outdoors all year round is certainly not ideal. Exposure to wind, sun, and rain can cause significant damage to the car over time. Paint aging, cracking, loss of body shine, and rusting of metal components are some of the damages that may occur. Below are the relevant details: 1. Parking under high-temperature exposure: Many car surface paints are quite thin, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can accelerate paint aging and fading, causing the car body to lose its luster, affecting its appearance, and even leading to paint cracking, bulging, or peeling, which shortens the paint's lifespan. Additionally, many car interiors are made of plastic, with components glued together. Under high-temperature exposure, harmful gases like formaldehyde can be released, posing health risks to humans. Moreover, these materials can soften and deform easily. Car seats, usually made of leather, can harden and deteriorate in touch under high temperatures. 2. Parking under a tree: While parking under a tree can avoid direct sunlight, it comes with its own set of problems, such as bird droppings. Bird droppings are acidic and highly corrosive to car paint. Additionally, falling branches, leaves, tree sap, and fruits can dirty the car and affect its appearance. There is also the risk of branches breaking and falling onto the car. In fact, there is a way to protect your car from the summer sun without worrying about getting dirty under a tree: using a car cover. A car cover can provide sun protection, as well as shield against dust, rain, and bird droppings.