Will prolonged exposure to sunlight damage the car?

[DelAngelina]

Yes, prolonged exposure to sunlight has several negative effects on the car: 1. Accelerates aging of interior materials: Vehicle interiors are generally made of plastic materials, which can easily deform under prolonged sunlight exposure, leading to abnormal noises. 2. Affects the vehicle's sealing performance: Many parts of a car are made of rubber materials, and prolonged exposure can cause them to age, resulting in poor sealing effectiveness. 3. Generates harmful gases: Under high temperatures, the car's interior materials can release harmful gases such as formaldehyde. Inhaling excessive amounts of formaldehyde can be harmful to human health and affect overall well-being.

[LeAnnie]

Parking in the sun for extended periods can indeed harm your vehicle. I've observed many cars with paint that has faded, bubbled, or oxidized due to UV exposure. Plastic components, such as mirror mounts, are prone to warping and becoming brittle. Interior elements like leather seats and dashboards can dry out, crack, and lose color under high temperatures, compromising their aesthetics. Under the hood, rubber hoses and wiring age faster, increasing the risk of fluid leaks or electrical shorts. In summer heat, tire pressure can rise abnormally, accelerating wear, while the air conditioning system works harder, leading to higher fuel consumption. To mitigate these effects, consider regular waxing, parking in shaded areas, or using a car cover to prevent excessive interior heat that hastens aging.

[McCecilia]

I have personally experienced the troubles caused by prolonged exposure of my car to the sun. Once, after leaving my car parked outdoors in direct sunlight for two weeks during a business trip, I returned to find the paint on the roof bubbling and discolored, small cracks in the plastic dashboard, and the leather steering wheel rough and cracked. The air conditioning efficiency was noticeably reduced when turned on, and the interior was like a steamer, unbearably hot. The battery drained prematurely, costing me hundreds to replace. Worse yet, the tire pressure became unstable, making high-speed driving feel unsafe. Now, I always try to choose underground parking or shaded spots. Saving a little on parking fees isn't worth compromising the overall condition of the car.

[DelAubree]

Long-term exposure of vehicles to direct sunlight poses numerous safety hazards, as I believe both the interior and exterior can be damaged. When the cabin temperature soars above 50°C, plastic components release harmful gases that affect health, while overheated batteries carry explosion risks—especially lead-acid batteries which age rapidly. Aging wiring with cracked insulation increases the likelihood of short circuits and fires. Externally, paint cracking and scalding-hot windshield interiors may cause accidental injuries. Additionally, tire expansion due to high temperatures raises the risk of blowouts. Whenever possible, avoid parking in direct sunlight and prioritize shaded spots.