Will the oil evaporate if the car is constantly exposed to the sun?
2 Answers
Will the oil evaporate if the car is constantly exposed to the sun: There will be slight evaporation. Because gasoline is volatile. More detailed introduction is as follows: 1. Evaporation is a physical phenomenon: As long as it is a liquid, there will be evaporation. The higher the temperature, the faster the evaporation. Liquids with lower density are easier to evaporate than those with higher density. The density of gasoline and alcohol is relatively close (gasoline is even lower), both of which are liquids that are easy to evaporate. 2. The fuel tank is designed with a carbon canister system: As long as the gasoline is sealed in a closed fuel tank and completely isolated from the atmosphere, theoretically it will not evaporate. However, the fuel in a car is stored in the fuel tank, which is generally not absolutely sealed. There is a certain degree of ventilation between it and the atmosphere. Therefore, the gasoline in the car will inevitably evaporate a little. Therefore, the fuel tank is designed with a carbon canister system, which uses activated carbon to absorb most of the gasoline vapor in time, maintain the pressure balance of the fuel tank, and avoid most of the gasoline vapor from volatilizing into the atmosphere, causing waste and pollution.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, honestly speaking, the oil won't easily evaporate when the car is exposed to the sun. The main issue isn't the oil evaporating, but rather the high temperatures causing the engine oil to thicken and oxidize faster, which affects its lubrication performance. If the oil cap isn't tightened properly, some vapor might escape, but modern cars are designed with sealed systems to prevent loss. With prolonged exposure to the sun, the oil's performance degrades quickly, potentially requiring an earlier oil change. What's more troublesome is that the sun heating up the engine compartment can also affect the battery's lifespan or accelerate the aging of other components. It's advisable to park in the shade whenever possible or use a sunshade to better protect the car. Regularly checking the oil level is also crucial.
