Why shouldn’t you leave your car in the scorching sun?

We’ve all experienced the unpleasant sensation of sitting in a car that’s been baking in the sun for hours. But did you know that the sun’s heat can do much more damage to your car than just making it uncomfortable to sit in? In this article, we’ll explore the various ways in which the sun can harm your car and what you can do to protect it.

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What happens to your car in the scorching sun? 

When your car is parked in the sun for an extended period, the heat and UV rays can cause damage to both the interior and exterior. The sun’s rays can cause the dashboard, steering wheel and seats to fade and crack, while the heat can cause the electronics and plastics inside the car to warp and malfunction. Additionally, the sun’s heat can cause the paint to fade and peel, the tires to dry out and crack and the windshield to weaken.

car in the scorching sun

Damage to the interior

When your car is parked under the scorching sun, the temperature inside the car can rise to an unbearable level. The hot temperature inside the car can cause damage to the interior parts of the car. 

For instance, the dashboard and seats can become faded, cracked or discolored. The sun’s heat can also damage the electronic components of your car’s stereo, navigation and climate control systems.

If you don’t have access to covered or inside parking, using a sunshade or covering your dashboard with a towel or cloth can also help reduce the amount of direct sunlight and heat that enters your car and causes damage to the interior.

Damage to the exterior

Not only can the sun cause damage to the car’s interior, but it can also damage the exterior of the car. The UV rays from the sun can cause the paint on the car to fade and oxidize, making the car look old and worn out. 

The plastic and rubber components of the car, such as the bumper, trim, and windshield wipers, can also become brittle and crack due to prolonged exposure to the sun. That is why it is important to protect the car’s exterior by using a car cover or parking in a shaded area.

protect your car from the sun

How to protect your car from the sun

There are several ways to protect your car from the scorching sun. Firstly, try to park your car in a shaded area, such as under a tree or in a garage. If you cannot find a shaded area, use a car cover to protect the car’s exterior. 

You can also use a sunshade to keep the interior of the car cool and protect the dashboard and seats. Additionally, you can apply a UV protectant to the car’s exterior to prevent fading and damage from the sun’s rays. 

By following these simple tips, you can protect your car from the damaging effects of the sun and have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is safe and sound, leaving you free to explore all the exciting things to do in Split without worrying about your car

FAQ

Why does a closed car parked in the sun become so hot inside? 

When a car is parked in the sun, it absorbs a significant amount of the sun’s energy. The sun’s rays penetrate the car’s windows and heat up the air and surfaces inside the car, leading to a rise in temperature. 

As the car’s windows and doors are closed, the heat becomes trapped inside, and the temperature continues to increase. The temperature can rise quickly, reaching up to 60 degrees Celsius or more in extreme cases, making it uncomfortable and even dangerous for people or pets left inside the car.

Is it a good idea to cover a car in the sun? 

Covering a car in the sun is an excellent way to protect it from the sun’s harmful and damaging rays. A car cover can help prevent the car’s exterior from fading and cracking due to prolonged exposure to the sun. 

Additionally, using a car cover can help protect the car’s paint job from bird droppings, tree sap and other environmental factors that can damage the car’s exterior. However, it is important to use a cover made of breathable material to prevent moisture and mold buildup, which can cause damage to the car’s exterior over time.

Is there a way to protect tires from the sun? 

There are several ways to protect tires from the sun’s damaging rays. One way is to apply a tire protectant that contains UV inhibitors to the tires to prevent cracking and fading due to prolonged exposure to the sun. 

Another way is to park your car in a shaded area to reduce the direct exposure of the tires to the sun’s rays. Using a car cover is also an effective way to protect the tires from the sun’s rays. By taking these preventive measures, you can extend the lifespan of your tires and avoid costly replacements. 

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