- 7/31/2025
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Sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays, has a significant effect on car paint if the car is parked outside for long periods of time, as it erodes the protective top layer of the paint and then begins to affect the paint itself, which may become dull, crack, or change color.
Sunlight does not only affect the exterior of the car, but also the interior, as it weakens and breaks many plastic parts, especially if the car is old. It also peels and damages the leather over time, and the car will need to be reupholstered.
If you want to protect your car from sunlight, Motorgy offers you a car protection in Kuwait. Go to the services page, select the protection service, and book an appointment that suits you. The team from the company you have chosen will arrive to pick up your car and install the protection as quickly as possible and at the best prices. Don't hesitate, protect your car today.
Read also: Things that cause damage to car paint
What are the effects of sunlight on cars?
The effects of sunlight on your car are as follows:
Damage to the paint protection layer
After the car is painted, a thin, transparent protective layer is sprayed on to protect the paint and prevent dirt and dust from sticking to it. When the car is exposed to sunlight throughout the day and repeatedly, it will affect the protective layer and white chalky flakes will appear on the body, and the paint will also begin to erode.
Paint damage
Ultraviolet rays cause the paint to fade by breaking down its composition, which gives it its color, stability, and durability. This will cause it to become dull and flaky, and it will lose its shine and luster. Your car will age by perhaps five years or more. As you know, paint damage not only affects the car, but also its resale value. so make sure to protect your car from the sun to keep it looking new and prevent it from losing too much of its value.
Read also: What Happens If You Don't Change Your Engine Oil?
Accelerated paint damage due to other factors
Sunlight can increase and accelerate damage caused by acidic substances that fall on the bodywork, such as bird droppings, tree sap, and other contaminants from soft drinks and other sources. When these substances are left on the surface of the car and exposed to sunlight, the damage becomes greater because they react with the heat and cause marks, damage, and stains that are difficult to remove. In some cases, the damage can be so severe that you will have to repaint the damaged parts or the entire car.
Damage to exterior parts
Sunlight causes damage to many exterior parts such as door frames, pillar edges, and wheel arches, in addition to making the headlights and even the taillights dull and yellowed, and they will show signs of cracking and damage, at which point you will need to either replace them or polish them with special materials.
Damage to interior parts
The interior of the car is not immune to damage caused by the sun. as it contributes to the damage of plastic decorations on the dashboard and center console, as well as cracking the steering wheel, dashboard, and even fabric seat upholstery. Sunlight dries out these parts and causes them to lose their elasticity, leading to cracking and breaking to the point that they may become irreparable.
Read also: Tips for maintaining your car PPF protection
Damage to leather
High temperatures and ultraviolet rays can cause serious damage to the leather inside the cabin, including door linings, steering wheel, center console, and seats. Therefore, you should always take care of the leather by applying special moisturizers and keeping it out of the sun as much as possible to maintain its appearance and comfort.
Affects the price of the car
Paint is a very important factor in determining the price of a car when it is sold. When it is damaged, cracked, yellowed, or affected by other factors due to constant exposure to the sun, the price of the car will be lower than the price at which it should be sold. If the car needs a complete repaint, its price will decrease even more. So, maintain the price of your car by parking it in a closed garage or try to keep it out of the sun as much as possible.
