China is currently grappling with an extreme heatwave that has not only impacted people but also led to a strange effect on cars. A viral video on X (formerly known as Twitter) shows vehicles appearing “pregnant” due to the soaring temperatures. The unusual sight is a result of the car’s protective films swelling and bubbling up under the intense heat, making the vehicles look as if they are expanding.
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No joke!
Made-in-China Cars get “pregnant” when it’s too hot. pic.twitter.com/AvrYqF04Dg
— Inconvenient Truths by Jennifer Zeng (@jenniferzeng97) August 6, 2024
The video, shared widely on social media, quickly gained attention for its peculiar content. The clip features several cars with their wraps visibly inflated due to the ongoing heatwave. Experts, like those from Wrap Guys, explain that high temperatures and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can compromise the durability and appearance of car wraps. The heat can cause vinyl wraps to bubble, stretch, or even fade over time, despite having UV protection layers. Regular maintenance is essential to maintain the quality and longevity of these wraps.
Since its posting on August 6, the video has garnered over seven lakh views and more than 3,700 likes. Social media users flocked to the comments section to express their reactions.
One user remarked, “Cheap adhesive on the back off-gassing? Imagine what toxic crap comes off the Chinese stuff you buy when it sees sunlight.”
Another commenter, Nick, added, “Yeah, I wouldn’t want to pop it; you just don’t know if it has chemical gases inside it or not.”
A third person noted, “Bad paint protection film wrapping. Bubbles in the wrap expand when it gets too hot.”
In light of the situation, someone else asked, “But any idea how to deflate these swollen car wraps in case of emergency?”
This strange phenomenon has highlighted the challenges of maintaining vehicle aesthetics in extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of quality materials and proper care.