China's blistering heatwave inflates car wraps with 'bizarre bubbles'

Social media has been flooded with videos showing a series of cars with "strange bubbles" on their bodies. What caused the "swelling" of vehicles in China?

China is currently experiencing an extreme heatwave that has not only made life difficult for residents but also unexpectedly impacted vehicles. On social media, particularly on the platform X (formerly Twitter), a video showing cars with large, spherical bulges has gone viral. This unusual phenomenon has sparked curiosity and concern.

This peculiar sight is not the result of mechanical problems or production defects but is directly related to the extreme temperatures in China. The intense heat has caused the protective films, which many cars are wrapped with, to expand, leading to the "swollen" appearance of the vehicles. In many parts of China, temperatures in July and the first week of August often exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.

Cars are wrapped with a thin vinyl film to protect the paint, change the car's colour, or serve as an advertising medium. The films are designed to withstand various weather conditions, but extreme heat can test their limits. According to experts, prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight can negatively affect the durability and appearance of car films. The heat causes the adhesive backing to weaken, leading to blisters, stretching, and, in some cases, the "swelling" seen in the viral video.

While car wraps typically have a layer protecting against UV radiation, record temperatures in China have proven too much for some of them. "Swelling" can occur when the adhesive off-gases and the trapped gas expands, forming bubbles that make cars look "inflated". Car owners are advised to park in shaded areas or use sunshades to prevent damage caused by the heat.