In China, strange photos and videos have emerged showing cars appearing to have ‘baby bumps’ due to unprecedented hot weather.
Human rights activist and author Jennifer Zeng captured these peculiar images, intending to illustrate the effects of escalating global temperatures.
Climate studies indicate that days exceeding 35°C are occurring earlier each summer, advancing by 2.5 days every decade.
The consequences are extensive, one being the emergence of ‘pregnant cars’ on extremely hot days.
Zeng’s collection displays cars in China with significant bulges under the hood. One video highlights a burgundy car with a prominent red bump rising from its front.
In another instance, a purple car seems to have multiple bulges, with two along its doors and another on the hood.
The heat has affected cars parked on streets and in lots, and the footage has gone viral following Zeng’s online post.
In her post, she remarked: “No joke! Made-in-China cars get ‘pregnant’ when it’s too hot.”
On social media, users couldn’t resist making light of the odd sight, with one saying: “Is it a boy or girl?”
Another jested: “If they deliver the baby after cooling down, then it’s a feature otherwise a failure.”
One viewer provided a possible explanation for the ‘pregnant’ cars, suggesting there is no need for concern unless specific modifications have been done.
They clarified: “Those are wraps and if there’s moisture underneath it will fill with water vapour.”
Car Mag delved deeper into the unusual phenomenon, noting that car wraps are usually applied to protect a car’s paint or change its color.
Although these wraps are designed to endure standard weather conditions, they have not withstood the severe heat in China.
Experts referenced by the magazine explained that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight could compromise wraps, leading to blistering, stretching, and as observed, swelling.
To prevent damage to wraps, car owners are advised to park their vehicles in shaded areas.