The truth behind cars in China becoming ‘pregnant’ due to the heat

Here’s the real story behind the cars in China during a record-breaking heatwave that looked pregnant.

The footage appeared on X, showing the hoods appearing severely swollen.

But are congratulations really in order? Obviously not, as experts have explained.

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Pregnant cars in China

A weird video was posted to X by Inconvenient Truths by Jennifer Zeng.

With an extremely swollen bubble on the hood and some on the doors – it looks as if the cars are soon to be hearing the revving on tiny wheels.

Since the post appeared on 6 August, it’s received 758.8K views – and reactions were mixed.

“Is it a boy or a girl?” quipped one.

“Anything and everything [is] possible in China,” said another.

But, the vast majority were hinting at what they believed was causing the pregnant-car effect.

Speaking of extreme heat, this 5D theater in China makes the entire audience feel like they’re on fire.

The truth behind the video

First thing first – China is currently experiencing an extreme heatwave – and it seems it’s affecting cars as well as people.

It’s not – as has been speculated – a mechanical or manufacturing defect.

It turns out that the soaring temperature has caused after-market vinyl wraps or protective films added to cars to swell.

These fine and protective coverings are designed to protect the paint, house adverts or simply add to the aesthetic.

Of course, they’re designed to withstand some pretty extreme weather conditions with many featuring a UV -protective layer – however, they do have their limits.

In this case, it seems the extreme heat caused the adhesive backing to weaken and release gases, which expand as they’re trapped between the car and the wrap itself.

The result is swelling and cars that appear heavily pregnant.

Per the Wrap Guys: “Extreme heat and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can potentially affect the longevity and appearance of your car wrap.

“Over time, high temperatures can cause vinyl wraps to warp, bubble, or even fade.

“While the UV protective layer on our wraps helps to prevent these problems, proper maintenance is still key to extending the already long life and quality of your wrap.”

Much like a pregnant stomach, experts have warned against popping the bubbles as it could release toxic gases from the adhesive.

It’s also been suggested that opting for good quality and well-fitted, properly installed wraps is key.

Check out this wrapped Cybertruck that looks like Iron Man’s personal vehicle.

Parking in the shade or using a sunshade could also help prevent damage.