Video showing ‘pregnant’ cars goes viral but the truth is a lot simpler

A video showing cars in China becoming ‘pregnant’ in a heatwave has gone viral. 

In the short clip, shared on X, the cars can be seen with large bumps on the hood. 

But in case you were wondering – no, this isn’t where baby cars come from. 

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The ‘pregnant’ cars have a simple explanation

In fact, the unusual bumps aren’t caused by the cars themselves, but by the aftermarket protective wraps. 

Wraps can make your car look pretty cool – check out this Iron Man-inspired Cybertruck or this one that looks like it’s covered in rust. 

However, they also require a bit of maintenance to ensure that they don’t end up bubbling out or fading. 

“Extreme heat and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can potentially affect the longevity and appearance of your car wrap,” the Wrap Guys explain. “Over time, high temperatures can cause vinyl wraps to warp, bubble, or even fade.”

Many wraps will come with a UV protective layer, but even with that, there are still several steps you should take to ensure the wrap doesn’t warp. 

The Wrap Guys recommend regular cleaning but avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and pressure washers. 

Wrapped cars should be parked in the shade during hot weather

Alongside that, when the temperatures start to rise, park in a garage, carport, or other shaded spot, especially when the sun is at its hottest. 

The team also recommends paying close attention to your car wrap to check for signs of damage and acting fast if you notice anything. 

Many social media users spotted the cause of the problem with the ‘pregnant’ cars immediately. 

“Bad paint protection film wrapping. Bubbles in the wrap expand when it gets too hot,” said one.

“Automotive vinyl wraps will do that in the heat and when installed improperly,” someone else pointed out. 

“Not ‘pregnant’. The vinyl wrapping has been done badly and is bloating due to the heat,” a third added. 

Others suggested the owners may have done this on purpose as part of a ‘TikTok trend’ but why anyone would fancy driving around with a car looking like this is another story.