Videos of ‘pregnant cars’ go viral in China. What’s that all about?

As temperatures in China reach unprecedented highs, it’s not just people feeling the heat—cars are too, quite literally.

Social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), is buzzing with bizarre videos of ballooning cars that appear to be “pregnant.”

This peculiar phenomenon of cars with ‘baby bumps’ has sparked curiosity and concern among people, prompting many to question the cause of this strange occurrence.

Here’s what is going on

‘Made-in-China cars get pregnant’

The video, which has captured widespread attention, depicts several cars with swollen exteriors, giving them a “pregnant” appearance.

Jennifer Zeng, a US-based reporter in China, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a video of these cars, writing, “No joke! Made-in-China cars get pregnant when it’s too hot."

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The post quickly went viral, amassing more than 757K views.

In the video, various car models, including an Audi, are parked in the open with blown-up protective films or wraps.

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Social media users have flooded the comments section with a mix of humour, concern, and speculation. One user questioned the quality of the adhesive used in the wraps, while another cautioned against popping the bubbles, citing the potential release of toxic gases.

“Cheap adhesive on the back off-gassing? Imagine what toxic crap comes off the Chinese stuff you buy when it sees sunlight,” a user commented. Another wrote, “Yeah, I wouldn’t want to pop it; you just don’t know if it has chemical gases inside it or not."  

While someone else asked, “But any idea how to deflate these swollen car wraps in case of emergency?"

This bizarre sight isn’t due to mechanical failures or manufacturing defects in the cars but is directly related to the record-breaking temperatures in China.

Science behind the swell

Car wraps are sleek vinyl films applied to vehicles to protect the paint, add aesthetic appeal, or display advertisements. Despite their robust design meant to withstand various weather conditions, they face a serious challenge under extreme heat.

Experts from Wrap Guys, a leading manufacturer of these vinyl films, have pointed out that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and intense sunlight can compromise their adhesive backing. This weakening and expansion of air can lead to bubbling, stretching, and swelling as seen in the viral video.

Although car wraps come with a UV-protective layer to fend off such issues, the record-breaking temperatures in China have proven overwhelming for some.

To mitigate these effects, experts recommend using high-quality wraps with strong adhesives and avoiding parking in direct sunlight during peak hours. Instead, they advise car owners to park their vehicle in a shaded area such as a carport or garage to minimise exposure to harsh sunlight.

Wrath of climate change in China

While the sight of “pregnant cars” might initially seem humorous, it underscores a more serious issue: the growing impact of climate change on daily life.

Extreme weather events are increasingly common and severe across China. According to weather authorities quoted by the Hong Kong Free Press, eastern and northern China are experiencing record-breaking temperatures.

On Saturday, the mercury soared to 41.9 degrees Celsius in Hangzhou, setting a new high for the eastern city, surpassing the previous record of 41.8 degrees Celsius from August 2022.

Social media is abuzz with reactions to the oppressive heat, with one user exclaiming, “I feel like I’m about to melt,” and another sarcastically questioning, “Who still thinks Hangzhou’s a desirable place to live?” on Chinese social media platform, Weibo.

In Shanghai, the bustling megacity of 25 million, temperatures edged above 40 degrees Celsius in the early afternoon, approaching its record high of 40.9 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, central and southern China in June grappled with severe flooding and landslides caused by torrential rains, which claimed at least nine lives, disrupted power supplies, and devastated crops.

China’s “pregnant cars” are a strange yet striking reminder of the importance of addressing climate change and its many unpredictable consequences.

With input from agencies