Pembroke Pines second worst in US for cars exposed to the elements, study says
.jpg "A recent study found Pembroke Pines ranks second-worst nationwide for cars left outdoors, with sun, rain and humidity accelerating damage and depreciation.")
As South Florida’s familiar heat and humidity leave their mark on everything from windows to strands of hair, the same forces are quietly taking a toll on cars parked across Pembroke Pines driveways, according to a recent study.
The January study conducted by Alan’s Factory Outlet found that outdoor parking can slowly wear down even the most “dependable vehicles.”
Over time, exposure to sun, rain and humidity doesn’t just affect a car’s appearance, it also can chip away at its value, according to the study.
The two-part study analyzed 200 major U.S. cities to measure how climate-related factors contribute to paint damage, corrosion, mechanical wear and long-term vehicle depreciation.
South Florida dominates the list of worst cities to park outside, with Hialeah (No. 1), Pembroke Pines (No. 2), Hollywood (No. 4) and Fort Lauderdale (No. 5) within the top five due to weather-related damage risk.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota (No. 3) was the only non-Florida city in the top 5.
Florida placed more cities — six, with Miami at No. 16 and Tampa at No. 20 — than any other in the top 20.
According to Carfax, the typical new vehicle loses about 40% of its market value after five years. However, in cities with extreme temperatures or heavy precipitation, the rate of depreciation can climb significantly.
Factors such as UV exposure, humidity and occasional cold snaps contribute to the accelerated wear and tear, especially for older cars.
For Pembroke Pines residents hoping to protect their cars, experts recommend parking in a garage or under a covered area when possible.
As for the best cities to park a car outside, California took the top nine spots, with Oakland at No. 1 and San Francisco at No. 2.
