UV Damage: How it affects your car and how to prevent it
Although we get our fair share of gloomy weather here in the north, one of the best things you can do for your car is protect it from UV damage – whatever the weather. Even in places where you’re lucky to see a ray of sunshine, your vehicle is constantly exposed to UV radiation. Just like you need to top up your sunscreen regularly to avoid damaging your skin, your car needs similar care and attention to protect it from harmful rays and keep your paintwork looking sharp and shiny.
In this blog, we’ll run through the key things to look out for which can indicate that UV damage could be an issue and the science behind UV protection. We also share practical measures you can take to look after your vehicle, some of the advanced solutions available and the legal requirements to consider when protecting your car.
What is UV, and how does it affect my car’s interior and exterior?
Ultraviolet rays are electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, and just like their effect on skin, their impact on your car, inside and out, can be damaging over time. Externally, the rays penetrate the material and begin to break down the chemical bonds that keep the paint secure via a process called oxidation. This slowly strips oils from the paint and removes the vibrant colour or glossy finish. The visible signs of damage are easy to spot – and fading is the most common symptom. Paint will start to look patchy and washed out, or even have a chalky texture which is powdery to the touch.
When the finish is less shiny and polished this is a clear sign that the protective coating has been compromised. This prolonged damage leads to dull paint, which significantly diminishes the look and value of your vehicle. The rays can also affect dashboards through the windows, causing the material to dry out, crack, or warp. Upholstery can also be effected becoming faded, worn, and uneven, with leather likely to also crack reducing longevity and comfort. Early signs can be tricky to spot, and UV exposure can often cause irreversible damage to a vehicle.
What’s the science behind UV protection?
Cars spend most of their time outdoors with regular exposure to sunlight – so what’s the solution? UV paint protection is critical to preserve the appearance and longevity of your car’s paintwork, which uses advanced technologies and additives that guard from relentless radiation. Your car’s paintwork isn’t just designed to look good – it also functions as a protective layer for the metal structure beneath. To help it maintain its shine you’ll need a protection coating, which works like an SPF to keep it looking newer for longer. Traditional wax and sealants provide a basic barrier for the paint, however premium options like ceramic coatings offer incredibly durable and more advanced protection, adding a semi-permanent protective layer that lasts long term. Investing in ceramic coatings means you’ll spend less time worrying about sun damage and more time enjoying the driving experience.
When looking for protective coatings, UV protection and polymer sealants are a sound choice as they enhance the paint’s lifespan as well as the aesthetics of your car. These films create a physical barrier that is difficult for UV to penetrate, whilst additives absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat which then dissipates and prevents it from penetrating your paintwork, whilst reflective additives bounce UV rays away. Polymer sealants are synthetic compounds that form a protective barrier and are more durable than traditional wax options, and these repel water and dirt.
Ceramic coatings are advanced liquid polymers that chemically bond with the paint to provide long-lasting protection against not just UV, but also oxidation and environmental damage. All options offer brilliant protective measures for your car’s aesthetics and have additional benefits like resistance to acid rain and bird dropping marks, and the added protection also means you’ll spend less time washing the grime from your car.
What practical things can I do to protect my car paint from sun damage?
Protecting your car doesn’t have to be overly complicated, and you can easily extend the life of your car's exterior with just a few practical routines. Regular washing and waxing should be a top priority for maintaining your car as dirt, grime, and contaminants can amplify UV damage. If left on your car for an extended period of time, pollutants can also break down the paint's protective layers more quickly and expose it to harsh rays. Waxing adds a physical barrier, reflecting UV and protecting your paint, but it does need topping up every few months.
However, we recommend using a ceramic spray sealant for cars with a ceramic coating. This acts as a ‘top-up’ for the coating and is far more appropriate for these vehicles.
UV protection products are essential for long-term protection, and there’s a range of different DIY products available from sprays to sealants, polymer-based or even ceramic coatings.
One of the more obvious options for UV protection is to park in the shade, but it’s important to be careful leaving your car under trees as bird droppings can be very acidic and damage your paint. We recommend parking in a garage or investing in a car cover if you regularly choose shaded parking, or regularly washing your paintwork. Investing in a professionally applied UV protective cover offers extra reassurance with minimal hassle, as they’re specially designed to block UV whilst being gentle on your car's paint.
How are ceramic coatings applied, and why should I invest in UV films?
If you’re looking to invest in an advanced, long-term solution for your car, we’ll walk you through the process for applying a ceramic coating and UV films as well as the unique benefits of both.
Ceramic coatings are perfect for achieving the high-gloss finish car enthusiasts love, and they offer premium protection. They create a hydrophobic surface, meaning water and dirt slides off with minimal effort. Step one of the application process is a thorough cleaning to remove all grime. Step two is polishing, to remove any imperfections including minor scratching. This step is really important as the polish will lock in the current condition of the car - so making sure it looks its best before coating is key. The ceramic coating is then carefully applied using an applicator pad section by section to ensure the product is spread evenly. It’s then left to bond and cure, creating a permanent glossy finish and protection from UV and oxidation. The curing time can take up to 24 hours but we use gtechniq ceramic coastings that take about 12 hours.
Meanwhile, window tints are your go-to option for protecting your car's interior. The film is applied to windows and blocks rays from penetrating the glass and damaging the interior. They are relatively inexpensive considering the many versatile benefits they provide and can block up to 99% of rays, keeping your car cooler, reducing the energy usage of your air con and making for a more comfortable drive. You can also opt for films that have glare reduction and tints for added privacy.
These services have numerous benefits that provide superior protection for your pride and joy - which keep it looking its best, preserve the resale value and reduce your maintenance costs.
What are the UK regulations and what products would you recommend?
Despite the many benefits they provide it’s important to be aware of the legal considerations before you dive in, as there are strict regulations on the use of UV films and tints that you don’t want to be caught out by. Legally, the front windscreen and front side windows must allow a minimum of 75% and 70% of light through to maintain suitable visibility for safety, although there is more freedom with the rear windows to apply darker tints and UV protection for your interior. It’s important to choose a reputable installer who is aware of the legal requirements for your car to avoid penalties. Whilst there are no specific laws around UV additives in paint, we recommend investing in high-quality products with UV protection that comply with REACH chemical safety regulations, especially if your car is often exposed to the sun or is parked on the road daily.
There are many great brands on the market but for ceramic coatings, we recommend Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra or CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0. For wax and sealants, look out for Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection or Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax. When opting for UV film protection Llumar UV Protection Window Film is a good choice, or 3M Crystalline Series – but if you prefer spray protection, Sonax Polymer Net Shield is one of the best products available.
Being proactive with preventative care is essential to maintain your car's value, aesthetics and lifespan – but preventing fading, oxidation and cracking is easy when you invest in long-term protection for your vehicle. Ceramic coatings and UV films are the complete package to achieve this, allowing you to enjoy your car with extra peace of mind.
To learn more about the different products and services available for your needs, speak to a member of our expert team today.
