How to Prevent Sun Damage and Peeling Paint on Your Car in Cairns
Living in Cairns comes with its perks – stunning beaches, tropical weather, and abundant sunshine. However, along with these benefits comes the harsh reality of intense UV radiation, which can wreak havoc on both the exterior and interior of your vehicle. In this blog post, we'll delve into the effects of UV radiation in Cairns on vehicle paint, interior surfaces, and why extra protection is essential in this climate.
Next time you're in a car park, take a moment to look around at the different vehicles and observe those with peeling paint. It's a common sight in Cairns, where the intense UV radiation takes its toll on unprotected surfaces. It's a stark reminder of the importance of protecting both the exterior and interior of your vehicle from the harsh Cairns climate.
Understanding UV Radiation in Cairns
With over 200 days of sunshine per year, Cairns experiences high levels of UV radiation. The intense sun exposure can lead to paint fade, oxidation, and deterioration of exterior surfaces over time. Cairns is known for its high levels of UV radiation, thanks to its proximity to the equator and clear skies.
According to data from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), Cairns experiences some of the highest UV index levels in Australia, especially during the summer months. In fact, UV levels in Cairns can reach extreme levels, with UV index readings often exceeding 10, which is considered very high and poses a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Types of UV Radiation
There are three main types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Here's how each type can affect a car's paintwork in Cairns:
UVA (320-400 nm): UVA radiation penetrates deep into the paint layers and can cause fading, discoloration, and degradation of the paint's protective clear coat. Over time, prolonged exposure to UVA rays can lead to a dull and worn appearance, as well as potential damage to the underlying paint layers.
UVB (280-320 nm): UVB radiation primarily affects the outer layers of the paint and clear coat. It can cause oxidation, which manifests as a chalky or hazy appearance on the paint surface. UVB rays can also contribute to the breakdown of polymers in the clear coat, leading to reduced gloss and increased susceptibility to scratching and environmental damage.
UVC (100-280 nm): UVC radiation is mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and typically does not reach the Earth's surface in significant amounts. However, in Cairns, where the ozone layer may be thinner due to its proximity to the equator, some UVC radiation may reach the car's surface. UVC radiation is highly energetic and can cause rapid degradation of organic materials, including paint molecules.
Impact on Vehicle Interior
But it's not just the exterior of your vehicle that's at risk. The intense UV radiation in Cairns can also take a toll on interior surfaces, including dashboard, seats, and trim. Leather upholstery is particularly susceptible to UV damage, with prolonged exposure leading to cracking, fading, and deterioration. Adhesives used in interior components may also degrade over time, leading to issues such as sagging headliners and loose trim pieces.
Recommendations
To minimise the impact of UV radiation on your vehicle, consider implementing the following recommendations:
Use a sunshade when parking outdoors to provide additional protection from UV rays.
Park your vehicle in a shaded area or undercover whenever possible to reduce direct exposure to sunlight.
Apply a UV protectant to interior surfaces, such as dashboard and leather upholstery, to prevent cracking, fading, and deterioration.
Apply paint protection such as waxes, ceramic coating or other paint sealants.
It's crucial for vehicle owners in Cairns to understand these risks and take proactive measures to protect their investment so you can ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition, inside and out, despite the harsh elements of the Cairns climate.
Ready to give your vehicle the protection it deserves?
Contact Bubblegum Mobile Detailing today to schedule a professional detailing service and learn more about our comprehensive protection packages tailored to the Cairns climate.