How to protect your car’s paint from the sun and sea salt in Mallorca

Sun, high temperatures, dust, humidity and sea air. Owning a car in Mallorca has many advantages, but the bodywork is exposed all year round to conditions that can end up affecting its appearance.

With some basic care, it’s possible to keep the paint shining for longer and prevent some of the wear.

The sun is one of its main enemies

For much of the year, many cars spend several hours a day parked outdoors.

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause certain colours to fade and some exterior plastics to take on an aged look.

Whenever possible, parking under cover or in the shade helps reduce this exposure.

Sea salt leaves its mark too

On an island, sea air is part of everyday life.

Salt residue, dust and dirt can settle on the bodywork. If they stay on the surface for too long, they can contribute to the deterioration of certain finishes.

That’s why it’s advisable to wash the vehicle fairly regularly, especially when it has been parked near the sea for a long time.

Does washing it more mean looking after it better?

Not necessarily.

The technique used when washing is just as important as how often you do it.

Very harsh brushes, dirty cloths or certain car washes can leave small circular marks that become especially visible when the car is clean and in direct light.

Polishing and protective treatments

When the paint has lost its shine, a professional treatment can help restore much of its appearance.

Polishing corrects certain surface defects. Protective products can then be applied to make cleaning easier and reduce the build-up of contaminants.

Options include waxes, sealants and ceramic coatings.

Is a ceramic coating worth it?

It depends on the vehicle and how it’s used.

A car that’s always kept in a garage isn’t exposed to the same conditions as one parked on the street every day.

That’s why, before applying any treatment, it’s worth assessing the actual condition of the paint.

A vehicle whose paint, plastics and exterior trim are well preserved also gives a stronger impression of having been looked after when the time comes to sell it.