How to protect your car paint in the Algarve summer

The Algarve summer is brutal on paint. Surface temperatures above 60 °C, constant UV and dust make clear coat oxidise and colour fade faster than in milder climates.

What the sun does to paint

• Oxidises the clear coat, dulling the colour
• Highlights scratches and swirls as light reflects
• Dries and crystallises water droplets, leaving marks
• Degrades exterior plastics and rubbers

Step 1 — Wash well (and in the shade)

Never wash in direct sun: water dries before you can remove it and leaves mineral marks. Wash in the shade or at the end of the day, with a safe method to avoid scratches.

Step 2 — Protection that reflects heat

A sealant or ceramic coating creates a barrier that repels water and reduces how much dirt sticks, while adding UV protection. It is the best-value investment for anyone who parks in the sun.

Step 3 — Correct before protecting

If the paint already has swirls and marks, it is worth doing paint correction before applying protection — that way you seal the paint at its best, instead of locking defects underneath.

Bonus — the interior suffers too

The sun degrades the dashboard and dries out leather. Regularly cleaning and conditioning interior surfaces prevents cracking and keeps the cabin looking good.