If you are a Nigerian driving a car, the next important thing to learn after knowing how to drive is how to care for your car. This is where teachings on your car paint durability come in. This article gives a complete overview of how Nigerian weather affects vehicle paint and what can be done to maintain a long-lasting finish.
When my friend came back from the US and decided to stay in Nigeria, he chose Lagos state, and to aid his movement, he got a car. In not less than three months, he called me to say that his car paint is not just fading but peeling as well.
At first, I thought it was one of our normal jokes until I detected the seriousness in his voice. I invited him over, and taught him exactly what I am about to share with you. But before that, I never failed to start my statement with welcome to Nigeria, where the sun’s scorch is unforgiving, rainfall is heavy, harmattan dust is so dry, and many others.
Using this post, I will explain the impact of different weather conditions on a car paint, the protective measures you can engage in, and why you should go for high-quality automotive paints like KAPCI and Latico coatings distributed by Fidel Associates Limited.
Let’s get in properly now. Just follow me closely.
How Nigerian Weather Affects Car Paint Durability
Here in the country, you will experience different weather conditions that bring about things like intense sunlight, high rainfalls, harmattan dust, and even acidic rain. I will explain each of these as well as their effect on car paints.
1. Intense Sunlight and UV Radiation
The tropical climate of Nigeria exposes vehicles to direct sun and intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation for the whole year. Temperature in northern Nigerian states like Kano, Sokoto, and Maiduguri could be above 40°C during the dry seasons. Above 40°C? just think about how strong the sun’s rays will be.
The effect of this on car paint is that the UV radiation degrades chemical bonds of the paint, causing oxidation, color loss, and dullness.
You will start noticing it with loss of gloss in your car surface, chalky or powdery dull appearance, and fading of paint color, especially on red, blue, and black vehicles.
2. High Rainfall and High Humidity
Let’s talk about the heavy rainfall. Southern states like Lagos, Calabar, and Port Harcourt experience about 1,500mm of rainfall every year and high humidity for a long period.
This causes the car paint to weaken as continuous exposure to water damages the protective layers of the paint, thereby causing bubbling, peeling of the clear coat, and even rust.
The common signs to know that your paint is getting weaker due to high humidity are rough patches and rust on metal-exposed surfaces.
3. Harmattan Dust and Sandstorms
This one is very severe. The harmattan season in Nigeria from December to February brings dry, dusty air from the Sahara Desert, covering cars with fine sand particles.
Now, that rubbing abrasive nature of dust and sand particles scratches the paint surface, producing swirl marks and micro-abrasions in the long term.
You will notice it has started when you see a coarse, gritty texture on your car’s surface, minute scratches, and inability to maintain a smooth finish.
4. Air Pollution and Acid Rain
The industries located at cities like Lagos, Onitsha, Aba, and others release tremendous amounts of air pollution, which in turn results in acid rain. And you will agree with me that acidic rainwater is not good for a car paint at all.
The rainwater erodes the clear coat slowly, aging and fading the paint sooner than it would normally. You will notice the effect when you begin to see abnormal patches on the car paint, particularly on the hood and roof.
How to Protect Your Car Paint from Nigeria’s Harsh Weather Conditions?
You have seen the different weather conditions in Nigeria and how they affect your car paint, let’s now talk about how you can protect your car surface from them. I hope you are still with me?
1. Make Use of High-Quality Clear Coats (Latico and KAPCI Products)
This is the first thing on my list. I can’t emphasize enough on it. Clear coats add an additional layer of protection against water, UV rays, and dust. Latico and KAPCI clear coats are specially designed for the Nigerian climate as they provide
· UV resistance against the scorching sun.
· Water repellency to reduce rain and humidity damages.
· Sand and dust particle scratch protection.
2. Wash your Car at Least Twice a Week with PH-Neutral Shampoo
If you clean your car with household detergent and bar soap, you are stripping off your paint’s protective coverings. Use car wash and shampoo only!
Also, rinse off dust, dirt, and rain deposit right away to prevent chemical breakdown.
3. Ceramic Coating Application for Additional Protection
Ceramic coatings give an additional hydrophobic layer that repels water, dirt, and UV radiation. Yes, it is more expensive, but it can extend paint life for up to five years with minimal maintenance. Think about it. Maintenance cost is reduced if not totally eliminated in the long run.
4. Always Park Under a Shade
I remember shouting this into the ears of my friend. I know that you want everyone to see your “machine” but please park under trees or a garage that significantly reduces exposure to UV light.
It is also good to get car covers with UV protection for long-term outdoor parking.
5. Waxing and Polishing Regularly
You can do this quarterly. Wax provides a protective barrier against dirt, water, and oxidation. Quarterly waxing maintains your car finish in top condition and prevents quick fading.
Why Should I Choose Fidel Associates Limited?
A very good question, right? Don’t worry, I will answer you.
Fidel Associates Limited is a reliable supplier of premium automotive coatings and paint, such as Latico and KAPCI for many years now. We have over a million satisfied customers singing our praises. 1 million plus customers can never be wrong!
What Makes Us Stand Out?
These are what differentiate us from other paint distributors in Nigeria.
· We offer high-quality paints and clear coats, carefully formulated for Nigerian climate conditions.
· We give professional guidance on how to keep your car’s paint protected.
· We partner with the top auto body repair workshops and car repair centers in the nation, and they trust us because of our excellent solutions.
For the best car paint protection, Fidel Associates remains the top choice for Nigerian drivers.
Conclusion
The weather in Nigeria is not favorable to automobile paints, but by using the appropriate maintenance and protection coatings, you can get twice the lifespan of your vehicle’s finish.
Investing in superior automotive paint and coatings such as KAPCI and Latico distributed by Fidel Associates Limited guarantees maximum care and long-lasting gloss.
