Nissan Tests Paint Coating For "Self Cleaning" Cars

If you've grown tired of spraying your car down from time to time, Nissan feels your pain. The car manufacturer is testing a new paint for their vehicles which would repel water and other debris, putting the car wash squarely in its place. Currently on the Europe-only Nissan Note, the technology is being tested for applications on other Nissan vehicles as well.

Nissan is calling their technology Ultra-Ever Dry, calling it "super-hydrophobic and oleophobic". Hydrophobic of course relates to the paint's aversion to liquids, while the oleophobic properties also mean oils and fats would slip away cleanly. Essentially, you're left with things like mud or other sludgy grime sliding right off your car.

Ultra-Ever Dry works by creating a pocket of air between your car's surface and the elements, with Nissan saying it has tested well in "rain, spray, frost, sleet and standing water." Geraldine Ingham, Chief Marketing Manager for Nissan Note, said "We are committed to addressing everyday problems our customers face and will always consider testing exciting, cutting edge technology like this incredible coating application."

The coating is made by UltraTech International Inc, with Nissan noting they currently have no plans to include it as standard fare for their vehicles. The testing is in consideration of offering it as an aftermarket item, should you decide that you don't want to wash your car any more. The video below highlights Ultra-Ever Dry, with only half of it coated to give you a true side-by-side comparison.

Source: Nissan