Nissan Develops a Self-Cleaning Car 94
Hugh Pickens DOT Com (2995471) writes "Nicole Arce reports at Tech Times that engineers at Nissan are using a 'super-hydrophobic' and 'oleophobic' paint finish called Ultra-Ever Dry on the new Nissan Note supermini that can repel water and oils, as well as dirt, dust, mud and grit. The paint uses nanotechnology to create a thin air shield above the surface of the car that makes rain, road spray, frost, sleet and standing water roll off the car without tainting its surface at all. 'By creating a protective layer of air between the paint and environment, it effectively stops standing water and road spray from creating dirty marks on the car's surface,' says Nissan's press release. Nissan says it has no plans of making the special paint job a standard on factory models but it will consider offering the self-cleaning paint as an aftermarket option. Nissan is now attempting to determine if the material is durable for long-term use on vehicles — and if it will hold up in different weather conditions around the globe. The Japanese automaker plans to test its custom technology this summer in Europe, with researchers based in its England technical facility using a Versa Note for testing."
I'm sure it will work.... (Score:5, Insightful)
...for the first 10,000 miles or so. Damage will accumulate and after a while it'll work as well as an old nonstick frying pan.
Self-cleaning or just repellent? (Score:5, Insightful)
That's bad news for me (Score:4, Insightful)
Insofar as the dirt isn't harmful to my car (salty grime in the winter for instance), I keep my car dirty on purpose. Nothing better than a really dirty car to prevent it from being broken into or stolen when I leave it parked downtown. I just clean the door handles and the license plates.
Re:How about for the interiors? (Score:5, Insightful)
And in reality this is a lot to do with modern paint itself. 20 years ago your car would have rusted out very fast because you never cleaned it.
Re:They should paint the underside with it (Score:4, Insightful)
"Maybe the car will repel the dirt and float."
Who cares about the outside, I want a car that cleans itself on the inside.