El Niño 2026 threatens car paint durability in Brazil

The 2026‑2027 El Niño event is forecast to persist into early 2027 with a high probability of reaching very strong intensity, bringing extreme heat, intense ultraviolet radiation, high humidity and acid rain to Brazil. Experts warn that this combination accelerates the degradation of automotive paint varnish, the primary protective layer, reducing its ability to shield the finish and prompting earlier repair needs.

Maykon Cordeiro, a specialist in industrial automotive painting, notes that the loss of gloss, permanent spots and fading in exposed areas such as the roof, hood and trunk lid signal varnish wear. He recommends regular washing, immediate removal of organic residues, consistent waxing and keeping vehicles covered or shaded to maintain the protective barrier. The forecast was issued jointly by INMET, INPE, the National Water Agency and other meteorological institutes.