The ‘Sunburnt Car’ Reveals the Dangers of UV Exposure Behind the Wheel

New national research from mycar Tyre & Auto has revealed a surprising gap in Australians’ sun safety habits, with 72% overlooking sun protection in the car and 92% of the population stating they consider themselves “sun safe.”

The concerning new findings reveal a widespread misconception about UV exposure while driving: 70% of Australians believe they are protected from the sun while in the car. In reality, standard car windows leave drivers and passengers exposed to dangerous UV rays, a fact 39% of respondents were unaware of. As a result, 65% admit they do not apply sunscreen before driving, leaving themselves vulnerable to long-term skin damage.

Speaking on the findings, mycar Tyre & Auto chief customer officer, Adele Coswello, said: “At mycar, our commitment extends beyond tires and vehicle servicing—we genuinely care about our customers. That dedication to exceptional after-care sets us apart in the industry and is embedded in our brand. Australians spend significant time behind the wheel. Combined with the harsh Australian sun and insights from our research, it’s clear more needs to be done. The ‘Sunburnt Car’ initiative was created to bring this message to life and drive real awareness. … Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. We’re proud to play our part in increasing awareness and supporting efforts to prevent this dangerous disease.”

How mycar Tyre & Auto Built a Car With Synthetic Skin to Show UV Risk

To raise awareness of this risk, mycar Tyre & Auto unveiled the ‘Sunburnt Car’ at Sydney’s Circular Quay, overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The car has been completely reupholstered with a synthetic “human skin,” expertly designed to mimic a real-life skin reaction to harmful UV rays. The car’s interior visibly “burns” with UV exposure.

The creation of the skin has been informed by Dr. Joanneke Maitz, a surgeon-scientist in Burns and Reconstructive Surgery at Concord Hospital. The skin reflects how real human skin reacts when exposed to different UV types when windows are open and closed.

Speaking about the car, Dr. Maitz said, “Many Australians don’t realize that UV exposure in the car creates damage over time. Damage to your skin can happen without the visible effects of burning. This experiment is an important reminder to drivers and their passengers to understand the risk and protect themselves.

Although UVB, the main cause of visible sunburn, doesn’t typically penetrate car glass, UVA does in varying amounts. UVA reaches deeper layers of the skin, where it contributes to long-term DNA damage and ageing. Window tinting and treatments can reduce this exposure, but driving with windows or the roof open allows the full UV spectrum through.”

The Science & Craftsmanship Behind the ‘Sunburnt Car’ Installation

mycar Tyre & Auto created the “Sunburnt Car” in partnership with ODD Studio, the Oscar and BAFTA-winning prosthetic, creature effects and character design company based in Marrickville, New South Wales. By partnering with ODD Studio and Dr. Maitz, mycar Tyre & Auto ensured the “sunburnt” interior was both scientifically grounded and visually impactful, company officials said in a press release.

ODD Studio, known for its work on major film and television productions, brought cinematic realism to the installation. The interior skin has been crafted using the Fitzpatrick Scale to ensure the car is a representation of Australian skins. Each hair, freckle and mole has been individually placed on the upholstery to create a strikingly realistic “human skin” with moles resembling those that could be cancerous; a visual reminder for those who see the car to get a check if they have similar moles.

Despite Australia continuing to record some of the highest skin cancer rates globally, 65% of Australians say they only adjust their sun protection habits depending on the season, even though UV levels remain high for much of the year, noted the release. These findings underscore the need for greater awareness of in-car UV exposure, a risk that is often overlooked in the cooler months.

Anne Gately, author of “Sunburnt” and ambassador for the campaign, said: “As someone who survived stage IV melanoma, I know firsthand how easy it is to underestimate the sun and what it takes to truly protect yourself. If my story can help even one person take UV exposure more seriously, then this campaign is worth every second. The ‘Sunburnt Car’ makes this danger visible and tangible, and I stand behind a project that could genuinely save lives by reminding Australians that sun safety isn’t optional, it’s urgent.”