As L2+ autonomous driving proliferates and higher-level systems accelerate development, vehicles' reliance on external environmental perception intensifies. Sensors like LiDAR and cameras act as the car's "eyes," and their cleanliness is paramount for driving safety. However, rain, snow, mud, insect debris, and oil easily contaminate lens surfaces, which traditional wipers struggle to solve completely. Addressing this pain point, hydrophobic and oleophobic coating technologies containing specialty silicone oils have become key to ensuring clear sensor "vision."

Such coatings, typically based on modified silicone oils or silicone resins, are sprayed or coated onto sensor optical windows. Their ultra-low surface energy creates a "lotus effect," making it difficult for water droplets and oil contaminants to adhere; even if they do, they are easily blown away by wind or washed off with minimal cleaning fluid. Automakers like XPeng and Li Auto commonly apply such silicone-based protective coatings on their latest LiDAR-equipped models. Particularly in cold regions, their superior anti-freeze and anti-icing properties ensure reliable sensor operation in harsh weather, greatly enhancing the all-weather operational capability of autonomous driving systems, providing users with greater peace of mind.