There are multiple ways to protect your car from environmental damage. But in recent years, one of the most common questions asked of vehicle owners has been, should I ceramic coat my car?
A ceramic coating offers a sacrifice layer of protection that can endure for years when applied by a qualified luxury detailing shop.
So, it would make sense to apply the coating when the vehicle is brand new and has just rolled off the dealership lot, right?
Well, yes and no.
Make no mistake, the choice to have a professional auto salon protect your ride with high-grade nanocoating is a smart one. But it is important to consider all the options available to you, before setting up that appointment. That’s what we’ll help you with today.
What Are the Benefits of Ceramic Coating on New Cars?
A ceramic coating elevates the protection of your new paint job to the highest level. This ultra-concentrated quartz coating uses advanced nanotechnology to penetrate microscopic imperfections found in all porous surfaces, including the vehicle’s paint clear coat, headlight covers, glass, carbon fiber, and more.
But just because you bought a new car doesn’t mean that the paint finish is perfect.
Frequently, factory paint has slight imperfections that require paint correction, which involves polishing the surface to eliminate scratches. Once the car’s paint and other surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and free of small particles, the nanoparticles will smooth out the surface, filling in any dips or ridges.
With every additional layer or ceramic coat, the protective shield will expand, and the level of protection against minor scratches and exposure to harmful elements will increase.
Ceramic coatings for new cars deliver a plethora of benefits, including:
Helps to Repel Mud, Rain, and Dirt
When you have a professional ceramic coating installer apply the nano-ceramic coating when the car is new and any existing factory paint sealant is removed, it will help improve protection against mud, rain, and dirt.
The reason for this is that the coat creates a flat, hard protective layer with hydrophobic properties once it has cured. This super slippery surface reduces the chances of bird droppings, tree sap, pollen, and other materials sticking to it.
Protection Against Oxidation, Corrosion, and Rust
Your new car is at risk of damage from UVA and UVB rays, despite its newness. With continuous exposure to these ultraviolet rays, the clear coat will eventually break down over time.
When this happens, oxidation and corrosion occur as oxygen, water, salt, or other road grime encounter exposed metal. The ceramic coat is so strong that it blocks UV rays from touching the clear coat, which eliminates the potential for corrosion and the development of rust on the vehicle’s exterior.
Enhanced Shine and Paint Depth
A common misconception about a car ceramic coating like Ceramic Pro 9H is that it makes the paint glossy. That’s not entirely accurate.
If your paint has a glossy finish, the applied coating will increase the depth and richness of that glossy paint. On the reverse, if the paint has a matte finish, it will make the matte stand out, without producing a gloss effect.
Plus – installing a professional ceramic coating can improve your car’s resale value.
KEY TIP #1: Have your car coated as soon as possible after purchasing from the dealership, as you’ll require less paint correction or prep work – which can save you money and time.
What Are the Different Types of Ceramic Coating for Cars?
Did you know that not all ceramic coatings are identical?
In fact, it’s one of the most saturated protection categories in the paint protection world, filled with some coatings that simply resemble nanocoatings but don’t offer the same protection.
There are generally three types of ceramic paint coating products for cars.
Ceramic Spray Coating
The first category is easier to apply and is the cheapest, but it offers the worst protection. This is your range of spray-on ceramic coatings or ceramic wax products.
There are several different formulations, with some infused with polymers, and others using Teflon or silicon dioxide (SiO2). They are usually very hydrophobic but do not cure exceptionally hard, and as such, only last for about three months.
DIY Nano Coatings
The quickest-growing ceramic coating product type is the expanding line of do-it-yourself nanocoatings.
Essentially, these consumer-grade ceramic coatings are watered-down versions of professional-grade coatings, that have fewer carrier solvents, which makes them easier for the average car enthusiast to apply.
They are typically sold as a ceramic coating kit, with the essential items required to install the liquid.
The tradeoff is that you can’t apply extra layers or coats, so it’s a one-and-done solution that will only hold up for 2 years at most.
If you’re going to apply a ceramic coating to a new car and are not an experienced DIY detailer, opt for a professional auto salon near you. This will ensure the superior installation and longer-lasting, high-quality protection you expect.
Professional Nano Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic Pro 9H is a prime example of a professional-grade ceramic coating. Only certified and skilled professional detailers install this solution because it is difficult to apply and is only applied in a controlled environment.
A pro-grade coating is the only glass coating that comes with a warranty. The packages range from two years to a lifetime of protection. They are specially formulated with titanium dioxide, SiO2, and specialized carrier solvents – which permits the coating to be layered.
If you’re looking for the Next Generation in ceramic coatings, Ceramic Pro ION, which is exclusive to Elite Dealers, is your absolute best option in 2023.
Do Ceramic Coats Void Manufacturer’s Warranty?
That’s a tricky question to answer – as it depends on the ceramic coating used – and the manufacturer’s warranty on the paint.
For the most part, a professional-grade nanoceramic coating installation on your new car will not void a manufacturer’s warranty. This is amplified and supported when the pro-grade coating is backed by a reliable company like Carfax.
However, the jury is out when you take the initiative to apply DIY ceramic coating. Multiple variables can cause damage, such as applying too much, leaving the coating on too long before removal, or trying to remove mistakes with chemicals or cutting compounds.
If you’re going to complete a ceramic coating applied to your new car, truck, or SUV, ALWAYS opt for a professional installation of a high-quality ceramic coating – to ensure your factory warranties will stay active.
Which transitions nicely to our second TIP.
KEY TIP #2: If you have a matte finish or custom paint job applied by the factory, always consider your paint protection options. With a matte finish, you’ll want to use a professional-grade nanoceramic coating, a clear bra, or a combination of both. If rocks or road debris cause minor scratches on a matte finish, you’re pretty much stuck with them.
What Factors Are Important When Comparing Ceramic Coatings for New Cars?
Anytime you’re going to apply a long-lasting product to your vehicle’s paint surface, it’s crucial to do some research. There are some important factors or product qualities that a good ceramic coating should possess before you pull the trigger.
Long Lasting
If you’re going to spend the money on a ceramic coating, it’s got to last, right?
Funny enough, many car owners don’t factor in how longevity affects the overall cost of installing a nano-ceramic coating. It’s a simple concept when you break it down.
The longer the coat holds up with 100% effectiveness, the less money you’ll spend on maintenance, upkeep, and having to replace the old coating.
Annual Inspections
When you have a ceramic-coated car – it is important to have that coat and the vehicle inspected once per year at the minimum by the individual completing the installation.
This permits them to treat any imperfections or signs of premature degradation before major problems occur. The annual inspection is also a requirement of most professional-grade ceramic coating warranty packages, so always take them up on the offer.
Consider Extra Paint Protection Options
A Nanocoating is indeed a great paint protection solution. However, they aren’t bulletproof.
It’s still possible to experience paint damage due to small rocks, road debris, and hard objects striking high visibility areas of your ride.
If you’re serious about protecting the outside of your new car, consider adding a paint protection film – either to the front end or the entire vehicle.
PPF as it’s commonly known, is a highly durable, ultra-thin, and exceptionally strong polymer-based protective film. It’s transparent and can enhance the gloss or matte finish on your vehicle, depending on the type of PPF you choose.
But, installing PPF on your entire vehicle can get expensive.
The affordable solution is a new, full exterior protection package that is warranted for the life of your vehicle. It’s called the Ultimate Armor package – which is also an exclusive service offering from Ceramic Pro’s network of Elite Dealers.
Ultimate Armor includes a full front installation of KAVACA Ceramic Coated Paint Protection Film. The coatings applied by Ceramic Pro safeguard the remaining exterior surfaces.
KEY TIP #3: If you want the ultimate shield of paint protection, add the Ceramic Pro Ultimate Armor package to your new vehicle. It’s a lifetime warranty, that is attached to your car’s VIN, and documented on the Carfax Vehicle History Report.
If you’re considering a new car, truck, or SUV purchase and want to keep it as protected as possible, click the button below to request a free consultation and estimate for applying Ceramic Pro coatings or the new Ultimate Armor Package.
