Ceramic coating your car is a great way to protect your paint against UV damage and keep it looking great for a long period of time. It’s a durable material, but it has picked up claims of mythical proportions when it comes to what you can expect from its performance. You can find out more from a professional detailer when you bring your car in for ceramic paint coating services in West Chester, PA. In the meantime, here’s a look at the most common myths related to ceramic coatings.
You’ll Never Wash Your Car Again
Ceramic coatings are known for their hydrophobic properties. That is, they create a barrier that prevents dirt and water from reaching your car’s paint. It also has a slick, Teflon-like surface after it’s dried. These properties keep the car looking cleaner, but you still have to wash the car to remove buildup.
Ceramic Coating Protects Against Rock Chips
A ceramic coating is tough and durable, but it can’t resist the damage that’s caused by flying rocks. It doesn’t have enough density to prevent the rock from hitting your car and chipping the paint. The only material that can prevent rock chips is paint protection film (PPF). Paint protection film has enough thickness and elasticity to absorb the energy from the rock and prevent it from reaching the paint layer.
One Coating Lasts for Years
Ceramic coatings come with claims that the coating can last anywhere from two to five years with proper maintenance. The truth is, there are a number of factors that can cause the coating to wear away sooner. A car that’s going to stay in the garage and driven occasionally is most likely to get the maximum amount of use from the coating. In contrast, getting a ceramic coating in Wilmington, DE., for your daily driver is a great idea, but regular exposure to the elements causes the coating to wear off.
All Ceramic Coating Products are the Same
The sheer volume of ceramic coating products on the market makes it easy to understand why this myth exists. The fact is, you get what you pay for in terms of quality. An average-quality product may produce a great shine, but its longevity and protectiveness is questionable due to the fact there’s less in the way of silica and supporting ingredients.
You Don’t Need to Prep Your Car’s Paint for a Coating
Yes, you need to prep your car for ceramic coating. If you skip this step, all the dirt and gunk that’s been sticking to your car will still be there after a coating. The end result is your car still looks dirty, but now it shines brighter and advertises the fact you didn’t prep the paint. Always prep your car beforehand with a soap formulated for the task, or bring it to a professional car detailer for the work.
Getting Ceramic Coating is Expensive
The actual cost of a ceramic coating depends on how you get it done, and the quality of the coating product. You have the option to spend money on a quality product and do the work yourself to save money, or you can take your car to a professional detailer and pay for a quality result. It all comes down to your self-confidence and the kind of finish you’re seeking.
How to Bust More Myths About Ceramic Coatings
At Berardi’s Detailing and Auto Body, we’ll tell you the truth about protective coatings for your car and what you can expect from each one. Our detailing team is highly familiar with how each type works, their costs, and their application process. We’re ready to answer your questions about ceramic coatings, help you understand their differences, and what’s involved in their costs. It’s our pleasure to make your car look its best, so you can enjoy it for years to come.