Should you protect the paintwork of your new car?
Your vehicle is usually your second biggest investment and paint protection is a common consideration when buying a new car. But keeping that new car in showroom condition is difficult. From the minute a car leaves the factory, it’s paintwork is susceptible to a range of factors which can adversely affect it and detract from the perfect finish you would expect of a new car. Environmental factors (such as acid rain, UV rays and tree sap), bird droppings, iron contamination, dirt, grime, tar and glue as well as poor wash technique are just a few factors that can have a detrimental effect on a vehicle’s paintwork.
Combined these factors can cause swirl marks, scratches and make paintwork look dull and faded – remedial work can often be completed to reverse the damage but this can be costly.
Adding a Wax, Sealant, Ceramic Coating or Paint Protection Film ( PPF ) can help to avoid damage and wear and tear by creating a sacrificial layer between your vehicle’s paintwork and the elements. This is often the reason a well maintained 10 year old car will look better than a poorly cared for 6 month old car with no protection.
What is car paint protection?
Paint protection has been around for years and has evolved rapidly as technology has improved, There have been so many forms of paint protection that it confuses everyone. You could simplify the definition by stating that it’s a product that simply protects the paint. Paint protection is essentially applied over the car’s paintwork and serves as a protective layer. The idea is to shield the paint from damage that may come from stones, bird droppings, chemicals and even fading. However, it won’t protect from bigger dents and scrapes. Not all car paint protection is created the same, and there are several different types on the market, which is why it is important to do your research.
Different types of paint protection
The two most popular and highly effective types of paint protection are paint protection film and ceramic coating paint protection. While is newer to the market, both types have different strengths when it comes to usage.
Paint protection film – also referred to as clear bra or PPF, the paint protection film is a clear urethane film that is either applied to high-impact areas of your car, such as the front bumper, the hood, rocker panels, headlights and mirrors or to the whole car. The idea is to avoid any risk of stone chips and other objects damaging the paintwork. Brands such as the brand we use, XPEL offer ‘self-healing’ capabilities, which means light scratches will form back to clear and protect the paint beneath it.
Ceramic coating paint protection – also referred to as nano-coatings, ceramic coating and graphene coating paint protection requires more preparation than traditional waxes or sealants. A thin layer is applied to the car, which forms a chemical bond that can only be removed through abrasion. The ceramic coatings are resistant to UV rays and chemicals. We highly recommend professional grade nano-coatings such as Ceramic Pro or Revivify Self Healing Coatings. These coatings should be installed by a certified professional and are usually backed with a warranty for your peace of mind.
Wax – Wax helps protect car paint against dirt and grime. A coat of wax typically delivers results that last up to four months, and results vary based on the amount of time a car is exposed to the elements, how frequently the vehicle is washed, and the type of wax used. Unfortunately, wax does not offer car paint protection coating against chemicals, scratches, and scuff marks. Wax can also be easily removed with a detergent.
Sealant – A sealant is a synthetic product that simultaneously protects car paint and improves its gloss. It bonds to a paint surface and provides results that generally last anywhere from three to six months.
A sealant’s effectiveness depends on how often a car is washed, the chemicals used in the product, and other factors. A sealant can be beneficial for car owners who want to protect their vehicle’s paint against sap, chemicals, and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Like wax, a sealant can be removed with a detergent.
Do I really need paint protection on my new car?
Firstly it should be understood that no car NEEDS paint protection if the owner is not looking to keep it in perfect condition or looking to help it retain its value. For those of us who really like taking care of their cars Many car paint protection options are available, and each has its pros and cons. When considering whether paint protection is right for you, it’s important to look at how you use your car:
- Are you driving it every day?
- Do you have a long daily commute or enjoy taking weekend road trips?
- Do you keep your car in a garage when you are not driving it?
- Will it be parked under trees?
- How often does your car get polished?
Once you’ve purchased your new car and got it home, we recommend a thorough clean and decontamination, dependent on whether your car requires paint correction due to swirl marks, scratches or other imperfections, this should be immediately followed by applying paint protection to your new vehicle with a wax, sealant or ceramic coating. Also, If you were recently involved in a car accident, it is a good time to invest in paint protection, too. The protection for your car’s new paint can only benefit it moving forward.
Is car dealership paint protection worth it?
Well car dealers sell cars. Not many are skilled or trained in the art of car detailing and neither are their Lot staff members or those tasked with preparing a car for both pre-sale or post sale. What this really means is it is hard to trust a dealership to provide the level of care and attention needed in car detailing when preparing your paint protection on your new car. If you ask your salesperson who is going to apply the paint protection treatment, they will let you know about their trained professionals. If that statement makes you slightly nervous, feel free to ask to see the accreditations for the paint protection services. You can even ask to speak to the professional(s) themselves. Stand your ground here as you are not being a pain; you are just being a concerned owner.
Blogs and comment sections are full of complaints and advice about avoiding dealership add ons at all costs, but this does not need to be the case. If the offer is a sweetener in your purchase deal, then simply inquire about 3rd party detailers and whether those who carry out the paint protection service are fully qualified. I for one would be very tempted by the offer of a 3rd party professional detailer getting his hands on my car and I would likely recommend the car dealership service to others knowing they had taken the time to make such an agreement with other local car detailing and paint protection service providers.
Benefits of paint protection on your new car
1. Keeps your car looking newer for longer– Ceramic coating gives your car’s paint a beautiful luster that will last for many years, leaving a smooth, high gloss finish.
2. Reduces the chances of superficial damage on your car’s paint – Any driving subjects your vehicle to road debris, rocks and scratches. Paint protection film is a clear layer between your vehicle’s precious paint and things that can harm it; including acidic or alkaline rain, road salt, in the winter, and even bird droppings.
3. protects your car’s paint from fading – The UV rays make the color fade and what was once a shiny new car can often look worn and tired
4. Reduces the need for polishing – protective coating may be able to eliminate the need to have the surface polished, making it easier to maintain.
5. It increases your vehicle’s resale value – When you sell your car, or offer it for part-exchange, most buyers will look, not only into how the vehicle drives, but the first thing they often notice is the exterior and when it comes to cars, first impressions definitely count. Faded paint or tiny scratches can often bring down the value of your car.
New car paint protection is an optional service. There is no mechanical reason for you to add it to your vehicle. However, if you are concerned about keeping the shine or value retention, it is a good idea. Your car is a rather significant and lasting investment, so keep it looking good. Just remember that the paint protection only goes so far. It does not protect the car against bad driving or dings from vehicles parked to close. If you plan to keep your vehicle looking at its best for years to come contact one of our certified paint protection technicians at Majestic Auto Spa & Detailing and book your FREE consultation appointment where we can discuss the best protection package for your new vehicle based on your needs and budget .