If you’re not a hardcore enthusiast or a professional car detailer, though, it can be difficult to gauge just how worthwhile a ceramic coating for your car can be.
What's more, many car buyers can feel a mix of uncertainty and pressure about optioning a ceramic coating for their new car while at the dealership when it may be a better investment to organise yourself.
Let’s take a closer look at what a ceramic car coating is, if it’s worth opting for, and whether you’re better off ticking the box at the dealer or engaging a specialist ceramic coater after you’ve purchased the car.
What is a Ceramic Coating for Your Car?
To keep things as simple as possible, a ceramic coating is a special mix of liquid polymers designed to fix themselves to the paint of your car.
You can think of them as an extra layer of protection for your car’s paint that adds a layer of UV protection, similar to that of wax, but much longer-lasting with greater results against the elements that want to destroy your car’s beautiful paint job.
Originally, ceramic coatings were used in aerospace and oil industries for durability purposes, which has since trickled down to the automotive industry as a means of paint and even rust protection.
Benefits of a Ceramic Coating for Your Car
- UV protection reduces paint fade and deterioration
- Hydrophobic layer against water, dirt and grime
- Added layer of protection against light scratches
- Reduced risk of corrosion from a water-repellent surface
- Ease of cleaning with fewer water spots
- Adds vibrancy to the paint finish
Getting a Ceramic Coating for Your Car at the Dealership
One of the most common up-sells you’ll find at the dealership is the option of a ceramic coating.
This is particularly tempting when you’ve just been handed the keys to your new wheels and you’re being spruiked the benefits of a ceramic coating.
Pros
- Convenience: the ceramic coating can be applied before you’ve even taken delivery of the vehicle
- Warranty: a ceramic coating applied by, or organised via the dealership, may even receive a warranty tied to the dealership’s servicing department for an easy, streamlined claim down the line.
- Reputation: it’s more than likely that a last, established dealer will either apply the ceramic coating in-house or engage the services of a specialist detailer who will provide a high-quality finish.
Cons
- Cost: all the convenience of getting a ceramic coat from the dealership will more than likely come with a price premium attached, as opposed to engaging a specialist yourself and sourcing a range of quotes for the best possible price.
- Limited Options: if you’re getting a ceramic coating through the dealership, your options are limited to either the in-house team or a single team that the dealer has a pre-existing agreement with.
- Paying for the Middle Man: a ceramic coating organised at the dealership may well land you in a situation where you’re paying the dealer a commission to organise the appointment.
- Lacking a Tailored Touch: if you organise a ceramic coating yourself, you can be specific about your needs, for example, if you planning some beach driving excursions, which allows the detailer to concentrate on rust prevention or any specific application.
Ceramic Coating Takeaways: Dealership or Self-Organised?
Ceramic coatings are a great way to protect your vehicle’s paint and even reduce the risk of certain metallic parts beginning to rust over time.
If you’re after maximum convenience, ticking the ceramic coating box at the dealership is the easiest way of getting your new car covered in the good stuff, but this comes at a cost.
Namely, you’re missing out on a chance to source a range of quotes from specialists in the field to get the best finish at the best price and often paying a third party - in this case, the dealer - to organise it on your behalf.
Wrapping up, ceramic coatings are indeed a worthwhile investment, but it’s up to you to decide whether the price for convenience is too high or if you’re better-off saving a few bucks and getting a quote yourself.
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If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help to take the stress out of the buying process.
Get in touch with one of our Car Buying Specialists today.
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