When buying a new (new/used) car, people go to showrooms or car vendors expecting the vehicles to be clean, glossy and well maintained.
But, one never knows how long the vehicle has been exposed to the elements and how protected it has been while waiting to be sold. In my experience, dealers mostly just wax and polish (most times with colour pigments) the vehicles to a glossy shine to attract buyers so that on the day, it looks good and saleable. But, one never knows the condition of the paint, ie. thinness, fine scratches and swirl marks under all that polish and wax - especially if the car is a used one.
Here is where the ceramic and glass coating for cars comes in.
Ceramic and glass coatings are nano technological liquid polymer coatings for cars that are applied to its exterior – paintwork, headlights and taillights, windows, windscreens, plastic bumpers etc. During application, the polymer chemically bonds with the car’s surfaces. This creates a layer of protection that can only be removed through abrasion.
Ceramic and glass car coating is a second layer of skin over the car’s exterior and as such, protects both the car and the factory paint from the external environment.
Take a look at some differences between three types of protective coatings for cars.
As seen in the picture, ceramic and glass coating give cars better protection than car paint and Teflon/plastic or other similar coatings. Additionally, it protects the vehicle’s exterior from UV damage.
When a car is often exposed to the sun, the paint becomes faded and dulls due to oxidation. Ceramic and glass coatings protect the car paint from UV rays, reducing the oxidation rate.
The coating also protects the car from chemical stains caused by acidic contaminants, ie. acid rain – a common phenomenon in our environment today.
More than anything, coating makes cleaning easy as it is a hydrophobic coating for cars. Water slides off easily, cutting washing time by more than half. Compared to waxing which needs to be done every so often, ceramic coating is cheaper in the long run. And as it is hydrophobic, it protects the car from exposure to the possibility of rust – the worst enemy of a car!
All these aspects of ceramic and glass coating help in keeping the car looking new and glossy with minimal maintenance.
Due to the high cost of ceramic and glass coating installation, car owners wishing for the same are concerned about its lifespan. The chemical bonding between the ceramic coating and the car’s original paint forms a solid protective layer.
As such, it can withstand heavy vibrations and shocks. If the coating is done the right way and is washed properly, it can last the car’s lifetime. Please do note however, that it all depends on the product used as well. Superior quality products do last longer – and do provide better and stronger protection for your vehicles. Also make sure that your auto detailer shows you the product to be used – explains its spec to you and is totally transparent about his treatments and methods. Always ensure that you are being offered and supplied a quality product to ensure that your investment is a good one.
Another factor to take into consideration is the scratch resistant efficacy – one of the main reasons car owners need ceramic and glass coatings to protect their vehicles. Only certain of the ceramic and glass products do definitely help against scratches, and also swirl marks caused by incorrect and abrasive washing.
Only two products stand out for me with regards hydrophobic and scratch resistant qualities, Carpro Cquartz and the Kisho range of products.
See links for more information:
Kisho Scratch resistance videos:
CarPro C.Quartz water and mud resistance video
So, to summarise it all up. Whichever way you look at it, a vehicle is a big investment – and therefore needs to be well protected and maintained, whether or not you plan to sell it on further down the line, or not.
So, whether you are buying a new or used vehicle, it is recommended that you seek out an auto detailer who knows what they are doing and only offers you the top quality products to have the vehicle protected with ceramic and glass products.