The Hype About Ceramic Coating: Debunking Myths And Identifying Alternatives
Is your car ceramic coated yet or are you thinking about getting it done? Before you rush to coat your car with ceramic, let me first explain what it really is. It may not be one of the things first car owners should know but you should definitely be informed about it.
It can help you decide whether it is best for your vehicle or not.
What Is Ceramic Coating
First and foremost let me tell you what a ceramic coating is. Like what the name implies, it is a coating over the paint and it acts like a protective layer over your vehicle’s clear coat.
The created outermost layer is hydrophobic so it won’t get easily washed away when you go for a car wash or when it rains. The bond formed between the ceramic coating and the topmost layer of your vehicle is semi-permanent and can last for years.
If you’re a DIY kind-of-guy, you’ll be pleased to know that there are kits you can purchase and apply on your own vehicle. On the contrary, professional applications are also available in various local auto shops.
Time To Debunk
Now that we’ve cleared out what a ceramic coating for your car is, we can now debunk all those crazy myths surrounding this hype. Carefully read each one and make sure you’re not getting it just because of any of these myths.
1.It makes your car scratch-proof
We all hate seeing scratches in our vehicle and if your getting this for that reason then think again. The ceramic coating will create a protective layer but that doesn’t mean your car is untouchable.
Yes, it can protect your vehicle from small scratches but not deeper ones. Those caused by high impact forces like stones chipping your car’s paint job will still be there.
2.It prevents water spotting
When it rains and the droplets of water dry up on your vehicle, you’ll see spots. These are due to the dirt or minerals in that drop of water. Although the ceramic coating has hydrophobic qualities and it can make the water slide off the surface, water beading can still happen. These will eventually dry up and create water spot marks.
3.It minimizes the need for washing
Some believe that due to ceramic coating, your car won’t need regular washing because it won’t easily get dirty. The truth is, the ceramic coating doesn’t prevent your car from getting dirty, it just makes it easier for you to remove the dirt on the surface.
You still need to wash your car as often as you did without the coating. What is great about using ceramic coating is you don’t need to apply it as often as wax to be protected. You still need to do regular washing of your car’s exterior. It just won’t be as hard to scrub and remove the dirt stuck into it.
4.A coating will last forever
Ceramic coating on cars is semi-permanent and can last for years but that doesn’t mean it will last forever. How long it lasts will also depend on how you take care of your car, on how often you use your car, and how often it is exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Ceramic Coats And Alternatives
Getting a ceramic coating will create a layer of protection for your vehicle but it may not be suitable for all vehicles. Ceramic coating is best for cars that have excellent paint quality. It will create a protective layer but you still need to clean your vehicle regularly.
- Sealants – A good alternative to ceramic coating are sealants. These are best for those who tend to use their cars often and expose them to varying whether conditions. It provides a durable protection without taking a toll on your budget.
- Wax – Applying wax to your vehicle is another way of adding a layer of protection to your car. It protects the layer of paint against pollutants that come with water. It doesn’t stick to your vehicle for long and you need to reapply it after about a month or two.
Conclusion
We’ve debunked some of the popular myths about ceramic coating and we’ve cleared out what it really is. Now you can decide whether you’d apply your vehicle or choose other alternatives such as sealants and waxes. It is really up to you and how you use your car.