Car dealerships and the average Vancouver auto body shop are notorious for getting you to spend a bit more on add-ons when you are looking to buy a new car. One of the products they are fond of selling is paint protection. Is it worth it? Are they using clever marketing to squeeze out more money from you? We’ll go over the details here.
What Is Car Paint Protection?
Car paint protection is a layer of coating applied over your car’s paintwork to ensure it can last longer. Quality protection can make your vehicle’s paintwork more resistant to UV rays, road dirt, bird droppings, dust, and more. The efficacy of the protection product will come down to the product type used for the job.
Types of Paint Protection Products
1. Wax
Wax is the most common type of paint protection. Some dealerships and auto body shops may offer to coat your new car with wax containing a high amount of carnauba. However, regardless of the quality, a wax coating will degrade quickly. You’re unlikely to find a dealership or detailing service offering to coat your car with wax. It is a more common product in DIY applications.
2. Synthetic Sealants
Synthetic sealants are more effective at protecting new car paint compared to wax. Many dealerships and auto body service providers use these products. Polymer sealants are the most popular, but Teflon products are also common. They offer a similar level of protection, but it’s a good idea to find out what the service intends to use before you accept to pay the higher bills. Synthetic sealants work better than wax when protecting the paint on vehicles because they have a higher melting point. They also hold up better against UV rays and chemicals in car washing liquids. They can remain effective on your vehicle for up to six months.
3. Ceramic Coatings
Also known as glass coatings, these products offer the highest form of paint protection. The products put a type of shell over the finish of your new car. Therefore, they offer the highest level of protection against UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, road dirt, and more. If a dealership, detailing service, or car body shop offers to coat your vehicle with ceramic coatings, you should expect to pay more than those offering wax or synthetic protection.
Is Car Paint Protection Worth It?
On paper, paint protection is worth it because it can improve the lifespan of your paintwork. However, the right answer to the question will vary on a case-by-case basis. You need to evaluate your situation carefully before you make the decision. If you plan on safely parking your new car in your garage or under a carport most of the time, you don’t need to pay the extra expense. On the other hand, if your car spends a lot of time near trees and in open spaces, you’ll want to protect your paintwork better.
Washing your car regularly and using store-bought wax is a cheaper way to protect your car in this situation. However, you have to consider the stress of regular waxing. If you don’t want to go through that stress, paying for the extra service to protect your paint is a good idea. Additionally, you don’t need the protection if your vehicle is a truck you’ll use on construction sites because even ceramic coating can’t do much for you here. Don’t allow the dealership sales representative try to convince you otherwise. If you are on a lease, you should check your agreement to find out what it says about a damaged vehicle. Problems with the vehicle’s paint may qualify as damage, so paint treatment and protection may be a good idea.
Still confused? Talk to a professional detailer or car painting expert to get tailored advice on what you should do.
Book an Appointment at Our Auto Body Shop in Vancouver
Do you want more advice on car paint protection for your vehicle? Do you want to explore your options on what to do when the dealership protection starts to fade? Book an appointment with our expert team of collision repair experts in Vancouver at Super Euro Auto Ltd. We are experts in the paint coat repair process. Call us today or walk into our office in Vancouver, BC.
