Ceramic coating has increased in popularity over the years, and for good reason. Some benefits include protection against road salt, UV rays, the big temperature swings we get in Northern Arizona, and more! We often get asked if ceramic coating is worth the investment. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of ceramic coating and let you decide if it’s a worthwhile investment!

What is Ceramic Coating?

guy applying ceramic coating

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle. The coating chemically bonds with the vehicle’s factory paint, creating a layer of protection. It’s important to note that it’s not a substitute for paint protection film but an additional layer to protect your car’s paint and keep it looking brand new for years to come!

Why Ceramic Coating Over Traditional Wax or Sealants? 

Wax typically lasts for a few weeks to a couple of months. It requires frequent reapplication to protect your car’s paint. Speaking of protection, wax provides a basic level of protection against environmental contaminants but is less effective against UV rays and chemical damage compared to ceramic coatings.

Wax can give your car a nice shine, but it does not offer the same level of depth and gloss as a ceramic coating.

Paint sealants are synthetic and typically last longer than wax, up to six months. But they are still less durable than ceramic coating. Sealants provide a good level of shine and smoothness but lack the deep, high-gloss finish of ceramic coatings.

Initial Costs of Ceramic Coating

Due to the versatility of ceramic coating, Inspector’s Auto can service any vehicle shape, size, make, or model. Because of this, we do not sell our ceramic coating in predetermined packages. The cost for ceramic coating will depend on the vehicle being serviced. All of our ceramic coatings have a starting price point of $500. Then, your final cost will be calculated depending on factors like size, vehicle type, and whether or not the vehicle requires additional work, like paint corrections. Contact the Inspector’s Auto team with any questions on pricing or ceramic coating packages.

Each brand of ceramic coating will vary with how long it provides protection, but the IGL Kenzo coating that Inspector’s Auto uses has a 5-year or 100,000 km (62,137 miles) warranty when maintained properly.

truck with ceramic coating

Long-Term Benefits of Ceramic Coating

If you are looking to keep your vehicle in top shape, ceramic coating is well worth the cost upfront. Ceramic coating for cars can save you money in the long run by preventing degradation that would lead to costly repairs down the line.

Ceramic Coating can protect your vehicle from: 

  • UV rays
  • Acid rain
  • Bird droppings and tree sap

Ceramic Coating can even reduce the need for frequent car washes. Once it hardens, Ceramic Coating is exceptionally flat, which makes the top layer very slippery—much better than a normal car wax. This produces a hydrophobic effect, where water, dust, dirt, tree sap, and other debris simply slide off with little effort.

It also raises your car’s resale value. A car with ceramic coating looks new, attracts buyers, and brings a higher price. 

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Maintenance and Care with Ceramic Coating

Maintaining a ceramic-coated car is generally less time-consuming than caring for a non-coated car, which typically involves more frequent waxing and polishing. Here’s a comparison:

Non-Coated Cars:

  • Requires more frequent waxing – typically every few weeks to maintain the protective layer. 
  • Dirt and grime adhere more easily to non-coated surfaces, meaning you’ll likely spend more time washing your car.
  • Non-coated cars may require regular polishing to remove minor scratches and swirl marks

With Ceramic Coating: 

  • With a ceramic coating, the need for frequent waxing is eliminated, saving you time and money spent on waxing products.
  • The hydrophobic properties of ceramic coatings make washing your car quicker and more efficient, as dirt and grime are easier to remove.
  • Ceramic coatings provide a protective layer that helps prevent minor scratches and swirl marks, reducing the need for regular polishing.

Cost Savings of Ceramic Coating

Guy standing in front of inspector's auto giving a thumbs up

Ultimately, whether ceramic coating is worth the investment depends on your priorities and how you use your vehicle. If you value long-lasting protection, keeping your car looking brand new, and reduced maintenance time, ceramic coating can be a worthwhile investment. 

It can help preserve your car’s value, decrease the need for regular waxing and details, and keep it looking its best for years to come. When it’s time to sell your vehicle or upgrade, there’s the potential to sell your vehicle or trade it in for top dollar.

Give Us A Call!

To schedule your ceramic coating appointment, visit our contact page to send us a message or give us a call at (928) 774-1125.

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