You wash the outside of your car, and you keep the interior clean. Maybe you even wax it from time to time. Do you really need to add ceramic protection?
If you want to add another layer of protection to your vehicle’s exterior and keep it looking clean, ceramic can be a worthwhile addition to your next car wash.
What Does Ceramic Protection Do?
Ceramic protection creates a water repelling layer on your vehicle’s exterior, making it harder for water to stuck to the surface. Instead, you’ll see it form into beads that roll away more easily.
As a bonus, ceramic protection can also help reduce how easily everyday contaminants like pollen, bird droppings, and grime stick to the vehicle’s exterior.
Ceramic doesn’t make your vehicle immune to these things. Rather, it creates a protective barrier between your vehicle’s finish and the environment around it.
Is Ceramic Protection the Same as a Ceramic Coating?
The word ceramic is used for several different automotive products.
A professional ceramic coating is typically a more involved process giving your vehicle long term protection. Ceramic products applied during an automatic car wash serve a different purpose, providing a convenient way to regularly add extra protection as part of your normal washing routine.
Both can have a place in vehicle care, but they should not be confused with one another.
Does Ceramic Keep Your Car Clean?
Ceramic protection can help your vehicle stay cleaner, but it won’t eliminate the need for regular washing.
Its water repelling properties can make it more difficult for water and some contaminants to stick to the surface. But, your car will still get dirty. Pollen will land on your hood, bugs will hit the bumper, and road salt will still get kicked up during winter.
Ceramic protection works in tandem with regular washing, it does not replace it.
How Often Should You Use Ceramic Protection?
This depends on the type of ceramic product being used.
Professional ceramic coatings may be designed to last for an extended period and typically come with specific maintenance recommendations.
Car wash applied ceramic protection is different. It can be incorporated into your regular washing routine, allowing you to refresh that protective layer as you wash your vehicle.
Consistency matters.
Just as you wouldn’t expect one car wash to keep your vehicle clean forever, exterior protection also benefits from regular maintenance.
Is Ceramic Protection Worth the Extra Money?
You may want to consider ceramic protection if keeping your vehicle clean and protected is important to you.
Think about what your vehicle encounters during a typical year:
- Pollen and rain in the spring.
- Brings bugs, tree sap, and intense sunlight in the summer.
- Fall brings leaves, moisture, and organic debris.
- Winter welcomes slush, road salt, and brine.
Your vehicle’s exterior is exposed to the elements every day. Adding protection gives those contaminants another barrier to get through before reaching the surface underneath.
Do You Really Need Ceramic Protection for Your Car?
The better question is: Do you want additional protection for your vehicle’s exterior?
If you want water to bead more easily, want to help keep everyday contaminants from sticking to your vehicle, and want to add another layer of protection against the elements, ceramic makes a lot of sense.
