The Best Ways to Maintain Your Ceramic Coating
So you’ve just ceramic-coated your beloved vehicle; it looks shiny and perfect. You may even say it looks brand new. The best thing about it is that it will protect the shell of your car for up to 15, 20, or even 25 years (depending on the brand of coating you have). Everything looks good. Now what? As with most things in life, you must take care of your ceramic coating if you want it to last those years. How do you do that? Here's the best way to maintain your ceramic coating.
Why Your Ceramic-Coated Car Still Needs Maintenance
Indeed, ceramic coating technology has revolutionized car care. It doesn’t just make your vehicle look brand new; it provides the best protective layer to keep it looking brand new for a couple of decades.
The problem with some ceramic coating manufacturers and professional auto salons is that they advertise their products as maintenance-free, with the coating simply "cleaning itself." While there is some truth to that, as the coating is proven paint protection, dirt, grime, and various tiny particles on the road will still find their way to stick to the surface and start to layer on the surface of your vehicle.
Cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keeping the coating of your vehicle in shape. And while directions and recommendations for cleaning and maintenance may vary between coating manufacturers, you can never go wrong with these tips:
Regular Washing
The good, old-fashioned two-bucket hand car wash is the foundation of your ceramic coating care. Dirt, grime, bird droppings, and various debris on the road can degrade the coating over time. While the coated car includes a protective layer that protects and improves the look of the paintwork of your car, it can get scratched by the loose dirt and debris trapped in the abrasive brushes of an automatic car wash. Not to mention, strong cleaning chemicals that are too harsh for the coating are often used.
When washing your car, use a pH-neutral car shampoo. This minimizes the risk of the protective coating being stripped off during the wash.
The good thing about ceramic coating is that it is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn't need a heavy cleaning shampoo to clean.
You can also not go wrong with car shampoos specifically designed for ceramic coatings. These shampoos don't interfere with the hydrophobic properties of the coating; thus, they don’t leave any residues. They also have lubricity properties that can help prevent scratching.
The 2 Bucket Method
As said earlier, the two-bucket method is the best way to wash your car. One bucket for the soapy water, and one with water for rinsing your mitt. This method keeps the dirt from the mitt from being reintroduced to the surface of the exterior of your car, reducing the risk of scratches and swirl marks.
Make sure you regularly rinse your mitt glove thoroughly in the rinsing bucket to remove all debris and tiny particles that may be stuck before dipping them into your soapy bucket again.
Only Use Microfiber Towels
Microfiber towels are soft and gentle on the surface, minimizing the risk of scratching the coating. You can use these towels for washing, shampooing, drying, and other surface maintenance.
Get a Foam Cannon
A foam cannon can be a great investment in your car washing routine. It applies a thick layer of foam that can cling to the surface and help loosen dirt and grime on your vehicle, making the process easier and safer. It is also a good way to maximize your car shampoo.
Dry Properly
Drying your car properly is as important as washing it properly. You don't want the standing water from your rinse to sit on your car for too long, as it can build up on the coated surface. While the coating is hydrophobic, it only reduces the potential for water spots but is not water-spot-proof. This is especially true if you live in places with high mineral or calcium content in the water.
Again, this is where microfiber towels can be handy. The best microfiber towels for drying are those with a terry weave design, which is a 70/30 blend of polyester and polyamide, with a high GMS of up to 800. These towels are specifically designed for drying and usually come in 20 x 30 inches or bigger.
Use Ceramic Boosters and Quick Detailers
Ceramic boosters are specifically designed to keep the fresh look of your ceramic coating. They are easy and convenient to apply and can help extend the life of your ceramic coating. You can use them every couple of months.
Another quick maintenance solution you can include in your routine is using a quick detailer. These handy sprays will help you spot-clean the surface of your car between washes, keeping it shiny and smooth. Again, only use a microfiber towel for this.
Take Your Vehicle for Regular Inspection
Professional grade ceramic coating comes with two, five, or ten years of warranty packages. Some brands even offer lifetime protection. Take advantage of this by taking your vehicle to your detailer or ceramic coating provider for an annual inspection.
During inspection, they will use special tools to check the exterior surface of your car thoroughly. They will look for uneven coverage and low or high spots and apply a top coat to freshen up the look of your car. If they find minor scratches or signs of coat marring, they can resolve the problem by using specially formulated ceramic spray.
They can also spot potential issues, especially from your maintenance and car wash process, and help you rectify potential problems.
Proper Storage
Keep your car in the garage or use a car cover when not in use. This will help protect the surface of your car from harsh weather elements and contaminants that may degrade the coating.
Added Tips
It is best to wash your car in low-sunlight conditions, either early in the morning, late in the afternoon (close to sunset), or on a cloudy day. Sunlight can make the surface difficult to work with, as it will quickly dry your soap, which may lead to streaks and water spots.
To remove bonded contaminants, you can use clay bar treatment. Do this sparingly, as the bar may wear down the coating. Also, make sure to use a ceramic booster to restore protection afterwards.
The Takeaway
There you have it—the surefire ways to keep your ceramic-coated car smooth and shiny. Again, with the right products and tools, you can never go wrong with a regular wash and cleaning. If you are going to invest your hard-earned money to keep your car looking fresh, then you might as well get the most out of it by taking good care of it.
