Ceramic auto coatings, worth the cost?

[Concrete Helmet]

My cars spend a good amount of time outdoors and as such require constant washing. I'm starting to notice a lot of swirl marks when in direct sunlight. I'm always careful to make sure my bucket and wash cloths are clean and have always used microfiber towels to finish. I've even purchased a gas powered leaf blower to dry instead of using a chamois and towels

Even after taking care with these steps it's time to consider some paint correction(possible sanding) to restore their finishes. I am also considering having them ceramic coated afterward but have heard conflicting info on the process. Anyone gone this route before? If so was it worth it?

 

[crosscreekcooter]

You could write your name in the dust on my dashboard

 

[Concrete Helmet]

You could write your name in the dust on my dashboard

That's probably dust from your farts, oldtimer...

 

[crosscreekcooter]

That's probably dust from your farts, oldtimer...

I delivered a sonata the other day that had 3 stanzas

 

[Pablos Tunnel]

No

 

[Concrete Helmet]

No

Why? Any experience?

 

[Nalt]

My truck gets washed every time it rains. The hood has a lot of spider web cracks in the paint but I can't see them when I'm driving to and from where ever... Why go to the added trouble of hand washing it?

 

[TLB]

Even after taking care with these steps it's time to consider some paint correction(possible sanding) to restore their finishes. I am also considering having them ceramic coated afterward but have heard conflicting info on the process. Anyone gone this route before? If so was it worth it?

Had a decent upsell spun on me the other day when I got my car detailed (first time, in perhaps my life, that I paid someone to do it professionally). I'm seriously considering it in the spring. My main reason is this is the first car in my lifetime where at least once a week I hear my mouth utter the words "I love my car". I liked all my other cars, never hated any, but never took care of them either = drove every one of them to death (mechanical failure on 3, crashed 2), and only spent over $10k on the last couple. This car, bought new, has thrilled me my entire ownership in every respect. And, knowing how much I love it and that I'll pretty much keep it for a LONG time (only had it 3y so far), I see the investment as being worth it.

That said I am not aware of any negative aspects, or if it isn't worth it (always hear how it improves resale value immensely). I'd be interested in anyone else's feedback from experince.

 

[Pablos Tunnel]

Had a decent upsell spun on me the other day when I got my car detailed (first time, in perhaps my life, that I paid someone to do it professionally). I'm seriously considering it in the spring. My main reason is this is the first car in my lifetime where at least once a week I hear my mouth utter the words "I love my car". I liked all my other cars, never hated any, but never took care of them either = drove every one of them to death (mechanical failure on 3, crashed 2), and only spent over $10k on the last couple. This car, bought new, has thrilled me my entire ownership in every respect. And, knowing how much I love it and that I'll pretty much keep it for a LONG time (only had it 3y so far), I see the investment as being worth it.

That said I am not aware of any negative aspects, or if it isn't worth it (always hear how it improves resale value immensely). I'd be interested in anyone else's feedback from experince.

Send pics she sounds like a beauty!

 

[Concrete Helmet]

I hear my mouth utter the words "I love my car".

My truck gets cleaned probably 3 times a year and I view it as something "useful". I like it alot… Both of my cars still make me turn around and look back at them as I walk away and both have nearly caused me neck injuries when driving in front of stores with mirrored windows... So yeah I get it.

 

[TLB]

Send pics she sounds like a beauty!

Nothing flashy or notable, just a 2017 Honda Civic as I've always had commuter cars (avg 1h commute each way). But they didn't have what I wanted when I went to buy and I talked them down on the Touring model (top of the line for options) ... never had a car with any real options. This spoiled me, along with the look (yes, in windows as CH notes), and the throaty purr-roar of the 4-cylinder (suprises most, including me) with the acceleration and handling (commented on the test drive how much it felt like a race car...ha! for guy living on commuter cars). Really, I wouldn't have complained about my previous cars much - they are functional, but this one is just a pure joy for me, an emotion I never thought I'd have with a 'commuter' car.

 

[78]

I haven’t had a car coated but I know enough about it to know whether I want to. Maybe yes if it’s a new car, when your OCD as it an apex, but not on a car that has miles. My car has miles.

Heck, I can’t even convince myself to fork out the money to have the front end clear wrapped for protection, which is a far cheaper job even with paint correction. I’ve got rock chips, even a few indentations on the front of the car, enough to realize it’s a losing battle.

Cars were made to get roughed up over time no matter what you do to prevent the inevitable. Besides, it sort of gives them character.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

Cars were made to get roughed up over time no matter what you do to prevent the inevitable. Besides, it sort of gives them character.

Please god tell me you don't drive that car in the rain too....

Your rock chips are coming from driving on the highway too much and if you just get the PPF instead of ceramic it will hide most of the blemishes....a friend did this with his ZO6 Vette which for some weird reason he also likes to daily drive....

One more tip on rocks...they only happen when your behind another car....;) Speed up old timer..

 

[78]

Please god tell me you don't drive that car in the rain too....

Your rock chips are coming from driving on the highway too much and if you just get the PPF instead of ceramic it will hide most of the blemishes....a friend did this with his ZO6 Vette which for some weird reason he also likes to daily drive....

One more tip on rocks...they only happen when your behind another car....;) Speed up old timer..

Of course I do. It’s my DD. It gets lots of TLC on the weekend.

Years ago I was on my way to Fort Liquordale in a three-month-old 911. I’d just paid the toll on Alligator Alley in Naples. I was in the left lane picking up speed when I came upon a guy towing a U-Haul trailer. He moved right to allow me to pass and apparently drove over a gravel patch between lanes. The front end of my black car got sand blasted with rock. I had to have the entire front end repainted. Never again.

I used to get all worked up over all the imperfections. I about drove myself crazy. A car isn’t meant to be garage queened and looked at. It’s meant to be driven. If it gets messed up? Repaint it or wrap it or just live with it.

 

[NVGator]

My cars spend a good amount of time outdoors and as such require constant washing. I'm starting to notice a lot of swirl marks when in direct sunlight. I'm always careful to make sure my bucket and wash cloths are clean and have always used microfiber towels to finish. I've even purchased a gas powered leaf blower to dry instead of using a chamois and towels

Even after taking care with these steps it's time to consider some paint correction(possible sanding) to restore their finishes. I am also considering having them ceramic coated afterward but have heard conflicting info on the process. Anyone gone this route before? If so was it worth it?

1st world problems are a bitćh

 

[Swamp Donkey]

"I love my car". .

you must tell us the year, make and model of said vixen.

Edit: Civic.

I get it. I have a weird attraction to my daughters Subaru.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

I used to get all worked up over all the imperfections. I about drove myself crazy. A car isn’t meant to be garage queened and looked at. It’s meant to be driven. If it gets messed up? Repaint it or wrap it or just live with it.

You really need a second car. Switching back and forth really makes you appreciate each of them more. It just so happens I know a guy who's selling a 2009 Shelby after it gets paint correction and ceramic treatment....25K miles and always babied, tastefully modified, never raced and drives like your Grandma's Buick....

 

[Concrete Helmet]

I get it. I have a weird attraction to my daughters Subaru.

Have you installed the fart can muffler on it yet? No Subaru or civic is complete without a fart can muffler...

 

[Pablos Tunnel]

Ceramic coating and clay bar is like nitrogen in the tires or rust coating. Its all dealer/shop gimmicks. Use a quality wax twice per year. Do not over-wash the thing to the point the clear coat is dulled. If its garage kept the finish will last years.

 

[Pablos Tunnel]

The Subaru has given him Asian fever!