Compared to traditional protection methods like waxes or sealants, the ceramic coating offers a higher quality and extended protection option for your car’s clear coat. However, like every other protection option, beside the benefits of ceramic coating on vehicles it also has some disadvantages.
Disadvantages of a car with ceramic coating
Some of the top disadvantages of a car with ceramic coating.
Expensive
Ceramic coating is an expensive protection option that is not affordable for many. The ceramic coating price of bottles in Canada usually ranges between $50 and $100. But this is just a part of it, ceramic coating installation cost is also higher as compared to other protection options.
Ceramic coating car installation requires experience, knowledge, and special tools. It requires specialization in paint correction before application. If your car is old with scratches and swirl marks on its surface, it would need more time and effort for paint correction.
Hard to apply
Ceramic coating is not a DIY project. You need specific equipment and tools to apply ceramic car coating properly. You require comprehensive knowledge about ceramic coating before applying it to your car surface. You may find tons of tips and tricks to apply ceramic coating on your own.
Although you are a DIYer and have specific tools, you still need a professional detailer for paint correction. Mistakes in applying ceramic coating can be irreversible and expensive. Professional ceramic coating installers like Auto Boss will also provide detailing services along with coating applications.
Requires a thorough surface preparation
The latest paint protection options, like PPF or ceramic coating, require proper and comprehensive paint preparation. But sealants or waxes are far cheaper options that don’t need proper surface preparation.
If you want to see your car with ceramic coating, it requires a perfect clear coat. The unprepared or unsmooth surface of the car won’t let the coating to bond properly with the paint. The improper application of the ceramic coating reduces its hydrophobic properties and longevity.
Paint polish is not enough for the ceramic coating. Even if your car paint has minor or invisible scratch marks, you would need 2-step paint correction. Only professional car detailers can help you to prepare the car surface.
Ceramic coating is not available to everyone
Although most of the coatings are available widely, some companies make professional-grade ceramic coatings that are not sold to everyone. You can buy these professional-grade coatings if you are a certified detailer or you have passed their courses.
Not being available to everyone is the major disadvantage of ceramic coating for those who prefer DIY ceramic coating installation. At the same time, it is considered an advantage for those who see professional installation as an option. Generally people expect the availability of these products to everyone.
Water sports
A car with ceramic coating has a hydrophobic surface on which water spots are not easy to retain. These coatings are developed and applied to preserve your car paint, especially from water. However, some of the ceramic coating doesn’t offer maximum protection for water spots.
Ceramic coating causes water droplets from the car’s surface. It is a fantastic thing while driving, but it can be an issue if your car is parked. If the water dries on the car’s surface, removing these spots can be challenging. Removing hard marks can even damage the ceramic coating. Auto Boss experts recommend washing your vehicle after you drive through rain. You can use clean microfiber mitts and waterless shampoos or cleaners. It is the best way to protect your car with ceramic coating with water spots.
If you are interested in Benefits of Ceramic Coating, We have a dedicated blog on Unlocking the Benefits: The Importance of Ceramic Coating on Vehicles.
Misleading claims
Some of the manufacturers are transparent about their products. However, some promote misleading claims as well. A variety of coating manufacturers claim that their products may last up to nine years, which can be true. The longevity claim can only be true if you don’t drive your car with ceramic coating.
Auto Boss experts say that most of the ceramic coatings may last for a maximum of five years regardless of claims. You can increase the lifespan of ceramic coating only if you maintain it properly.
Ceramic coating requires maintenance
Regardless of the common myth, ceramic coating requires regular maintenance that includes:
- Properly car wash is necessary with pH-neutral shampoos or cleaners
- You need to apply coating boosters, ceramic sprays, or toppers after a few months to add an extra layer of protection,
- Park your vehicle in a garage.
- Dry your vehicle as soon as possible after driving your car in the rain or washing it.
Degrades over time
Although a car with ceramic coating may have a protected car’s clear coat, the coating itself degrades with time. It requires reapplication after some years, depending on the maintenance level and the product’s quality. Ceramic coating can protect your car paint in maximum conditions. However, extreme weather conditions like hailing or snowing make it less effective.
Not suitable for everyone
A car with ceramic coating is not good for people living in an area with harsh weather or those who don’t have a garage. Harsh weather conditions like hailing, rain storms, or roads full of debris or rocks can damage your coating.
It is not scratch-resistant
Ceramic coating makes your vehicle scratch-resistant, but it is not scratch-proof. At the same time, if a scratch happens to your vehicle surface, it isn’t easy to fix or recover. It is not self-healing, which means it can not recover even minor scratches by itself.
Related Article: Mastering the Art of DIY Ceramic Coating
Difficult to remove
A ceramic coating is difficult to remove, and you can even end up repainting your vehicle while trying to remove your coating.
Conclusion
Even though a ceramic coating car has some disadvantages, we at Auto Boss suggest applying a ceramic coating to protect your paint because it is the latest protection option. It offers maximum protection against contaminants and may last longer than traditional paint protection methods.
With the advancement in technology, ceramic coating for cars also evolved. Talk to Auto Boss experts before deciding to apply a ceramic coating on your car.
FAQs
Is ceramic coating on the car a good option?
Yes! Ceramic coating is a good protection option as it creates a hydrophobic layer on the car’s surface.
How long does coating last on your vehicle?
The typical lifespan of ceramic coating lasts between two to five years. It may last up to a decade when it is properly maintained.