Ceramic coating worth the cost?

[rbrak29]

Is ceramic coating worth the cost? I am not one that normally hand washes my vehicles and rarely goes to a touch-free car wash.

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[cthelan]

Is ceramic coating worth the cost? I am not one that normally hand washes my vehicles and rarely goes to a touch-free car wash.

DIY yes. Professional no.

 

[R1Sky Business]

DIY yes. Professional no.

McGrubber!!!!

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Depends on your metrics for choosing "worth". Ceramic coating helps the vehicle shed dirt easier. So it will look less dirty and be cleaned easier than if you didn't have it. With that said car washes that aren't touchless can take the coating off and cause it to prematurely fail.

If you are looking at resale value it is not worth it, no one cares if it's been ceramic coated especially on a trade in. If the money is worth it to you to keep your vehicle looking nice then it's worth it, if you don't care that much it's not.

Personally I subscribe to the broken window theory which is why I get my car detailed regularly. Basically the theory states that a house with a broken window is more likely to get another broken window as it is "permission" to treat it with less respect than an immaculate house. Keeping my cars in as close to factory new condition influences me to continue to treat my vehicles with care and respect so they remain nice during my period of ownership.

Basically I keep my vehicle as nice as I can because in my mind that means it's a nice vehicle so I treat it that way instead of beating on it.

 

[Schroederhc]

I have my cars done and subscribe to the broken window theory.

 

[Killer95Stang]

I've done a couple cars and also subscribe to Wilson's and Kelling's theory.

I just received a Cerakote kit and will probably try it out on my work car.

 

[TWharton]

What about paint protection film versus the ceramic coating? Isn’t that more durable and potentially a better value?

 

[Killer95Stang]

What about paint protection film versus the ceramic coating? Isn’t that more durable and potentially a better value?

More durable... yes... at $1600 yes... at $10k... I'm out, since my wife (primary driver) doesn't share the OCD that I have with cars.

 

[André]

DIY yes. Professional no.

Fully agree. It isn’t that difficult to apply and same coating products applied by « professionals » are now easily available. Also lot of tutorials on You Tube on how to DIY (Out of Spec Detailing has good ones).

 

[Ecupip]

I’m not a fan. It came with the xpel fusion ppf film process. In my opinion, it’s no better than a regularly applied synthetic protectant twice a year. Plus you still need to apply a booster to the ceramic at least once a year, so you’re only saving yourself 1 simple application of a treatment annually.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Personally I subscribe to the broken window theory which is why I get my car detailed regularly. Basically the theory states that a house with a broken window is more likely to get another broken window as it is "permission" to treat it with less respect than an immaculate house. Keeping my cars in as close to factory new condition influences me to continue to treat my vehicles with care and respect so they remain nice during my period of ownership.

Basically I keep my vehicle as nice as I can because in my mind that means it's a nice vehicle so I treat it that way instead of beating on it.

I like that theory. I wouldn't say I'm anal retentive when it comes to cleaning my R1T, but I also don't let it get too dirty. Typically, when the dust is starting to accumulate on the dash. Vacuum/Gyeon Interior wipe down time. Typically every month.

There's something about getting into a fresh, clean vehicle. Take care of it, it'll take care of you.

Brother and sister in laws on the other hand... I gutted both their vehicles one day because it was disgusting, wrappers, half eaten fries, snacks of all sorts, even the dust had dust.

Ok... I'm anal.

 

[rkalbiar]

Is ceramic coating worth the cost? I am not one that normally hand washes my vehicles and rarely goes to a touch-free car wash.

For you, likely not. Coatings require care.

 

[Redline]

I decided against PPF, but for ceramic. Worth it IMO.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Worth is subjective. Knowing what it does and that it lasts longer than conventional and synthetic waxes, what's it worth to you? same goes for professional vs DIY. If DIY, what's your time worth? And, of course, every single panel that suffers damage and needs to be repaired/repainted will require additional cost/time to have the coating reapplied. What's that worth to you?

 

[carsly]

I've done Turtle Wax Ceramic coat on a few vehicles, super easy but have to do it every 3-4 months. Just put Carbon Force Ceramic on my new R1S. Took maybe two hours and $100.

Never paid for PPF or "professional" ceramic coating.

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