If you own a car or truck, it’s most likely one of the most expensive things you own. On top of the straight-up cost of owning a vehicle, it can run you a decent chunk of change to keep it looking fresh. A new coat of paint here, fixing a dent there; it can add up quickly. Fortunately, instead of leaving your car exposed to the elements that cause damage to the exterior, there are ways you can protect it.
Paint protection film is great for protection against scratches from rocks and scratches, but ceramic car coating and wax are both common methods car owners use to protect their vehicles -cars or trucks- from external elements like heat, rain, wind, dirt and ice. All of which can cause costly damage to your car. But, if both ceramic car coatings and wax can protect your car, which one should you choose?
In order to make an informed decision, you need to know the differences between ceramic coatings and wax. In today’s informative article, we take a look at ceramic car coating versus wax.
Ceramic Coating
What is Ceramic Car Coating?
Ceramic car coating – also known as Nano-Ceramic Coating – is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior of your vehicle. The coating chemically bonds with the vehicles’ paint, creating a strong barrier of protection.
A ceramic coating isn’t a substitute for paint protection film; it’s an alternative. The coating is applied to your vehicle in multiple stages before hardening into a glass-like substance on the surface. This super hard coat protects your vehicle from all exterior factors, so you can cruise around with the peace of mind that your car will look good as new when you bring it back home later that evening.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating
Many advantages come with investing in ceramic car coating. The most notable benefits include the following:
- Protects your vehicle’s exterior from deterioration, preventing dirt, dust, bugs, salt, and tar from sticking to your car’s paint. This is due to the hydrophobic effect of the coating, which allows dirt and water to roll off the surface.
- The coating reduces your need for extensive cleaning in the future. Maintaining your vehicle paint is easier than ever. You’ll save time and money on washing and waxing.
- It reduces costly repairs or damages due to the deep level of protection. You’ll save money as it is resistant to scratches, UV rays and temperatures.
- Protection from UV damage and oxidation, so your vehicle’s colour never fades. The coating retains the colour of our vehicle, never losing its original look or fading. It also enhances the gloss and shine of your vehicle’s colour.
- Creates a chemically resistant surface that rejects and is resistant to naturally acidic contaminants, such as salt and grime.
- Peace of mind for every weather condition, as it will retain its quality in all types of weather, including snow and hailstorms.
- It can be applied to all types of vehicles, including cars and trucks.
- Increases the value of your vehicle thanks to all the benefits mentioned above. If you ever sell it, you can fetch a fair price thanks to the coating.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Coating
Unfortunately, a ceramic coating can’t protect your vehicle from everything. The following disadvantages aren’t even really disadvantages. They’re just things that a ceramic coating can’t do.
- Lack of protection from all types of scratches and swirl marks. Your car will still be susceptible to some scratches and rock chips. That’s why paint protection film exists.
- Lack of protection from water spotting. When water beads on your car’s surface and eventually slides off or evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals and particles that we’re in the beads of water. This means you can still get water spots.
- You still need to wash your car. Even though ceramic coating resists dirt, dust, and bugs from sticking to the vehicle’s exterior surfaces, it’s not perfect.
Wax Coating
What is A Wax Coating?
Another alternative to paint protection film is wax, and it’s the most popular type of auto body protection used around the world. Car wax is made from a combination of natural carnauba wax, beeswax, and solvents.
Wax is applied by being rubbed onto your car’s exterior in a circular pattern. It’s then dried and buffed until the vehicle is clean and shiny.
Benefits of Wax
Above we discussed the benefits of a ceramic coating, not let’s take a look at the benefits of wax:
- It’s heat resistant. This is especially beneficial in warmer climates or during the summertime. Wax won’t wear thin because of extreme heat.
- Protects your car from water. Water from severe weather can damage your car’s exterior, but not if you have wax with water resistance properties.
- Wax is a naturally occurring substance, making it an environmentally friendly product.
- If you don’t want to pay to have wax applied, you can do it yourself. Once you learn how the application process works, you’ll realize it’s a fairly simple process. You just need to be willing to put in the time and effort.
Disadvantage of Wax
Naturally, wax isn’t perfect. Some of the notable drawbacks of wax include the following:
- It doesn’t last very long. If you choose the wax route, you’ll need to reapply every four to six weeks.
- Applying wax is a simple process, but it’s labour intensive. You can pay for professionals to get the job done, but if you choose to do it yourself, you’ll need to wash, dry, prep, apply, then buff.
- It can be complicated to find the right wax product because of the way it’s marketed. Some products that are sold as wax actually aren’t, so you need to be extra careful when buying.
If you want to protect your car from the elements, you have plenty of options. From paint protection film to ceramic car coatings and wax, there’s no shortage of protection potential. All you have to decide is what to do with the options presented to you.