What is car paint protection and is it worth your money?

Car paint protection can keep your vehicle looking like new for a much longer time. It comes in many different types with each one coming with its different protective capabilities. These range from the most common in the form of wax and sealant, while there are more expensive options such as ceramic and protection films. With that said, we are here to help you find out which of these paint protectors are worth it no matter how cheap, or expensive, they are.

Before we begin, let’s quickly discuss what these paint protectors do in general as they all help keep the damaging effects of the weather away from your car’s paint. Waxes and sealants are considered old technologies, as they are proven to have a low melting point. Wax and sealant also don’t hold up to chemicals, which means they could easily be washed off using certain car shampoos. Ceramic and protection film are some of the more permanent paint protection solutions to date, as they hold for longer and are tough enough to withstand abuse. 

With that in mind, is it worth what you are paying for it? The simple answer is yes of course it is, paint protection products aren’t designed just to fool us by having to spend extra money. They are meant to do the job because often than not, we tend to sometimes neglect our duty to protect our cars and overlook stuff that ruins the paint. Car paints, when not taken care of properly, fade in time due to regular exposure to certain weather conditions, as well as get damaged by third-party elements such as stones and rainwater during drives. 

While it appears to be extremely helpful, car paint protectors are an easier option than having to regularly wax and polish your car. You may have already gotten the hint by now, but let us explain it a bit further.

Ever heard of Paint & Corrosion Warranty? This is a form of protection that some car manufacturers or local dealerships offer their customers as part of their basic warranty coverage. It is important to note, however, that surface corrosion from stone chips or damages caused by the environment is not covered by this warranty. This is why paint protections are being offered as part of the deal when you're picking up your brand new car. This is optional and is considered a luxury for some drivers. If this is out of your budget, what you can do instead to maintain your car’s paint is to have it regularly washed properly and have your vehicle waxed as well. In this manner, you can preserve the paint without having to spend extra on both the paint protection product and its application to your car.

Before we conclude we also have to point out that there’s a slight misconception about car paint protection coatings. One myth about it, especially for ceramic or film-type paint protection, is that it makes your car scratch-proof. Well, part of it is true, as it helps you avoid mild scratches on your paint but it does only mean that your car is scratch resistant. It only resists minor causes of scratches and that’s all. It is important to remember not to interchange resistance with proof, as both have entirely different meanings. 

Our verdict? Based on the insights we had from people with first-hand experience with car paint protection, availing of car paint protection is a luxury. It goes down to whether you can afford it; if you have a budget for it, extra paint protection shouldn’t be a bad thing. However, it is not a requirement nor an obligation. Just know the proper ways to maintain your car paint and be mindful of elements that can ruin it. Don’t forget to regularly wash your car, as extensive exposure to ultraviolet and rainwater could damage your paint.