With the automobile industry continuously introducing new technologies and features to enhance the car’s exterior look and longevity, the ceramic coating has emerged as a prominent player. You might have come across this term at automobile service centers, in conversations with fellow car enthusiasts, or through advertisements. So, what’s the buzz all about? Does this seemingly magical coating offer a shield against everything, including those pesky rock chips that always seem to find a way to your car’s pristine paint?
In this article, the expert detailers from Neighborhood Mobile Detailing in San Diego County will delve deep into understanding ceramic coatings, their benefits, and whether they protect against rock chips.
What does ceramic coating do?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a vehicle’s exterior, forming a bond with the factory paint to create a durable protective layer. This coating offers defense against harmful UV rays, water spots, and chemical contaminants, and enhances the car’s shine by providing a glossy finish. While it adds a robust shield, it doesn’t make the vehicle completely invulnerable to all types of damage.
What are rock chips?
Rock chips are tiny fragments or pieces of rocks and debris that fly off the road, especially at high speeds, and hit your vehicle. These chips can damage your car’s paint, resulting in small, often sharp-edged dents. Over time, these can grow, especially if moisture seeps in, leading to rust and further degradation of the paint surface.
Can ceramic coating protect against rock chips?
When we talk about the modern marvels of automotive protection, ceramic coatings undoubtedly stand out. They are meticulously crafted to provide an exceptional shield against chemical contaminants, and harmful ultraviolet rays, and to ensure that vehicles retain a luminous high-gloss finish. However, when it comes to the sheer brute force of physical impacts, like those pesky rock chips that assail our cars on highways and roads, ceramic coatings have their limitations.
The intrinsic hardness of a ceramic coating service does lend a degree of resistance against minor abrasions and impacts. However, it doesn’t make your car’s exterior impervious to the onslaught of rock chips. While they can mitigate some damages, they are by no means a comprehensive solution to guard against these physical impacts fully.
For those who are seriously looking to combat the menace of rock chips, a paint protection film (PPF) emerges as the ideal candidate. PPF is engineered explicitly to absorb and deflect the energy from these impacts, providing a formidable defense against such adversities. So, while ceramic coatings bring a plethora of benefits to the table, for rock chip protection, PPF might be the way to go.
Can Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film (PPF) be Used Together?
Absolutely! Combining ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF) is like giving your vehicle an ultimate shield, both in terms of physical protection and finish enhancement. Let’s break down how they can work harmoniously together:
Base Layer – PPF
Start with the application of the PPF. It acts as the first line of defense against physical damages like rock chips, scratches, and minor abrasions. PPF is a thicker, clear material that adheres directly to your vehicle’s paint, providing a substantial protective layer against physical harm.
Top Layer – Ceramic Coating
Once the PPF is applied, a ceramic coating can be layered on top. The ceramic coating will bond with the surface of the PPF, providing its range of benefits. This not only amplifies the PPF’s protective qualities but also adds a hydrophobic effect, UV protection, chemical resistance, and a much-desired glossy finish.
Enhanced Durability
When used together, the longevity of both the PPF and the ceramic coating can be extended. The ceramic coating reduces the wear and tear on the PPF, and the PPF protects the paint underneath from potential damage, making for a synergistic relationship.
Ease of Maintenance
The hydrophobic nature of ceramic coatings ensures that water beads off the surface, making cleaning easier. This means that dirt and contaminants will have a harder time sticking to the PPF, keeping your car cleaner for more extended periods.
Versatility
Both PPF and ceramic coatings can be used on various parts of the vehicle. While PPF is often used on front-facing parts prone to rock chips (like the hood, front bumper, and side mirrors), ceramic coatings can be applied over the entire vehicle, including on top of the PPF, for a consistent, glossy finish.
In conclusion, not only can ceramic coatings and PPF be used together, but doing so provides a comprehensive protective solution for vehicles, ensuring both physical protection and aesthetic appeal are at their peak.
Where to find the best ceramic coating and PPF services in San Diego County
Keeping your car looking its best is a top priority for many people. For car owners in and around San Diego County, Neighborhood Mobile Detailing stands out as a trusted choice for top-notch ceramic coating serivce in San Diego. With a team of seasoned professionals, we use only the finest products to ensure your vehicle shines brilliantly while also being shielded from potential damage.
So, if you’re looking to give your vehicle the best protection and shine, give Neighborhood Mobile Detailing a call at +1 619-919-4516.
