Ceramic Coating Cars, Worth it, or Snake Oil?

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Is ceramic coating a new vehicle worth the money or "snake oil". Is a good wash and wax with a quality productive all that you need?

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Is it a professionally prepped and applied product, or the dealership add-on package? Dealerships will apply a “spray-on” ceramic coating, which is really just a modified sealant. It’s certainly not worth the price they charge.

A true ceramic coating with a polish, prep, and detailer application is a very high quality finish that will last a long time (if properly cared for) and make the vehicle easier to maintain.

Not all “ceramic coatings” are created equal. Unfortunately, it’s become a marketing phrase to upsell.

Take it for what is is worth, as someone who has painted and kept up vehicles for a living. It is snake oil! Wash and wax it once or twice a year and you will get better service out of your paint. Again take for what is worth!

I get my ceramics and quartzes at geaux clean

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I get my ceramics and quartzes at geaux clean

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I do too but I don’t know what it does.

Not snake oil if you understand what you are actually getting.

Anyone that says that your car will never scratch and you never have to wash your car again with a ceramic coating is 100% full of shite.

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Makes the paint pop, hardens the clearcoat to protect from surface scratches,

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Yeah…no

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Arent there specific ways to clean the vehicle if it does have ceramic coating already?

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Not really. You just aren't really supposed to take ceramic coated vehicles through automated car washes. They can scratch the coating.

Even touchless car washes use harsh chemicals that will reduce the life of the coating.

I use a foam canon on mine then a 2 bucket wash. I use the hose on a trickle to sheet most of the water off. Then I dry with my cordless blower and wipe down with a good detail spray.

I would do the same if I didn't have a coating.

I don't know of a way to tell whether or not you have a coating.

I regret getting mine but 1) I waited too long to get mine applied and already had issues with the paint and 2) I don't keep my car in the garage or wash it regularly so it looks like a dirty car 95% of the time. The $3k I spent could've paid for a lot of wash and wax over the last 5 years and my car would probably look better for it. Still, if you take care of your car, ceramic is still a good investment.

What would your process be for a brand new vehicle?

I'm "practicing" on my truck before I do my wifes car. I have over spray on it, last night I washed my hood, clay-bar, washed, waxed (McQuires Brazilian Carnuba), and buffed it out. I think I need to polish it though. It doesn't have that deep shine. It doesn't have any surface scratches or swirls though.