December 23, 2024
Car

Is It Worth It To Ceramic Coat Your Tesla? Cons and Pros

You’ve come to the perfect spot if you’re considering ceramic coating. Here are all the frequently asked questions regarding ceramic coating your automobile that I receive. 

Words relating to ceramic coating

Unclog – Occasionally, ceramic coating may seem to be malfunctioning or to be deteriorating, but in reality, you just need to unclog the coating. The properties will resurface after performing a decontamination wash.

Etching – If you leave bird faeces, dead bugs, tree sap, wet spots, etc. on your paint or coating for a long enough time, it will etch into the surface. Later, the top will get damaged due to the acid or minerals in the substances, staining it. Wash your automobile every few weeks to minimise this damage as the only method to remove these etchings is to polish.

Water stains – Water contains minerals. The minerals remain when it is left on your automobile, but the water evaporates. These annoying water stains will get etched into your clear coat or ceramic coating if you don’t dry your automobile.

Hydrophobicity is a characteristic of ceramic coatings. Water is rejected, resulting in the formation of droplets that slide off surfaces.

High Spots – A high spot develops when a ceramic coating is improperly levelled and/or polished. They resemble black streaks or spots. So that you can see them straight away, it’s crucial to coat in decent lighting. You will need to polish them out if you find them after it has already been cured.

Ceramic Coating: What is it?

The clear layer of the paint is chemically bonded with the ceramic coating, which is a liquid that is applied to the surface of your automobile. It’s a very thin layer that, in essence, puts a second, tougher, more lasting clear coat on top of your paint. Its function is to provide an additional layer of UV protection and crazily high hydrophobicity. Teslas’ paint is very thin and extremely soft. Teslas have paint that is between 0.5 to 4mm thick all around, as opposed to conventional vehicles that have a paint thickness of 6 to 12mm. Because some panels have thicker paint than others, the range exists. But since hardness is the only factor that matters, ceramic coating scarcely adds any thickness. 

What are the benefits of ceramic coating?    

  • It shields you from the sun’s rays and the weather. This comprises accumulated dirt and filth, stains, tree sap, bird droppings, pests, etc. 
  • Significant hydrophobicity makes cleaning considerably simpler. 
  • gives off a really shiny, polished appearance that brings out the finest in the colour of your paint or wrap. 
  • The coating won’t harm your original paint, so you can properly buff it off.
  • What makes ceramic coating a bad idea?  

Despite the coating’s hardness, it is not resistant to rock chips, swirl marks, or scratches.  To deal with such issues, PPF is necessary since it adds 8–12 mils of durable film. That is at least two times as thick as your paint. Click here to learn more about Tesla Model 3 accessories in North Sydney

Even while it has hydrophobic qualities, you are still not excused from washing your automobile. The weather and water spots may etch into the coating of your automobile if it isn’t properly cleaned and dried, just as they can with paint. However, because the surface naturally repels water, there will probably be fewer stains than if you didn’t have the coating. 

What is the duration of it?

Its rating typically ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on how well the coating is maintained. Simply said, where you park, how severe the weather is, and how often you wash your vehicle all have an impact on the lifespan of your coating.  

How is ceramic coating maintained?

The finest method to wash your automobile is by hand. Find out more about the two bucket approach here.

I advise washing every two to three weeks. 

Get rid of any bird dung or sap as soon as you notice it. I spot clean using our waterless vehicle wash, which I keep in my driver door. This keeps your vehicle looking beautiful between car washes so that you don’t feel obligated to have a thorough wash every week. 

Use a pH-neutral shampoo without any added wax instead of harsh shampoo or chemicals to clean it. By reducing the hydrophobic qualities, wax may end up making the surface dirtier. 

If you get it done in a shop, enquire about any warranty plans that allow for yearly maintenance and touch-ups. In the event that it seems the coating’s hydrophobic qualities have lessened, they may also provide advise on how to unclog it.  

What must be completed prior to ceramic coating?

  • Even if the automobile is brand new, you should still check the paint for flaws, scratches, swirls, and chips. These will need paint touch-ups or corrections. 
  • You must do a thorough decontamination wash. Find out more about getting your automobile ready here. 
  • The better the coating will be applied and the longer it will endure, the more preparation and work you perform up front.
  • The cost of the setup increases with the amount of preparation required.  
  • What is the price?

As was already indicated, the more preparation work (paint correction, paint touch-up, cleaning, etc.), the more expensive it is. 

It may cost anything from $600 and $2000, depending on where you are and how much work has to be done. 

By doing it yourself, you can save money.

Can you DIY ceramic coating?

  • Some coatings are more straightforward to apply than others. GYEON MOHS EVO is a fantastic option if you want to give it a try. If you’re curious, we have a video that explains the procedure. I’ve applied numerous coatings, but this one is much more DIY-friendly since it’s less likely to go wrong. 
  • Despite the fact that two coatings are possible, only one is essential.
  • There is less likelihood of high spots since the interval between wiping down and polishing is greater.  
  • PPF or ceramic coating: which is better?

PPF offers superior protection against pebbles and scratches. It has the capacity to cure itself. This is a fantastic option if you drive a lot. 

Ceramic coating is beneficial for enhancing the gloss of your paint and making your automobile simpler to clean. 

Both are possible! They each have excellent traits that may be combined for the greatest result.  Nowadays, PPF has a hydrophobic coating on top, but it only lasts for roughly three months. Ceramic coating may be applied on top if you want it to endure for years. Before making a choice, keep in mind that although PPF may be placed on top of ceramic coating, the reverse is not true. You must remove the ceramic coating first if you subsequently decide that you want PPF. 

Consider your needs, wants, and financial capabilities before deciding which kind of protection is appropriate for you.