Investing in a ceramic coating for your vehicle is a great choice for long-lasting protection and an unparalleled shine. However, many car owners overlook the essential aspect of regular maintenance to ensure the coating's longevity and effectiveness. A yearly maintenance wash is not only crucial in upholding the beauty, durability, and overall performance of your ceramic coating, but also required in order to keep the warranty in check. In this blog post, we'll look at the significance of yearly maintenance and why it should be an integral part of your vehicle care routine.
What is a maintenance wash?
Our basic maintenance wash process generally takes 2-4 hours to complete and will bring your ceramic coating back to life. We start with a foam cannon pre-soak that removes mineral deposits and breaks down build up and contamination. Next, we pre-soak with iron remover, and again with soap, hand wash the vehicle, and rinse it thoroughly. The vehicle receives a clay treatment to remove any remaining contaminants, is toweled and air dried, then receives an application of System X TopCoat, which adds an additional layer of protection and “tops off” the ceramic coating. The tires are also treated with tire gel during this process, which helps prevent your sidewalls from cracking, fading, and rehydrates the rubber – it also looks great!
In addition, many of our customers take this opportunity to have us complete an interior cleaning while we have the vehicle. We have a level 1 and level 2 interior detail, depending on how deep of a clean is needed! Check out our packages here for more information!
Benefits of a maintenance wash:
Preserving the Coating's Hydrophobic Properties:
One of the most notable benefits of a ceramic coating is its hydrophobic nature, meaning it repels water and other liquids, and helps make the surface easier to clean. Over time, environmental pollutants, dirt, and grime can accumulate on the coating's surface, diminishing its hydrophobic properties. A yearly maintenance wash helps remove these contaminants, allowing the coating to maintain its water-repelling characteristics. This ensures that water, mud, and other substances slide off easily, keeping your vehicle cleaner and reducing the chances of stains and etching.
Preventing Paint Damage:
Regular exposure to the elements can subject your vehicle's paintwork to various risks such as UV radiation, acid rain, bird droppings, and tree sap. Without a proper maintenance wash, these contaminants can deteriorate the coating's protective layer and potentially harm the underlying paint. By scheduling a yearly maintenance wash, you remove these harmful substances promptly, preventing them from causing lasting damage to your vehicle's exterior.
Restoring Gloss and Shine:
Over time, even the most durable ceramic coatings can lose some of their original luster due to exposure to sunlight, environmental pollutants, and general wear
and tear. A yearly maintenance wash involves thorough cleaning and decontamination processes that help restore the coating's gloss and shine. Additionally, our maintenance wash process provides an extra layer of protection and enhances the coating's visual appeal, and further rejuvenates its appearance.
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness:
While some car owners might consider yearly maintenance washes as an additional expense, they are, in fact, a wise investment in the long run. By preserving the durability and effectiveness of your ceramic coating, you can avoid premature degradation, which would require a costly reapplication. Regular maintenance washes, when done correctly, extend the lifespan of the coating, saving you money on unnecessary repairs or re-coating.
Professional Detailing vs. DIY:
Performing a maintenance wash on your vehicle may seem like a task you can tackle yourself, but it's important to note that our professional detailing services offer an unmatched level of expertise, application, equipment, and high-quality products. Our detailers possess the knowledge and experience to properly maintain ceramic coatings without causing any unintended damage. They can identify specific contaminants, use specialized tools, and apply industry-approved techniques to achieve optimal results. While a DIY approach can be cost-effective, professional detailing ensures the best outcome for your ceramic coating.
A yearly maintenance wash is an indispensable aspect of caring for your ceramic-coated vehicle. By preserving its hydrophobic properties, preventing paintwork damage, restoring gloss, and promoting long-term cost-effectiveness, this simple yet crucial step ensures that your investment in a ceramic coating remains worthwhile. Maximize the longevity and performance of your ceramic-coated vehicle for years and book your maintenance wash today!