It’s in everybody’s best interest to protect the paint of their car, especially if they’re buying new. Your car’s paint is actually one of its most expensive features. In the past, it was cheaper to conduct paint and bodywork than it was to do engine and mechanical work: but the tables have turned and it’s now pretty pricey to do anything involved with paint.
So, given that it’s a big deal, we come to the question of ‘paint protection’: the two words you’ll hear your dealer say pretty much immediately after you’ve agreed to buy a car from them. What’s the story here? Are they having you on, or is it worth it? Let’s find out.
Wax, paint sealants or ceramic and glass coatings
There are three big types of ‘paint protection’ which your dealer might offer you. Wax is a cheap and easy way to ‘protect’ your paint – not from scratching, but from getting dirt stuck to it. Yes, it makes your car look shiny and nice, but it’s something you can easily do at home and save heaps of money on.Paint sealants are the next step up. These last about 6 months and also help to repel dirt and give a better shine to your vehicle. They’re good at what they do, but they don’t protect your paint from scratching – just dirt and grime.
Ceramic or glass coatings are the top tier of paint protection, and they’re usually what the dealer is trying to push on you when they offer ‘paint protection’. Why? Well, they’ll tell you it’s scratch resistant and that it lasts a whole lifetime. The truth is: no, it’s not and no, it won’t. These coatings are good at giving your car a shiny look, but don’t protect your car from scratches and only last a couple of years, max. So, while you may be keen on having a great looking car for that period of time, don’t be fooled into believing that ceramic and glass coatings act as a scratch-proof cloak.
How do you truly prevent your car from scratches?
We’re glad you asked us this, because we’ve been dying to tell you the secret. The way you prevent your car from scratches is: don’t scratch it. Or, insure the heck out of it so that, if it does get scratched, you’re totally covered.So, here’s the verdict: paint protection doesn’t really protect your paint from anything other than dirt and dust, but that may not mean that it’s not worth buying. It’s all about what kind of deal the dealership is offering! To find the best deal on your next car, talk to the champions at Carbroker.com.au. As Australia’s leading bunch of car brokers, they’re driven to get you the best car for the best price. Get in touch with Carbroker.com.au and start looking today!