How to Maintain Your Ceramic Coating

How to Maintain Your Ceramic Coating

You've made an outstanding investment in your vehicle's protection and it's appearance by adding a ceramic coating. You're already reaping the benefits of that amazing gloss, those wonderful water beads rolling right off, and how much easier it is to clean. But how do you achieve that "just detailed" look from a ceramic coating in years to come? 

Many people think a car coating is a set it and forget it application. Yes, a ceramic coating is extremely durable and provides a sacrificial layer of protection, but the maintenance of it's quality are what will maximize the lifespan and performance of any ceramic coating . If you neglect it, the hydrophobic properties will break down prematurely as well as the visual qualities of the vehicle. 

This guide will provide you with the dos and don'ts that will help your investment have the highest return possible. If you follow these guidelines, you should have a great experience out of ceramic coating on your vehicle for its entire life it is intended for.

The Foundation: The Two-Bucket Wash Method

If you learn only one thing today, let it be this. The number one method of washing your coated car is the two-bucket method. This method reduces the chance of inflicting swirls and fine scratches during the wash process:

• Bucket 1 (Wash): Filled with water and your pH-neutral car shampoo.
• Bucket 2 (Rinse): Filled with plain water.

The Process:

1. Take your clean microfiber wash mitt and dip it into the soap bucket.
2. Clean one panel of your vehicle (the roof, a door, etc.).
3. Before picking up more soap, rinse the dirty mitt well in the rinse bucket. You can observe dirt and grit rapidly rinse off and settle at the bottom.
4. Now that you have a clean mitt, return to the soap bucket and move to your next panel.

Pro-Tip: Insert Grit Guards in the bottom of both buckets.These plastic grates trap the dirt at the bottom of your bucket and prevent your mitt from picking up the dirt again.

The "Dos" of Ceramic Coating Maintenance

Follow this routine every 1-2 weeks, or as needed, to keep your coating in peak condition.

1. Choose the Right Soap

Always use a dedicated, pH-neutral car shampoo. Harsh, high-alcohol soaps or general purpose cleaners can remove the top layer of your coating, compromising its effectiveness and lifespan. Also, do not use any soaps or shampoos that contain wax or sealants, since this will clog the coating's pores and camouflage any of its true hydrophobic properties.

2. Wash from the Roof Down

Always start from the roof, and wash from the roof to the bottom of the vehicle. The bottom of the vehicle (the rocker panels and bumpers) gets the dirtiest, so washing the bottom last allows you to wash dirt off without dragging that heavier grit or dirt across the cleaner, more visible panels (like the hood and doors).

3. Use High-Quality Microfiber

Your wash media and drying towels are critical.

• For Washing: Use a plush microfiber wash mitt instead of a sponge. Sponges will trap dirt in the flat surface of the sponge, which you will drag across your paint.
• For Drying: Use a quality microfiber drying towel, which is dedicated to drying. Using a large "twist loop" or "waffle weave" towel is a great choice for drying and absorbance. Another great touchless method is to use a car specific air blower, which takes drying to another level and completely removes the threat of scratching while drying.

4. Periodically Use a Coating "Booster"

Every couple months or as recommended by the coating’s manufacturer, apply a (silicon dioxide) based spray sealant or detailer. These products are formulated to refresh your ceramic coating, recharging its hydrophobic properties while providing added slickness and gloss. Think of it like a tune up for your coating.

The "Don'ts": What to Absolutely Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes is just as important as your wash routine.

1. Avoid Automatic Car Washes 

This is one of the biggest sins for coated car care. The brushes in a tunnel wash are very abrasive and can produce swirl marks and scratches. Also, the water used is typically recycled and harsh chemical detergents erode your coating. Hand washing is the best option. 

2. Avoid Washing in Direct Sunlight or Even When the Surface is Hot 

When washing a hot panel, the water and soap will evaporate almost immediately and leave it with stubborn water spots and soap residue that will be challenging to remove. Always wash in the shade or on a cooler part of the day such as the early morning or late evening. 

3. Avoid Letting Contaminants Sit 

One inherent benefit of having a ceramic coating is how it protects your clear coat from any negative effects from environmental contaminants. Though, that does not mean it is completely immune to contaminants such as bird droppings, bug guts, and tree sap if they stay baked in the sun all day. You should take care to remove these as soon as possible upon noticing with quick detailers and a soft microfiber towel.

4. AVOID DRY-WIPING YOUR CAR

If you notice a light film of dust on your car do not think about drying off the towel and wiping the dust away. You will essentially be rubbing sandpaper on your finish. You will drag particles across the surface and create micro-swirls and scratches. If you have dust on your vehicle that means it needs a safe, proper wash.

Secure Your Investment

Ceramic coatings are the height of paint protection technology. Their unrivaled gloss, protective abilities, and ease of maintenance are all reasons to follow these simple maintenance steps so you can enjoy ceramic protection for years to come. A little bit of maintaining your ceramic coating the right way and your car will look better than new, while protecting your vehicle's value. 

Are you ready to get started? 

Whether you need professional-grade maintenance products or are looking to schedule a professional maintenance wash with our in-house professionals, Carheroz is your trusted location for car care. We have everything you need to protect your investment and keep your car looking showroom ready.

Visit Carheroz today to shop our premium detailing supplies or book your next service. Your car deserves a hero!