Paint protection – is it worth the money?

Your decision-making doesn't stop when you buy a new car. You’ll likely be tempted or encouraged to purchase several add-ons, from smaller accessories such as floor mats and headlight protectors to – at the grander end of the scale – paint protection. The latter, at face value, seems to make sense. Fixing a car's paint can cost upwards of several thousands of dollars, especially in the case of a full respray. So, what does paint protection actually involve and is it worth it?

The concept of applying paint protection to a car is simple. The car is cloaked in an invisible coating that protects it from environmental contaminants like dirt, bird droppings, UV damage and smaller chips and scratches. It stays in better condition for longer, maximising your car's resale value and helping you avoid the cost of paint repairs.

There are two types of paint protection: ceramic or film. Ceramic products are applied as a liquid to your car's paint and dry to form a hard, glass-like and long-lasting coating. Some products are claimed to offer protection for up to 10 years or more. Ceramic coatings are also hydrophobic, meaning they prevent dust and water from attaching to the surface, so a car will not only stay cleaner but will be easier to clean.

Paint-protection film, meanwhile, is a clear urethane substance that protects your car from the same environmental contaminants as a ceramic coating while offering more robust chip/scratch protection – some are even self-healing and will return to their original form after being scratched. Films are commonly applied to high-risk areas – think front bumpers and bonnets – but wrapping a whole car is also possible.

Within these two basic categories you'll find myriad products of varied cost and ability, making research vital if you want the best outcome for your car.

Your car's paint already has a protective clear-coat layer and it's also covered by warranty for major issues, which means additional paint protection just isn't necessary for many drivers. A car that's garaged, driven around the suburbs and washed and polished regularly is unlikely to suffer from paint issues during the average ownership span and even beyond.

There are, however, scenarios where added protection could potentially justify the expense. Maybe you hang onto a vehicle for longer than the average driver, or regularly park your car where it's exposed to the sun, elements and bird droppings. Perhaps you do a lot of highway or dirt driving and are at a high risk of stone chips. Or maybe you'd just like your car to look newer for longer with less washing and maintenance.

Even if you do think you need additional paint protection, don't immediately sign up for what the dealer is offering you. Today's paint-protection market is competitive, with a wide array of different products available and a large aftermarket industry catering to them all. You may well be able to get a better deal on the same level of protection by calling some car detailers and seeing what they can do. DIY paint-protection is also an option. While you're not going to achieve the same quality or longevity as a professional application, a DIY application will still give your paint more protection than nothing at all while saving you a lot of money.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}