New car is being delivered soon. Local car wash is charging $450 to wash, polish and then ceramic coat the car or $300 if I BYO own ceramic. $450 seems pretty cheap for ceramic coating compared to other places (all were charging over $1k) - is there something I'm missing here? I did see one of the cars they were working on at the moment and the paint looked really quite nice (to my untrained eye) for a few years old car.
Also any suggestions for the BYO ceramic?
I did read those first before posting. Note, my question isn't about whether the ceramic coating is worth it. It's about whether my local car wash at that price point is worth it and seeking recommendations for the ceramic product I should provide them with.
It's about whether my local car wash at that price point is worth it
How do we know the quality of "your local car wash"? How are their reviews? Do you expect them to honour warranty issues, or even be around long enough for warranty? Are they a franchise business or a 2-bit operation? Are they trained workers or just teenagers?
Etc etc
If you don't know the product they are using how can you know if it's worth it.
There's a sizeable price range difference between diy available ceramic coatings and higher end ones (and resulting 'lifespan' given in 'guarantees')
No way they are doing a job comparable to a proper detailer with paint correction $450
I've got ceramic on one car and diy'd a turtle wax protection later option on another. Couldn't justify the 'ceramic' cost on the new car and don't mind doing some diy regular wash and maintenance anyway.
The $1k+ places do a proper paint correction first; that's where most of the time and effort go. If you're going to do it, do it properly. I got both my cars done a few years ago and no ragrats.
The cost is largely in the paint correction (which if done properly can take upwards of 8+ hours on a used car), a brand new car shouldn't need more than a very light buff.
$450 sounds about right as long as they use decent stuff.
a brand new car shouldn't need more than a very light buff.
Even brand new cars should get a claybar
Off-topic: What car do you drive atm?
I don't 😉
If it's too good to be true….
My Audi SQ5 cost $1,500 for the ceramic coating. I called several places and this is the cheapest. No way they can do it for $450. Takes a guy the whole day and material cost is expensive.
Choosing ceramic coating at a local car wash instead of going to a professional detailer is like opting for fast food instead of a gourmet restaurant.
When you go for ceramic coating at a local car wash, it's like grabbing a quick meal at a fast-food joint. It's convenient, easily accessible, and can provide some level of satisfaction. However, the quality and attention to detail may be lacking. The ceramic coating applied at a car wash is often a generic, one-size-fits-all solution that may not offer the same level of durability and protection as a specialized product applied by a professional detailer.
On the other hand, going to a professional detailer for ceramic coating is akin to dining at a gourmet restaurant. Just as a renowned chef carefully selects the finest ingredients and crafts a masterpiece, a professional detailer meticulously prepares your car's surface and uses premium ceramic coating products. The result is a higher level of craftsmanship, durability, and a more refined finish that can withstand the test of time and environmental factors.
While fast food is convenient and budget-friendly, it doesn't offer the same level of quality and satisfaction as a gourmet restaurant. Similarly, the ceramic coating applied at a local car wash may be a quick fix, but it may not provide the same level of protection and longevity as the specialized treatment provided by a professional detailer. So, if you want the best possible results and are willing to invest in your car's appearance and preservation, choosing a professional detailer for ceramic coating is the way to go.
TLDR: If you're going to a local car wash for ceramic coating, just don't bother, you're literally wasting your money.
If you're handy and willing to put in a bit of work, the cquartz 3.0 kit is amazing - have DIYd it on a few cars now
Same here, I have applied ceramic coating on two vehicles, preparation is the key to success though.
Just a warning,do not use the ‘Ming Mole’ at the dealership for ceramic coating if you want it done.Go to a third party, like a professional detailing company.
Not like this has ever been asked before…