When should you ceramic coat a new car?

If you're thinking about a ceramic coating for a new car, the best time to do it is in the first few weeks, before the car sees many washes or a Michigan winter.

Why sooner is better

• The paint is at its best. A new car has the least wear it will ever have. Coating it now locks in that finish.
• Less correction needed. Every wash, especially a brush car wash, adds swirls. The fewer the car has seen, the less polishing it needs before coating.
• Protection from day one. Bird droppings, tree sap, and brake dust can etch into bare clear coat in a matter of days during summer heat. A coating keeps them from bonding.

Why does a brand-new car need polishing?

This surprises a lot of people. New cars often arrive with light defects: marring from the dealer prep wash, holograms from a quick machine polish, transport film residue, or small scratches from the lot. Under our shop lights, they're usually easy to spot.

A coating seals in whatever is on the paint, so we always start with a decontamination wash, clay, and at least a light polish. On a new car, that's usually a one-step enhancement, not a full multi-step correction.

Dealer protection packages aren't the same thing

Many dealers offer a "paint protection package" at signing. These vary widely. Some are a sealant or wax-like product applied quickly on the lot, without paint correction, and they don't last like a professional ceramic coating. Ask exactly what product is being applied, how long it's rated for, and whether the paint is polished first.

Should you do PPF first?

If you're planning on paint protection film, do the film first, then coat the whole car, including over the film. That way the film stops rock chips on the front end, and the coating gives the entire car the same gloss and easy washing. We can do both in one visit.

Which coating?

• Autobahn Leicht is a 9H coating with a 3-year service life. A good fit for a lease or a car you'll have for a few years.
• Autobahn Keramik X is our 10H flagship with a 5-year service life and deeper gloss. The better choice for a car you're keeping.

Both include paint correction. See our coatings.

What if my car isn't new anymore?

That's fine. It just means more correction first. A car with a few years of washes and winters behind it usually needs a two-step correction to remove swirls before coating. The end result can look better than it did new.

Common questions

When should I ceramic coat a new car? As soon as possible, ideally in the first few weeks. The paint needs the least correction and gets protection from day one.

Does a new car need paint correction before coating? Usually a light one. New cars often have marring from dealer prep and transport. A coating seals in whatever is on the paint, so we polish first.

Is a dealer paint protection package the same as a ceramic coating? Not usually. Dealer packages vary and often skip paint correction. Ask what product is used and how long it's rated for.