[Yuille36]

Originally Posted by snareman

Just be careful about going to the touchless wash too often because they use high pH soaps which can wear down on the ceramic coating.

Yes, I'm aware of this issue. Covered in my warranty for the 9H ceramic coating it covers getting the coating reapplied every two years for $400 So, technically this shouldn't be an issue. But I do understand what your saying.
It could become an issue if, I was to wash the car every single week. But only when it's needed like now with all this salt on the roads here in Virginia. We are expecting to get some more snow tonight, so I will likely get it washed when the roads dry out again next week.

[Dad of Two]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

Yes, I'm aware of this issue. Covered in my warranty for the 9H ceramic coating it covers getting the coating reapplied every two years for $400 So, technically this shouldn't be an issue. But I do understand what your saying.
It could become an issue if, I was to wash the car every single week. But only when it's needed like now with all this salt on the roads here in Virginia. We are expecting to get some more snow tonight, so I will likely get it washed when the roads dry out again next week.

Where in VA are the touch less car washes?? I’m in VA also and can’t find a car wash that doesn’t use brushes….and with the salt on the roads right now I’m getting antsy to get it off my new X5.

Thank you

[Emily172013]

Don't forget that commercial car washers use recycled water, so in wintertime you're getting saltwater sprayed into areas it didn't reach before.

[EvasiveF87]

Detailer here.

Ceramic coatings are a maintenance boost but not a maintenance replacement. Just like your paints natural clearcoat, the ceramic coating can and will become contaminated and "clogged" overtime regardless of how often you're washing it. You then expedite this process with a car that's daily driven, especially one during the winter.

I will never suggest against ceramic coatings as they are a great way to protect your investment but do note that continuous maintenance and upkeep is required to keep them in standing shape.

No visits through touch washes, being adamant about the dealer not washing the car, visiting your detailer every 8 - 12 months for a decon wash, etc. I would even go as far as suggesting against regular use of touchless washes as they use very concentrated products that will diminish the coating overtime.

Just some food for thought. I also wouldn't pay anywhere near $2,000 for a coating. That's highway robbery. You should be able to find a reputable mobile or shop in your area to do it for $800 - $1,200. Anything more and you're wasting money.

[EvasiveF87]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

Yes, I'm aware of this issue. Covered in my warranty for the 9H ceramic coating it covers getting the coating reapplied every two years for $400 So, technically this shouldn't be an issue. But I do understand what your saying.
It could become an issue if, I was to wash the car every single week. But only when it's needed like now with all this salt on the roads here in Virginia. We are expecting to get some more snow tonight, so I will likely get it washed when the roads dry out again next week.

Detailer here, also from VA so hello haha

Just curious, what is your car coated with? In the 4-5 years I've been doing this I have never heard of a coating that needs to be re-applied every 2 years. Especially not one that requires that to maintain warranty. That makes no sense both from an installer perspective and a consumer perspective.

To re-apply a ceramic coating you have to machine polish the vehicle. That is how a prior ceramic is removed. You can't slap it on overtop of a pre-existing ceramic coating. The pre-existing ceramic coating (even if not showing hydrophobic properties) is still there and will reject that additional layer. With most coatings you have do to an annual decon wash and during that time the car may be gently clay'd and a sealant applied but that's standard maintenance.

Then brings the question as to why your detailer is suggesting to have your car machine polished every two years... you only have so much clearcoat. Seems a bit careless. If they're not polishing your car every two years and they're charging you for additional "layers" of a ceramic coating you're getting scammed.

Edit: I see you mean't due to the degradation of touchless washes. I'd still be careful with having your car polished that frequently. If what's on there is a good coating they are more likely than not using a cut and polish combo to get it off.

[IanH]

Ceramic Pro does this BS warranty that forces you to get a coating refresh every year, pretty sure I have heard of another that requires every other year. Just a cash grab but I guess its good for people who abuse their cars and just want someone else to handle it once in a while.

An honest detailer will just tell you "this could last 2 years, this could last 5 if you do a good job caring for it, eventually it will have to be re-coated" This is true of any and every quality ceramic coating.

Also, 9H hardness claims are kinda universally BS and shouldnt really be used as any kind of metric if a coating is good. "9H" is a pencil hardness equivalent to about 2.5 mohs hardness, and your fingernail is about as hard as 9H, almost anything the car will come into contact with is harder. These dishonest companies claim 9H like its equivalent to just below diamonds.