Guide
Is a ceramic coating worth it on a new car?
What a ceramic coating does and doesn't do for a new car, how it compares with wax and sealants, what it costs in Sheffield and when to book it.
By Cameron Duffy, founder of DRC Car Care5 min read
For most people who plan to keep a new car for more than a couple of years, yes. A ceramic coating keeps the paint glossy, makes washing quicker and adds a layer of protection the factory finish doesn't have. It isn't armour, though, and it's only worth it if the paint is properly prepared first.
New car paint isn't as perfect as it looks
Most new cars go through a dealer prep wash before handover, and those washes regularly leave light swirls. Cars also pick up fallout and residue in transport and storage. On top of that, factory clear coats are thinner than they used to be, so they mark more easily.
None of that is obvious in a showroom. It shows up the first time you see the car in low winter sun.
What a coating does
- Gloss that lasts: the coating forms a hard, glossy layer over the clear coat.
- Easier washing: dirt struggles to bond, so a hand wash brings the car straight back.
- Water behaviour: water beads and sheets off instead of sitting on the paint.
- Resistance to everyday muck: bird droppings, tar and road grime are less able to bite into the clear coat.
What it doesn't do
- It won't stop stone chips. That's what paint protection film is for.
- It won't stop scratches from bad washing. Automatic car washes and dirty sponges still mark coated paint.
- It isn't maintenance-free. You still wash the car; it's just much easier.
Coating vs wax vs sealant
| Protection | Typically lasts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wax | A few weeks | A warm glow, but it wears off quickly in British weather. |
| Ceramic sealant | Around 3 months | What we finish our deep clean and exterior valet with. |
| Ceramic coating (Reign) | Rated for 7 years | Bonds to the clear coat. Applied after polishing. |
What our New Car Protection includes
Our New Car Protection package is a full wash, chemical decontamination, a clay bar and a light machine polish to take out any dealer marks, then Reign's 7-year ceramic coating on the paint and the wheel faces. Glass coating is available as an upgrade. It's done at our unit in Sheffield, takes 10 to 14 hours and starts at £450 for a small car, £500 for medium, £550 for a large car or SUV and £650 for a 7-seater or van.
When to book it
As soon as you can after collecting the car, ideally before its first winter and before anyone takes it through an automatic car wash. The less it's been used, the less polishing it needs before the coating goes on.
Looking after it
Wash it by hand with a pH neutral shampoo and the two bucket method, and keep it out of automatic car washes. Or put it on a maintenance valet every 4 to 6 weeks and we'll look after it for you.