The appearance of your vehicle will become simply amazing soon after applying the ceramic coating. Paint will become smooth, water will not stick to its surface and the shine is exceptional.
Nevertheless, one aspect, which is not known to many people, is that despite all its positive qualities the ceramic coating requires some sort of maintenance.
For that reason it is necessary to pay attention to the problem of Ceramic Coating Maintenance in India. The reasons for that include dust, pollution, bird droppings, hard water stains and even excessive sun exposure.
There is no need to worry about that because in order to prolong the life span of ceramic coating you do not have to spend much time and money on that.
Let us take a look at them.
Why Ceramic Coating Maintenance Matters?
The ceramic coating creates another protective layer over the paint of your car.
These layers will protect you from such dangers as:
UV-rays
Dust
Water spots
Road dirt
Bird droppings
Tree sap
Small chemicals
However, this protection cannot be invulnerable.
Regarding this aspect, the ceramic coating is similar to the sunscreen. It will protect your skin, but you will have to use it properly.
1. Wash Your Car Every Two Weeks
However, the biggest mistake that people make is cleaning their cars only when they become dirty.
What this means is that the dirt particles start accumulating on the surface of the car.
What needs to be done in this case is that the car needs to be washed every ten to fifteen days.
In case you stay in highly-polluted cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore, you need to wash your car weekly.
This is because an uncontaminated surface is very important for the effectiveness of the coat.
2. Always Use a pH-Neutral Car Shampoo
All the car shampoos do not work perfectly with a ceramic-coated car.
Too much detergent may end up destroying the coating eventually.
Go for a shampoo which is balanced and can be used on coated cars.
The dirt is cleaned without destroying the coating.
It does not have to contain harsh chemicals to clean it.
3. Avoid Household Cleaning Products
The use of these products like dishwasher soaps or household cleaning detergents may not be considered a threat at the onset.
This is quite common because of their ready availability.
But these detergents are made up to remove grease stains and not to protect automotive finishes.
These can affect the coating.
It would be better if one chooses the products meant for automotive cleaning only.
4. Dry Your Car Immediately After Washing
Many water sources in India contain minerals.
When water dries off on its own, white spots form.
The white spots tend to become permanent over time.
One must dry their glasses using a microfiber drying cloth after washing.
It only takes a few extra minutes.
5. Remove Bird Droppings and Tree Sap Quickly
It may be one of the most underrated maintenance tips.
The excretions from birds are very acidic.
The tree sap will become sticky once it dries up.
Either of the two will cause damage to your paint job if they stay on the surface for a few hours.
As soon as you see either one of them, clean it up immediately by using a microfiber towel and detailing spray.
6. Park in Covered Areas Whenever Possible
Weather in India is not always good for parked vehicles.
The sun, dust storms, rains, and falling leaves can all influence your car.
When ever possible, it is advisable that you park in:
Parking covered from top
Parking in basement
Car port
Under shaded and secure structure
A simple act like this keeps your vehicle protected from the environment on a daily basis.
The coating on your car remains clean for longer time.
7. Use the Two-Bucket Washing Method
That is the reason why professional detailers advise on using this technique.
You will require:
One bucket containing clean water with shampoo
Another bucket of pure water
Once you wipe the portion of the vehicle, rinse your wash mitt before you dip it again in the shampoo solution.
This lowers the risk of transferring the dirt to the paint.
8. Avoid Automatic Brush Car Washes
Automatic brush washers can be time-saving.
However, they are not ideal for cars that have ceramic coating.
The brush washers are known to collect dust and sand particles from the other cars.
These particles may cause swirl marks.
Manual washing is the most preferable method in such case.
In case you go for professional car washers, look for a detailer who knows ceramic coating.
9. Schedule an Annual Ceramic Coating Inspection
No matter how good your ceramic coating is, periodic inspection is always advisable.
A professional detailer can inspect for:
Water beading performance
Contamination on the surface
Coating condition
Areas requiring maintenance
On some occasions, application of a maintenance topper can revive the hydrophobic properties of your coating without recoating.
An annual inspection is recommended.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Ceramic Coating Life!
The minor errors lead to the most significant troubles.
Try not to engage in these actions:
Washing under the sun rays
Using unclean microfiber towels
Neglecting the water marks
Skipping the washing process regularly
Polishing with the help of harsh polishers
Allowing the mud to remain on the car for days
Wiping using rough materials
Such errors gradually diminish the coating's efficiency.
How Long Does Ceramic Coating Last in India?
This is among the most popular questions asked by many car owners.
The factors that determine the longevity of the coating include:
Quality of the product
Quality of installation
Weather conditions
Driving style
Maintenance schedule
It is estimated that the longevity of professionally installed ceramic coating ranges between two to five years if maintained properly.
Will Rain Affect Ceramic Coating?
No, it will not.
The ceramic coating is made to resist water.
Rain alone is not the problem.
The problem comes when there is the mixing of rainwater with pollution, dust, or hard water components.
After rain, washing the car within 1-2 days will help get rid of any residual materials.
That way, the coating remains active.
Is Pressure Washing Good?
It can be, depending on how you do it.
Moderate water pressure should be used.
The distance between the nozzle and the paint should be maintained.
Direct spray on panels joints and any damaged sections should be avoided.
The dirt will be washed away without much friction.
Can You Wax a Ceramic-Coated Car?
There is usually no need for the old wax product.
The ceramic coating will take care of the protection and the glossiness.
If the installer suggests that you should use maintenance sprays compatible with the coating, then just follow his advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times do I wash my car after coating with ceramics?
It would be enough to wash it one time in 10-15 days.
CARS that run daily in dusty cities need a weekly wash.
Does it protect against scratches?
Yes, it protects against light scratch marks called swirl marks.
But it cannot protect against deep scratches as they occur due to accidents or sharp objects.
Can I polish a car that has been coated by ceramic?
Since polishing eliminates some amount of the coat,
it is better to do it only when necessary and under professional guidance.
Is ceramic coating good for cars in India?
Yes.
Due to climatic conditions and pollution in India, ceramic coating is a good choice.
Can I wash my car at home?
Sure.
You just need the right shampoo for cars, good quality microfiber cloths, and correct washing techniques.
This method is far better than commercial brush washes.
Expert Advice for Better Ceramic Coating Care
According to professionals from both the automotive detailing world and ceramic coating companies, a simple maintenance program yields the best performance.
This involves:
Washing regularly
Drying safely
Using gentle products
Removing contaminants
Yearly inspection of the coating
Parking correctly
There is no need for an expensive one.
All that is needed is consistency.
Final Thoughts
The maintenance of your car’s ceramic coating is not very hard. In fact, it is far easier than most people think.
There are simple ways through which you can keep your car clean, shining and protected throughout the year. Washing, proper use of products, and decontamination will make a difference.
In case you have used the money to get ceramic coating for your car, then it becomes important
