Ceramic Coating
Ceramic Coating on a New Car: Is It Worth It?
Blackout Window Tinting
7 min read
Should you ceramic coat a brand new car? Learn the benefits, optimal timing, and whether dealer ceramic coating is worth the markup vs professional shops.
Why New Cars Are IDEAL for Ceramic Coating
A brand new car is actually the perfect candidate for ceramic coating. Here's why.
Benefits of Coating a New Car
1. Minimal Paint Correction Needed
New paint (under 100 miles) typically needs only:
- Light decontamination wash
- Clay bar treatment
- One-step polishing
This means lower cost compared to correcting years of swirl marks.
2. Maximum Protection Lifespan
Coating fresh paint means:
- No pre-existing damage to seal in
- Full durability potential
- Better long-term appearance
3. Easier Maintenance From Day One
With coating applied immediately:
- Every wash is easier
- Contamination washes off
- Bird droppings clean easily
- No damage ever accumulates
The First Wash Matters
Most new car damage happens in the first few months:
- Dealer "prep" - Harsh chemicals, quick washes
- First owner washes - Wrong techniques
- Automatic car washes - Swirls and scratches
Ceramic coating protects against all of this.
Dealer Ceramic Coating: Avoid It
Why we don't recommend dealer ceramic:
| Issue | Reality |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,500-2,500 markup |
| Product | Often consumer-grade |
| Prep | Minimal or rushed |
| Warranty | Short or vague terms |
| Installers | Not specialized |
Dealers outsource to the lowest bidder or use in-house detailers with basic training.
Professional shop advantages:
- Controlled environment
- Specialized equipment
- Premium products
- Detailed prep work
- Clear warranty terms
Optimal Timing for New Cars
Best: Within 1-2 weeks of delivery
Why timing matters:
- Less contamination accumulates
- No wash-induced swirls yet
- Minimal paint correction needed
- Full warranty from install date
Wait too long and:
- Tree sap, bird droppings cause damage
- Automatic washes create swirls
- Industrial fallout embeds
- Correction costs increase
Cost Comparison: New vs Used Cars
| Vehicle Age | Typical Prep Needed | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New (< 100 mi) | Light polish | $1,200-1,800 |
| 6 months | One-step correction | $1,400-2,000 |
| 1-2 years | Two-step correction | $1,600-2,400 |
| 3+ years | Multi-stage correction | $2,000-3,000+ |
Coating a new car saves money compared to waiting.
Combining with PPF
For maximum protection on new cars, consider:
- PPF on high-impact areas (hood, bumper, mirrors)
- Ceramic coating over PPF and entire car
This provides impact protection WHERE you need it and coating protection everywhere.
Our New Car Package
Includes:
- Full decontamination
- Light paint enhancement
- 5-year ceramic coating
- Glass coating
- Wheel face coating
Starting at $1,400 for sedans
📞 Just bought a new car? Schedule within 2 weeks for best results.
