Is Tesla Ceramic Coating Worth It? Pros And Cons

If you’re considering Tesla Ceramic Coating, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. Curious about what ceramic coating can do for your vehicle? Here are the answers to the most common questions about Tesla Ceramic Coating.

Terms Associated with Tesla Ceramic Coating

Unclog – Ever noticed your ceramic coating looking dull or ineffective? It might just be clogged. A thorough decontamination wash can often bring it back to life, restoring its protective properties and shine.

Etching – Beware of bird droppings, dead bugs, tree sap, and water spots. These contaminants, if left on your car’s surface for too long, can etch into the paint or coating. The acids or minerals within them break down the top layer, leading to stains. The only way to remove these etchings is through polishing. To keep your car looking its best, wash it every couple of weeks.

Water Spots – When water evaporates on your car, it leaves behind minerals that can stubbornly mark your clear coat or ceramic coating. Without thorough drying, these spots can become etched into the surface.

Hydrophobic – A key feature of ceramic coating is its hydrophobic property, which repels water. This causes water droplets to bead up and effortlessly roll off the surface, maintaining a cleaner car for longer periods.

High Spots – Improper application or buffing of ceramic coating can result in high spots. These appear as dark patches or streaks on the surface. It’s essential to apply the coating under proper lighting conditions to immediately identify and address any high spots. If high spots are discovered after curing, they will require polishing to achieve a smooth, flawless finish.

What is Tesla Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a liquid applied to your car’s surface, where it hardens and forms a chemical bond with the paint’s clear coat. This process creates an ultra-thin yet highly durable layer that offers enhanced hardness and durability. The primary advantages include providing UV protection and exceptional hydrophobic properties, repelling water, and keeping your car cleaner for longer periods. Teslas, with their notably soft and thin paint—ranging from 0.5 to 4mm across various panels—benefit significantly from the ceramic coating. Unlike conventional clear coats, which can measure 6-12mm thick on other vehicles, the ceramic coating adds minimal thickness, focusing instead on bolstering surface hardness.

Why choose Tesla Ceramic Coating?

Provides a shield against UV rays and various environmental elements including dirt, grime, stains, tree sap, bird droppings, and bugs.

Enhanced hydrophobic properties make cleaning easier and more efficient.

Achieves a glossy, polished appearance that enhances the color and finish of your paint or wrap.

Protects your OEM paint from potential damage; if necessary, it can be professionally polished to maintain its pristine condition.

Why might you reconsider Tesla Ceramic Coating?

While it provides a hard layer of protection, the ceramic coating does not guard against scratches, swirl marks, or rock chips. For comprehensive protection against these, Paint Protection Film (PPF) is recommended, offering a robust film that is 8-12 mil thick—twice the thickness of standard paint.

Despite its impressive hydrophobic properties, the ceramic coating does not exempt your vehicle from regular washing. Improper washing techniques can still lead to etching caused by environmental elements and water spots, similar to what can occur with untreated paint. However, thanks to its water-repelling capabilities, ceramic coating generally results in fewer spots compared to untreated surfaces.

How long does Tesla Ceramic Coating last?

The durability of ceramic coating generally ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on how well it is maintained. Factors such as your car washing routine, where you park, and the weather conditions significantly impact the longevity of the coating.

How do you maintain Tesla Ceramic Coating?

Hand washing is the best method for keeping your car clean.

It’s advisable to wash every 2-3 weeks to maintain its optimal condition.

Quickly remove bird droppings or tree sap to prevent potential damage.

Use a pH-neutral shampoo without wax additives to avoid diminishing hydrophobic properties and attracting dirt.

Explore if the shop provides warranty packages for annual inspections and touch-ups. They can also assist in rejuvenating the coating’s hydrophobic capabilities when necessary.

What do you need to do before you ceramic coat?

Even on a new car, it’s essential to inspect the paint carefully for defects such as scratches, swirls, and chips. These imperfections will need to be corrected through paint correction or touch-ups.

Perform a comprehensive decontamination wash to remove any residues or contaminants from the car’s surface.

investing more time and effort in preparation upfront ensures a better application of the coating and enhances its longevity.

Remember, the more extensive the preparation needed, the higher the cost of installation may be.

How much does Tesla Ceramic Coating cost?

Ceramic coating costs vary depending on several factors:

The extent of preparation needed, including paint correction, touch-ups, and cleaning.

Prices generally range from $600 to $2000, depending on location and the specific requirements of the job.

DIY application is an option to save money, considering the costs associated with professional services.

Should you opt for Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

it excels in safeguarding your vehicle against scratches and rock chips, boasting self-healing capabilities ideal for frequent drivers. On the flip side, ceramic coating enhances the ease of cleaning and amplifies the brilliance of your car’s paintwork. Alternatively, you can choose to apply both PPF and ceramic coating together, harnessing their combined benefits. Many modern PPF options now include a hydrophobic coating, although its effectiveness typically lasts only about three months. For enduring protection spanning years, applying ceramic coating atop PPF is recommended. Remember, the ceramic coating should be applied over PPF; if you decide on PPF later, you’ll first need to remove the ceramic coating through polishing. Carefully consider your preferences, needs, and budget to determine the optimal protection solution for your vehicle.