We get a lot of questions about ceramic coating installation through the Fall and Winter. Everyone worries about the coating peeling or flaking off after a year while driving down the street in their car to work on an icy January (or even March!) morning. My answer is always the same – let me tell you how something has held up through years of Wisconsin Weather.
If you live in Wisconsin or the Midwest in general, you know what a beating these seasons can give. We see high heat and insane humidity in the summer, wind chills in the winter months and heavy rainfall throughout the year.
Ceramic coatings hold up well in many climates. But Wisconsin has a unique environment, and it is challenging to repel against its extreme winters and humid summers. The question is, how well do ceramic coatings hold up through the seasons? When the layer is new, and you're working with clean surfaces, it's one thing, and it's an entirely different story if you've already gone through several seasons with porous concrete or brick. Here I will tell you what I learned about ceramic coatings throughout the years of testing in Wisconsin.
The Weather is Tough in Wisconsin
We live in the land of 4 seasons. We get the hot summer sun, we get the harsh salt from winter roads, and we get rain, sleet, snow, and hail. Ceramic coating holds up through all of it.
A recent post on Instagram showed a vehicle waxed every month and still had swirls in the paint. The owner decided to finally try ceramic coating after spending thousands of dollars on detailing services over the years. This is pretty common for guys who have nice rides, and they detail them once or twice a year and then wax them monthly.
The problem with waxing a vehicle is that it's not permanent. It doesn't matter if you are using the best wax in the world or the most expensive detailer, and it's still just going to come off when you wash your car or park it under a tree with sap dripping from it. Waxing your car too often will do more damage than good because you are rubbing abrasives across your paint over and over again.
The ceramic coating works well in the cold.
The ceramic coating works well in the cold. As long as the vehicle can be adequately prepared, you can apply the ceramic coating in the winter. The only real drawback/downfall is that it takes longer for the product to work its way into the paint's pores and cure. This will be attributed to the fact that it is cold out.
One of my favorite things about ceramic coating is that, unlike wax, it doesn't come off with a snow brush.
Something else to consider is that many people wash their cars when it gets warm out. The problem with this is that if your car has road salt on it, washing it before the salt has melted off will scratch your paint. I know a lot of people who have had this happen to them.
I am referring specifically to the CQuartz Professional line of ceramic coatings since they are what I use most often, but there are other brands that are just as good or better (depending on who you ask).
How Does Ceramic Coatings Work In Wisconsin Summers
Ceramic Coatings are the newest development in car care materials, providing a semi-permanent bond to your car's paint. This coating forms a durable glass barrier that protects your vehicle from the elements and makes maintenance much easier. Ceramic coatings are not wax or sealant. But instead, it is literally like adding an extra layer of glass to your car. Ceramic coatings can be applied to both the interior and exterior of your vehicle, although they are most commonly used on the exterior paint.
In the summer months, ceramic coatings help to keep your car cool. In the heat of summer, when temperatures can reach 100 degrees or higher in Wisconsin, darker-colored cars have been known to get hot enough to be dangerous inside. But by having a ceramic coating on your exterior, your car will remain cooler in summer because the ceramic film reflects UV rays from the sun instead of absorbing them like ordinary car paint.
How Does Ceramic Coatings Work In Wisconsin Spring
When spring rolls around, the snow starts melting. Unfortunately, that means lots of water on the roadways (especially during the morning and evening commutes). Rainwater drips off your car, potentially damaging its paint if it isn't appropriately protected. The high temperatures also cause it to evaporate quickly — which can cause mineral deposits to appear on your vehicle's surface.
We use a few different ceramic coatings at The Detail Doctors, and we generally recommend our clients opt for one of them. This is because we want them to get the most out of their detailing package, and we believe that ceramic coating is the best way to do this.
We can assure you that it will hold up to our wacky Wisconsin weather, but we understand that you might want some more information before you commit to getting your vehicle ceramic coated.
Are You Prepared For The Wisconsin Seasons?
You weather the storms, the heat, and everything in between. Are you ready to show your vehicle some love?
The sun's rays can cause damage to your vehicle's exterior. Even if there is no physical damage, the paint can fade, and the surface can become dull. A Ceramic Coating will help protect your car from UV rays, acid rain, and even bird droppings.
Ceramic coatings are applied directly to your vehicle's paintwork and protect it from harmful contaminants that cause paint damage. This coating also provides a slick and hydrophobic surface that allows water to roll off rather than sitting on top of the paint for long periods. This process helps protect against rust and corrosion. The hydrophobic properties of ceramic coatings also make cleaning your vehicle much easier!
Your vehicle's exterior is constantly exposed to harsh road debris, dirt and grime, but with a ceramic coating, you can keep your vehicle looking like new for years!
In addition to protecting the exterior of your vehicle by adding Ceramic Coating, we also offer Interior Protection options that provide a barrier against dirt, oil stains, moisture, and more!
Regular care is the main thing that affects how long ceramic coatings last on cars.
Ceramic coatings are one of the most advanced ways to protect your vehicle's paint. These coatings form a chemical bond with the paint and provide a protective layer that is much harder than the clear coat. They also offer UV protection, making them an outstanding choice if you live in a sunny climate.
Ceramic coating cost is higher than other forms of paint protection, but it's worth it because it can last years if properly cared for. In this article, we'll discuss how long ceramic coatings last and how you can make sure yours looks great as long as possible.
A regular wash will keep ceramic-coated cars in good shape. If there are no scratches, abrasions, or other damage, the coating will last a long time. The best thing you can do to keep your car looking new is to protect it from things that cause damage.
It's essential to wash your car regularly, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. A good wash cleans off dirt and debris that can wear away at the ceramic coating.
You can also wax your car as an added layer of protection for the ceramic coating. This helps prevent minor scratches from getting to the paint underneath. It's also good for preserving your paint job between applications of ceramic coatings.
A regular wash and wax will keep the exterior of your car in top shape and make it easier to apply new coats of ceramic coating in the future.
Get Help From Professionals
In the absence of regular care, ceramic coatings can't last for many years. But because they are a sacrificial layer that sits on top of the vehicle's paintwork, they can also show signs of wear as soon as six months or so after application.
That's one reason why it's important to use a reputable installer. A professional with experience in applying ceramic coatings will make sure the surface is properly prepared and the coating is applied correctly, which will help ensure optimal performance over time. You may even need to have your vehicle re-coated periodically if you leave it outside regularly because dirt and other contaminants can get trapped between the coating and the vehicle's surface.
If you are looking for professional Milwaukee ceramic coating experts or Wisconsin Ceramic Coating experts, then get in touch with Detail Doctors today. Detail Doctors offers the best auto detailing in Milwaukee and specializes in Ceramic Coating. Don't waste your time searching the internet with phrases like "Best ceramic coating near me." Pick up your phone and schedule your appointment with Detail Doctors.
Ceramic coating is a gift from the gods