Your car has a ceramic coating, but maybe you don’t know how to care for it properly? Possibly you are wondering about the best ways to maintain your ceramic coating? How often should a ceramic coated vehicle be washed? Although this might seem to be a simple question, the answer is not so simple.
There are some nuances and techniques you should be aware of when cleaning a ceramic-coated car. In this article from the team at Elite Auto Care you will learn all about the best practices for washing a car with a ceramic coating.
Read more: The best ceramic coating services for your car
How often does your car need to be washed after having a ceramic coating applied?
According to experts, it should be done once every 1-2 weeks. Environmental contaminants erode the ceramic coating without regular washing, causing it to lose its hydrophobicity over time. Washing your car helps protect and maintain the ceramic coating, so you should clean it every 1-2 weeks. This will help to avoid the accumulation of contaminants.
Some tips for maintaining ceramic coating
1. Do not wash your vehicle for seven days following the ceramic coating application
Ceramic coatings require time to cure in order to give the appropriate paint protection. A ceramic coating is a significant investment, so you should not wash your vehicle for at least one week after its application. This will allow the ceramic coating time to cure properly.
Read more: Will Ceramic Coating Fail If It Rains Within Seven Days?
2. Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight
Water spots and streaks are more likely to form if you wash your car in direct sunlight. To avoid this, wash your car in the shade or in the garage to achieve a spot-free surface.
Direct sunlight generates heat, which eventually cracks your ceramic coating. Clean your ceramic coating early in the morning, in the shade, or in a garage for the best results.
3. Use appropriate car wash soaps + products
Car soaps and shampoos do not contain the corrosive ingredients found in most household cleaning products. They are pH Neutral, making them ideal for washing a ceramic-coated car because they will not harm the coating. Specialized car wash products are also wax-free, making it simple to clean your ceramic coated vehicle.
4. Use the two-bucket method
The two bucket method is the most effective way to wash a ceramic coated car. It can prevent contamination and the formation of swirl marks.
5. Wash the car from top to bottom, section by section.
Your vehicle should be washed from top to bottom, one section at a time. To avoid cross-contamination, use a wash mitt soaked in the washing solution to clean each part separately. When cleaning any section, rinse the mitt thoroughly before moving on to the next.
6. Do not air-dry your automobile
Air drying your car will result in water spots that will stain it. Instead, dry your ceramic-coated surface with a clean microfiber towel.
7. Immediately eliminate contaminants from your coated paint
Acidic contaminants such as bird droppings, insect splatters, and tree sap can destroy your ceramic coating. Therefore, if these substances come into contact with your ceramic-coated paint, they must be removed immediately. Remember to blot, rather than wipe your paintwork to prevent the spread of contaminants.
8. Annual maintenance checks
Take your car to the detailer who coats it once a year. The detailer will use their skills to rejuvenate your ceramic coating and restore the shine and protection of your vehicle.
Read more: How long does ceramic coating last?
Are You Searching For The Best Ceramic Coating Service In Elkhart, IN? Elite Auto Care Is Here To Help!
Ceramic coating will give an additional layer of protection against damaging contaminants. Elite Auto Care in Elkhart, IN, is a prestigious car care service provider with decades of ceramic coating experience, and we are ready to restore your car to a pristine condition. We have a professional team that can repair and restore the paintwork on your car!
Call us at +1 574-830-5828 to make an appointment, or stop by our shop at 23159 US-33, Elkhart, IN 46517, USA. Elite Auto Care is ready to assist all car owners with our first-rate services!
