When it comes to keeping your new car or truck looking great, Ocala Car Audio in the heart of Marion County offers both paint protection film and ceramic coating solutions. Many of our clients don’t understand how these solutions work and are often confused by the marketing terminology that is associated with each. This article will explain the benefits of each solution and help you choose one or both to keep your vehicle looking great.

What Is Paint Protection Film?

Also known as a clear bra, paint protection film is a thin, transparent urethane film that we apply directly to your paint surface. Most of the films we use are six mils thick and offer protection against scratches and impact from gravel and stones, light scuffs in parking lots and staining from bug splatter and tree sap.

The film can be applied to the leading edge of your hood, the entire hood, the front bumper cover, your fenders, the back of the side view mirrors, door handle cups, door sills, the rear bumper or anywhere you are worried about damage to the vehicle. Some enthusiasts have us protect the entire painted surface of the vehicle to help keep it looking like new.

Modern films are constructed using adhesives that won’t yellow or dry out like old films. Our premium 3M Scotchgard Pro Series 4.0 film comes with a 10-year warranty against yellowing, bubbling, cracking and peeling.

What Are Ceramic Coatings?

Think of a ceramic coating like a high-technology synthetic car wax that lasts for years instead of months. Our coating solutions are applied to your vehicle paint after we polish out any scratches or swirl marks. The coating keeps your vehicle looking like it was just detailed and includes hydrophobic properties that help make washing the car or truck easy. Hydrophobicity is the same characteristic that causes rain and dew to roll off plant leaves.

Ceramic coatings do offer some protection against damage from improper washing techniques but aren’t thick enough to protect against physical impacts like a paint film. The coating does help to resist damage from bird droppings and harsh washing chemicals.

Which Is Right for My Vehicle?

If you spend a lot of time off-road or on the interstate, then the physical protection characteristics of a paint film can help to keep your car or truck looking like new. If you want that “just washed” look for your vehicle, then a ceramic coating is an ideal solution.

For the best of both worlds, we can apply the film to your vehicle to protect it from damage, then top it with a coating to make it easy to keep clean. Many clients report that they barely need any soap or a wash mitt to clean their coated vehicles — most of the dirt rinses off with water from a garden hose.

Protect Your Investment at Ocala Car Audio

If you want to keep your vehicle looking great, drop by Ocala Car Audio and speak to one of our product specialists. They will inspect your vehicle and work with you to create a protection solution that meets your requirements and application. For more information or to schedule a consultation, give us a call or send an e-mail using our online contact page.