Protective coating

MichaelR

What kind of protective coating might be put on a new-ish car to protect it from stone chips and minor scratches? Needs to be compatible with a regular automatic carwash.

Ideally also please mention who could do that in Limerick.

kirving

I went to view a car a few year ago with an experienced mechanic. He saw the stone chipped bonnet of another car I was considering, and said straight out "The brakes will be gone on that, you don't get stone chips like that unless you're driving up someone's arse, so they'll be heavy on brakes too". Sure enough, pads, discs and front tyres all needed to be done, so I avoided it.

So best thing to prevent stone chips is not to tailgate, but a clear vinyl wrap will help big time.

bazz26

One of the most obvious tips for trying to protect your car's paintwork is to stay away from automatic carwashes. Those brushes will just damage the paintwork with swirl marks and scratches in no time. Your just going to be wasting money on other ways and products if your just going to bring the car to an automatic carwash. Prevention is better than cure.

As for stone chips, can be unavoidable for the most part imo. You could try PPF which is a see through film that is put on the panels most vulnerable to stone chips. However PPF is very expensive and if not put on right it looks worse than stone chip or scratch. Not sure how many PPF specialists there are in the country, I'd imagine it's small.

Again if your going to use automatic carwashes then putting PPF may be a total waste of money imo.

MichaelR

Are the non-contact automatic car washes better?

Washing at home is not an option as we live in a housing estate; we do have a driveway but the water would drain onto the common tarmac, nobody does that here. Car washes with attendants who do a manual/lance wash are kinda hard to come by.

PsychoPete

The only thing that would protect the paint from minor scratches and possibly stonechips is ppf. Automatic car washes will damage the paint likewise with all commercial car washes. Either wash it yourself or bring it to a detailer for a proper wash

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122040167#Comment_122040167

The common tarmac? Why does it matter if the tarmac gets wet? Do you really care that much about what your neighbours think of you that you won’t even wash your car in your own private driveway?

cml387

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122040167#Comment_122040167

Huh? Why should that be a problem?

[Steve]

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122040167#Comment_122040167

Having your own driveway is usually the most common reason that someone would wash their car at home. What kind of estate are you in that it seems frowned upon?

I'm in a fairly nice estate and most of my neighbours wash their own cars, wet tarmac and all. Seems a bit odd that you'd be called out for doing so.

bazz26

Where does the rain drain off to after a downpour on the common tarmac?

common tarmac what? 🤣

Sounds like an alternative way to say I can’t be arsed doing at home myself.

trindade

I recently got a new car and as PPF/Vinyl wrap was too expensive, I applied FUSO COAT. It is almost like a professional ceramic coating, but you can do at home with some preparation. Of course you car should be clean and dry… Also, you have to apply a VERY SMALL AMOUNT of product. It keeps the car protected for up to one year. I applied a the fuso coat to my wife's car a few months ago, and it's still holding up great. Another option is definately PPF, wrapping or professional ceramic coating if money isn't a problem. But without PPF/Vinyl, you'll have to hand wash and wax your car at least each 3 months.

Clo-Clo

I use this, an easy way to get an ok Ceramic coat. It's easy to apply and plenty of videos

I top up then witht he detailer which is available as well. Keeps the car cleaner for longer and easier to wash etc. Should protect the paint work

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-G190526EU-Hybrid-Ceramic-768ml/dp/B07N9DZ673/ref%3Dasc_df_B07N9DZ673/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310493449173&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6137012325040538961&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9047193&hvtargid=pla-685526514690&psc=1&mcid=98a7d2c58cf0356c806652d20054ed75&th=1&psc=1

djan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122052777#Comment_122052777

I've seen this recommended online often and seems to perform well to given the ease of application. I wonder how clean the car has to be, like would a good two bucket wash be enough or do you have to be claybaring, buffing etc?

Clo-Clo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122057587#Comment_122057587

I haven't gone to the level of claybarring yet

I do a good wash, bucket and sponge, make sure car is clean and then apply

You need to follow the process, I did it wrong the first time and it worked but was gone very quickly. But plenty of vides online showing what to do. Also alternatives to this from other suppliers but I haven't tried them