Dealership v professional paint protection
Picture this. You’re at the dealership, excited to seal the deal on your dream wheels and drive away. Then the salesperson hits you with the “protection package” question.
You’re already spending tens of thousands of dollars. Do you really need to outlay more to protect your new wheels? And is the dealership the best place to get the job done or should you seek out a paint protection professional?
Before you get swept up by the salesperson’s pitch and sign on the dotted line, consider this. While it can certainly be worth spending extra to protect your new car, the dealership is not the place to get it done.
We’ll explain why - and more - in this article.
What is paint protection?
Vehicle paint protection involves applying a protective layer or coating to a vehicle's exterior surfaces, primarily the paintwork.
This protection will safeguard your vehicle's surfaces against various environmental and physical damage. Paint protection can come in various forms. The most common include ceramic coatings, sealants and wax finishes.
Sealants and waxes are temporary and need to be reapplied regularly to keep up their protection. Ceramic coatings on the other hand are strong and durable, and will last for up to 10 years.
They’ll provide an ultra-tough, long-lasting shield that repels water, dirt, road salt and a gamut of potential paint hazards like halos, minor scratches, bird droppings, tar and tree sap. These coatings act as a robust defence against environmental contaminants that can diminish the lustre and brilliance of surfaces.
Dealership Versus Professional Paint Protection
If you do decide that paint protection is worth the investment for your wheels, where should you get it done?
If you’re buying a new car, as highlighted in the introduction, you’re likely to be offered the extra service during the sale. However, a dealership is not the best place to get paint protection for your vehicle.
Before you get swept into the dealership’s sales pitch, consider what you’ll receive:
At the dealership, it’s a rush job. Speed is their game, and their detailing department isn’t likely to give your vehicle the TLC it deserves.
Rushed applications means corners are cut and quality is compromised. When you’re dropping a lot of cash for protection, you should expect quality.
Often, you’re not even getting a ceramic coating. It can be an inferior product like a wax or sealant that won’t provide the same level of protection or last as long.
Dealership’s often have a high markup. So, you’ll pay more even though the product is inferior.
Enter the professional paint protection service who is a ceramic coatings specialist. The differences between a dealership and a professional specialist coating can be stark. They can include:
Specialists only use best in class products. Ceramic paint protection that bonds to a car's paint, creating a transparent, protective barrier.
The protection is applied by highly trained and experienced technicians who keep up to date with the latest techniques, equipment and products.
They are professionals who provide honest advice and a superior after sales service.
While the product is superior, you’ll often pay less than at a dealership.
So, when it’s time to safeguard your ride, skip the dealership quick fix. Seek out the meticulous touch of professionals. Your wheels deserve nothing less than top-tier care.
Choosing a paint protection specialist
In summary, a professional paint protection specialist will be cheaper and will provide a higher quality service than a car dealership. To compare a car dealership paint protection service to a professional job is like comparing a new Ferrari to a 10-year-old jalopy.
However, not all paint protection specialists are, dare we say it, special.
Selecting the right vehicle paint protection service involves careful consideration to ensure you protect the value of your investment. Here are some pointers on what to look for and questions to ask:
Make sure you ask for a ceramic paint protection service. Waxes and sealants are not durable or long lasting. Ceramic paint protection will not only protect your car; it will create a glossy finish that will give your vehicle a deeper, richer shine.
Assess the expertise and experience of the service provider. Look for trained and certified professionals with a proven history of successfully applying paint protection. Experience often translates to better-quality workmanship.
Consider services that offer customisation or tailored options. Some providers offer additional services like paint correction, window coating, detailing services and wheel coating.
Make sure they use premium and trusted product brands.
Get a quote before going ahead. Avoid choosing solely based on the lowest price, as quality should be a primary consideration.
How much does ceramic paint protection cost?
Getting ceramic paint protection for your car isn’t cheap, however, it is an investment that’s often repaid many times over.
At Paint Protection Specialities, ceramic paint protection costs from $800 for a small car. We even come to you for the service
Contact us for a ceramic paint protection quote today.
