When it comes to buying your new car, there will be a grocery list of accessories and additions that you will also need. Now isn’t the time to get misled by marketing!
Everything from insurance, floor mats, your phone holder, cables, baby seats, custom wheels—the list goes on. In climates like Western Australia, window tint and ceramic paint protection are also absolute must-haves. Almost all of these items are no-brainers, and talking to people in the know, along with a few Google searches, will lead you to your accessory purchases. However, two items that are greatly distorted and poisoned in their purpose are paint protection and tint.
These have been pushed by dealerships for so many years as a “warranty statement.” Always striving to stay competitive, they would sell you a “lifetime warranty” or some ridiculous warranty period. Unfortunately, the warranty isn’t why you need paint protection, and a warranty isn’t what you should be shopping for. If you have a think about it, there isn’t any other product on earth that you purchase based on its warranty claim.
Simply comparing a dealership paint protection contract that has more time spent on it voiding any loophole that may occur and is pages and pages long versus a genuine certified product that has credible aftercare advise more than a disclaimer.
If you speak to any certified and experienced paint protection company owner about warranties, they will likely roll their eyes and have an internal fit of rage on the topic. Yes, genuine paint protection manufacturers still use “warranty” as a statement, but it’s more about the “performance duration” that this relates to. The performance duration is a realistic time that the coating will last on your vehicle, in that particular climate or region, under standard maintenance procedures and conditions.
What Should You Focus On?
- Performance Duration: Understand that the true value of paint protection lies in its ability to protect your vehicle’s paint over a realistic period. This is influenced by the local climate, your driving habits, and how well you maintain your car.
- Quality of Product: Not all paint protection products are created equal. Research and choose a product that has been proven to perform well under your specific conditions.
- Application Expertise: The effectiveness of paint protection heavily relies on proper application. Ensure that the product is applied by a trained and certified professional to maximize its performance and longevity.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to extend the life of your paint protection. Follow the recommended care procedures to keep your vehicle looking its best.
- Professional Guidance: Look for a product and professional installer that will give you aftercare and maintenance guidance with instructions, product advise and tips rather than a contract that is full of disclaimers and fineprint.
The Bottom Line
When shopping for paint protection, don’t be swayed by the lure of lifetime warranties or exaggerated claims. Instead, focus on the quality of the product, the expertise of the applicator, and realistic performance expectations based on your environment and maintenance habits. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your vehicle remains protected and looks great for years to come.
