Does a new car need a paint protection film?

[Dias]

Does a new car need a paint protection film? Here are the details: Benefits of applying a paint protection film: Applying a paint protection film to a motor vehicle can effectively protect the car's paint. It also helps lock in the paint to prevent fading from direct sunlight and avoids the appearance of scratches. In case of minor friction, the car's paint remains unharmed. Precautions after applying a paint protection film: Avoid washing the car for a few days after application. The paint protection film and the car's paint undergo a bonding process. Washing the car before the film is fully bonded may allow water to seep into the edges and seams. Additionally, car washes typically use high-pressure sprays, which, under external force, could cause the film to shift, peel at the edges, or even be completely pulled off.

[SarahAnn]

As someone who's been driving for three years as a commuter, I find paint protection film totally worth it. I hesitated when my car was brand new, but after seeing a colleague's door dented by a neighboring car's door swing, I immediately got a TPU material invisible car wrap. This thing works wonders against minor scratches and bumps, especially from careless door openings in parking lots. I don't even have to worry about towel-induced swirl marks during washes, and rainwater stains on side mirrors rinse right off after rain. Although it costs a few thousand, when I sold my car after five years, the paint looked brand new and the extra resale value basically covered the cost. Oh, and make sure to find a shop with a dust-free spray booth when applying it, otherwise trapped dust particles will drive you nuts.

[DiElizabeth]

In my opinion, the key factor is the usage environment. When I drove a sedan on highways every day, the paint kept getting chipped by gravel, so I switched to an SUV and applied an 8mil thick paint protection film. However, if it's just for city commuting and there's an underground parking garage at work, waxing is actually more cost-effective. Paint protection films aren't foolproof either—sharp objects can still cut through them, requiring removal and reapplication, and patches leave marks. The most annoying part is that minor scratches can be touched up with paint, but a damaged film means replacing the entire panel, which even roadside shops can't handle. Nowadays, domestic paint protection films cost around 7,000-8,000 RMB for a full car, but yellowing and brittleness after three to five years are major drawbacks, and residue may be left upon removal.

[IrisLynn]

As someone who has wrapped two cars, here's my advice: Don't be fooled by businesses claiming thicker is better! 7-8mil is sufficient for daily use, and anything above 10mil can actually interfere with radar signals. Prioritize the quality of the adhesive—poor-quality glue can peel off the factory paint when removed. If you're in a newly developed area under construction, I strongly recommend getting a wrap. My neighbor didn't, and their car roof got covered in white dust spots that even polishing couldn't fix without damaging the paint. In regions with heavy acid rain in the south or excessive de-icing agents in the north, a car wrap can protect against corrosion. If you're on a tight budget, just wrap the bumper and hood—these are high-risk areas for scratches.