Is it necessary to apply crystal coating on a new car?
2 Answers
It is not necessary to apply crystal coating on a new car. Generally, crystal coating is not considered for new cars within 1-2 years. Firstly, the original factory paint is not as fragile as imagined. Secondly, applying crystal coating requires thinning the original paint through polishing, which can damage the factory paint. As the car is used over time and the paint's luster gradually fades, then crystal coating can be considered. Below are specific details about car crystal coating: 1. Crystal coating uses inorganic substances like silicon dioxide to form an isolation layer on the surface through the action of high-molecular polymers. This layer has functions such as resisting ultraviolet rays, oil resistance, low surface energy, and hydrophobicity, thereby protecting the paint surface. 2. Benefits of car crystal coating. (1) Scratch resistance: Crystal coating can protect the vehicle from minor daily scratches. Even when external forces exceed the elastic protection range of the crystal, it usually only leaves scratches on the crystal without damaging the paint surface. (2) Corrosion resistance: Crystal coating isolates the paint surface from the external environment, effectively preventing oxidation and resisting corrosion from bird droppings, insect fluids, acid rain, etc. (3) Easy cleaning: Crystal coating makes the car paint shine like a mirror, making the car body easy to clean and maintain. Simple rinsing with water can make it look as good as new, saving a lot on car washing costs. (4) Enhanced brightness: Crystal coating can make the car surface brighter, with the paint surface sparkling and radiant, achieving a brightness of over 95% (new cars only have about 70%). (5) Certain economic benefits: Crystal coating not only reduces car washing and waxing costs but also provides better protection for the original car paint.
As a new car owner, I truly value protecting the paintwork since I drive it daily for commuting. After applying ceramic coating, the car body feels exceptionally smooth, and dust doesn't stick easily, especially during rainy days or after driving through muddy roads, making cleaning much more convenient. It effectively blocks UV rays, reducing paint aging and scratches, which is particularly important for new cars—though factory paint has a protective layer, it's not long-lasting. However, ceramic coating costs several thousand yuan and requires maintenance, needing a professional touch-up every six months; if forgotten, the effectiveness diminishes. Overall, if the budget allows or you frequently park outdoors, ceramic coating is quite worthwhile. If the car sees little use in the first couple of years, waiting until the factory paint wears down before coating can save some money.
