Is Ceramic Coating a Scam? Unveiling the Truth About Auto Protection

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Is Ceramic Coating a Scam? Unveiling the Truth About Auto Protection

When it comes to protecting your vehicle's paint and maintaining its showroom shine, ceramic coating has emerged as a popular choice among car enthusiasts and professionals alike, as an additional step when detailing your car. However, one question that comes up a lot from skeptical owners: "Is ceramic coating a scam?" Let's explore what ceramic coating really does for your car, its benefits, and whether it's worth the investment. We think you'll see that it's the opposite of a scam.

Understanding Ceramic Coating: More Than Just a Buzzword

Ceramic coating refers to a chemical polymer solution applied to a vehicle's exterior to protect it from external paint damage. Typically applied by hand, it blends with the car's paint and creates an additional hydrophobic layer of protection. This technology has revolutionized how people protect their vehicle's exterior surfaces from harmful contaminants like UV rays, acid rain, and bird droppings.

The Real Benefits of Ceramic Coating

  1. Enhanced Protection: The primary advantage of a ceramic coating is its exceptional ability to protect the paint surface from various environmental factors. By creating a semi-permanent barrier, it prevents oxidation caused by UV rays, thus reducing the risk of fading and sun damage.
  2. Ease of Cleaning: Thanks to its hydrophobic properties, ceramic coatings make cleaning your car much easier. Dirt and grime have a harder time bonding with the paint surface, allowing you to achieve a spotless look with less effort.
  3. Improved Aesthetics: Ceramic coating enhances the gloss and depth of your car's paint, giving it a constant 'just-washed' appearance. This visual enhancement makes it highly appealing to car owners who pride themselves on maintaining a pristine vehicle.
  4. Longevity: Unlike traditional waxing, a high-quality ceramic coat can last several years if maintained properly. This durability makes it a cost-effective alternative in the long run.

Myths vs. Reality: Is Ceramic Coating a Scam?

While the benefits are clear, the skepticism around ceramic coatings often arises from unrealistic expectations. Some manufacturers claim it to be a miracle solution that eliminates all risks of scratches, chips, and dirt. However, ceramic coatings are highly effective in protecting your vehicle's paint, but they are not invincible. Car owners really need to understand that no solution will make your car completely impervious to every form of damage.

Cost Consideration: Is It Worth It?

The cost of ceramic coating can vary depending on the quality of the product and the size of the vehicle. While it might seem high initially, considering the longevity and protection it offers, ceramic coating provides excellent value over time. It reduces the need for frequent detailing and helps maintain the car's resale value.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting the right provider for ceramic coating services is the most important step. Look for reputable detailing services like San Diego Select Mobile Detailing. We're known for our expertise with ceramic coating in San Diego. But ensure whoever you choose uses high-quality products and have good reviews from previous customers.

Making an Informed Decision

Ceramic coating is far from being a scam; instead, it's a scientifically proven method of protecting your vehicle's exterior and enhancing its appearance. By understanding what ceramic coating does and does not do, you can make a smart decision that aligns with your needs and expectations. Approach the experts to get professional advice and service.

Contact San Diego Select

If you're looking for ceramic coating in San Diego, contact us today at San Diego Select. We have someone ready to answer any questions about car detailing. Ceramic coating is not just great protection for your vehicle, it's a sound investment.

Verified Google Reviews

Will was AMAZING! My car needed full interior detailing from rain getting inside this winter, and it hadn’t been fully cleaned in years. He scheduled me ASAP and was super thorough when going over the process. He picked up the car from me and brought it back quicker than expected so I didn’t have to go anywhere, and it looked new on the inside. It had a new car scent and all the seats and floors that were damaged from rain/dirt were totally clean. I’m so happy with the services and feel like it’s a different car now - I would recommend him to anyone in SD :) !! Thank you so much!!

Adriana Minicozzi

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Had an amazing experience with San Diego Select Detailing. They did a fantastic and thorough job of detailing my new car after it was transported from a dealership in another state, and also detailed two other vehicles at our household (one of which had laundry detergent spilled in the trunk). Each car came out looking fantastic. They come fully equipped to do a professional level detail job at the location of your choosing, which was very convenient. Can't wait to use their services again.

Audrey Hoel

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I had Hyundai Elantra detailed before gifting it to my sister. Will and Ed were able to accommodate me same day which was really nice of them. The fact that they come to you is also very convenient.The car looked as good as the day I bought it from the dealership. My sister was so stoked. She was beaming the whole three hours we were handling insurance and DMV stuff

Andrew Dyson

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We had an amazing experience getting our car detailed. They come directly to your home and bring all of the necessary supplies! Will was incredibly professional and responsive when arranging the time and figuring out details. Pedro came right on time and did a beautiful and meticulous job detailing the inside and outside of our car. It looks brand new and smells amazing. We will definitely be using their services again. Highly recommend!

Micaela Mariner

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San Diego Select did a full interior/exterior detail on my Lexus and I couldn't be happier with the result. My car looks and smells brand new. Incredible customer service - even received a follow up text the next day making sure I was satisfied with how everything looked. It's convenient - they come to you so you don't have to wait anywhere and pricing is extremely fair for the service. Would highly recommend.

Anna C

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great auto detailer in San Diego. If you’re looking to get your car detailed in San Diego, these guys are the best

Nate S

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I would 100% use them again! After I got sick in the car and we couldn’t get the smell out, they worked wonders and got us in same day!

Meghan Mazer

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First time getting my car detailed ever and I am so unbelievably happy with the outcome that I wish I would have started with them a long time ago!!! Will was so sweet and friendly over the phone, he quickly gained my trust:) My car looks and smells brand new! I will be back in 6 months to upkeep. Seriously these guys are so good:)

Justine Meadows

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Really kind! Did an amazing job with interior and exterior.

Siena Gross

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I've worked with Will and his team to fully detail my Tesla and Harley Davidson  and have monthly washes set up.  Will and his team are wonderful and always do a great job!

Charlie Redden

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Detail My Car?

Perfection & Protection.

Frustrated with everything that the car wash leaves behind?
Does your paint not shine like it used to?
In love with your car and want to preserve your investment for the long term?

That is why we are here. Not only do we leave you with flawless results, but we make sure that your paint, leather, and other materials are protected for years to come. We will treat your car (and you) like one of our own.

Do I need a "Shampoo Treatment"?

The shampoo and hot water extraction is the best possible care for your FABRIC seats.

We will bathe your seats in thick foam shampoo, agitate it with a fabric brush attachment on a drill, and then extract all the grime, dirt, stains and contaminant from the seats with hot water at 210ºF. If your seats need a refresh, this is as good as it gets. Because the service takes 45 minutes on average, and only a small percent of vehicles need it we charge extra for it. Don't worry - its only $50 extra. Totally worth it.

Will My Scratch "Buff Out"?

Do you have any little scrapes and scratches that bother you?

We can handle it.. to an extent. We are polishing experts - so if the scratch isn't too deep, we can get it out. Ever heard of "The Fingernail Test", this is a great way to know if your scratches are fixable. If you feel the scratch will your fingernail and you can feel a groove in the paint, it it probably a little bit too deep ~in the sections where the groove is~

What is a "Clay Bar"?

A clay bar is exactly what it sounds like, a little ball of malleable puddy.

This is used in the decontamination phase of the detail to prepare your paint for protection. Clay Bar Detailing is essential for preparing your vehicle's paint for protection by ensuring it is free of contaminants.

Every exterior detail has 3 phases: 1. Wash 2. Decontaminate 3. Protect. The decontamination stage is responsible for removing from the paint everything that doesn't come off from the wash.

Remember when you bought your car and the paint was smooth to the touch? That is the goal of this stage. Remove all the crusty junk that is stuck to you paint. This way, when we apply sealant (protection) to your paint it will adhere to the paint itself, rather than the junk sitting on the surface. This will give the sealant its longest possible useful life.

Why "Wax" My Car?

For the same reason that you get an oil change. Engines are expensive to replace (8-15K) so we take good care of them. So is your paint - the average paint job costing around $5,000. If you don't protect your paint with some type of ceramic, wax, or sealant, your paint WILL fail.

In San Diego, our biggest enemy is the sun, or the salt if you live near the beach. Next time you are in a big parking lot, look around at the hoods of the vehicles. You will notice around 1/6 vehicles have completely delaminated clear coat.

That means the paint looks like dead skin on the surface and you could peel it off with you fingers. Not pretty. There is a simple solution to ensure your vehicle never ends up like this. Exterior Detailing. Bonus points for a ceramic coating with is the best protection possible.