Purchasing a new vehicle? We’re going to help you feel confident in your decision to protect this investment. By understanding protection options available and why they can help you, you can make your own decisions to help maintain value on your new investment.

In this guide we will be discussing the paint conditions on new vehicles, options for protection, how to choose the right product and installer, and tips for outsourcing protection from the dealership (even if you're financing).

Guide Breakdown (Click link to jump to a section)

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Let's start by looking at what you can expect from the paint on a new vehicle.

Paint Condition on New Vehicles.

When it comes to the condition of new vehicle paint, it's important to understand that it may not be as flawless as you hope.

While noticeable defects should be corrected within quality control during manufacturing, the paint typically leaves as "passable", not perfect. Even high-end luxury cars rarely arrive with "perfect" paint, especially in the eyes of an experienced detailer who can spot imperfections.

Also, improper washing can cause swirls on the paint. Before the new vehicle is in your possession, it will have been washed multiple times by many people, from transport to sitting in a dealership lot. Dealerships or inexperienced personnel are notorious for causing fine marring or swirls in the paint from poor washing methods.

The exterior may also have iron fallout from transporting, which can cause what look like small rust spots (most visible on white, like shown below).

**Iron Fallout -** These orange spots are tiny particles of iron that have stuck to your vehicle's paint and can form from different sources, like your brakes, railway transport, or even a nearby factory.

**Iron Decontamination treatment** targets iron fallout and a chemical reaction happens while it breaks down the particles, turning it purple. This treatment is best left to professionals since it can cause damage if done incorrectly.

Luckily, a professional detailer can help to remedy these issues.

Removing Defects in Your Paint.

To achieve a flawless finish on your vehicle's paint, there are two main options to consider: single-stage polishing or multiple-stage paint correction, also known as a cut and polish.

Single-stage polishing is a less abrasive option that targets 60-70% of light defects, such as contaminants from the factory and travel, and fine marring. It's ideal for new vehicles with minimal defects. For further fine-tuning, whether that’s due to your expectations or whats required due to the condition of the paint, multiple-step paint correction paint correction will be best.

Paint correction involves a multi-step polishing process that begins with a compounding stage (sometimes called cutting) to remove microscopic layers of clear coat to reduce or eliminate deeper defects. This approach can remove up to 90-95% of defects in the paint, including light scratches, swirls, and orange peel surfaces, resulting in a smooth finish.

Usually, a new vehicle won’t have excessive swirling like in this “Before”, so a single stage polish should achieve great results with a new vehicle. This photo shows the extent that a single stage polish can provide.. Defects like “orange peel” cannot be leveled with a polish and would require a multi-step paint correction.

It's important to note that the correction process requires skill and experience. If done incorrectly, it can result in an inconsistent or unappealing finish. When done correctly, this transforms the surface to a smooth and incredible finish.

Paint Correction, a multi-step polish, was preformed on this CTS-V to remove as many defects possible within the clear coat. Compared to the single-step polish shown prior, you can compare how much more fine tuned a Paint Correction is.

For new vehicles with minor defects, a single-stage polish is typically sufficient. However, for more severe issues like "orange peel," a multi-step paint correction is necessary.

To achieve the best results, the extent of correction will depend on the condition of your paint and your expectations. Once the surface is perfected, it's important to protect it with reliable, long-term protection to maintain its new look.

What is the best way to do this?

Preserving your Paint.

As factory paint has become thinner, aftermarket protection has become increasingly important. Thin paint is more vulnerable to damage, and it doesn't take long for rock chips or wear to show. In fact, damage can occur in as little as a few weeks.

Even a quality, custom paint job with sufficient paint isn't immune to damage from road debris, rock chips, and the elements. This damage, such as rock chips, fading, swirls, or marring, can ruin the overall appearance and fast-track depreciation. If left neglected, it may even result in a costly paint correction or repaint.

The key to maintaining the value and appearance is preventative maintenance.

Rock Chip Damage starting to occur on the hood of this 2022 Ford Bronco.

Fortunately, aftermarket protection options have advanced over the years, and when professionally installed and of high quality, they can last a long time.

This is great news for consumers, but also why it’s crucial to ensure that the preserved surface is free of defects or imperfections. For instance, if there are already rock chip damages present on the surface, applying paint protection film over it will lock in the damage, which will be visible through the film. This is why it’s crucial to address any defects before applying any protective films or coatings. By doing so, you can maintain your vehicle's beautiful finish for years to come.

Your Options for Protection.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Ceramic Coatings are two of the most effective options for protecting and preserving your vehicle's paint. PPF is designed to provide tough protection on high-impact areas, while ceramic coatings shield the paint with a clear, hard shell that resists UV and contamination from the environment.

Both options provide their own benefits for your paint, and understanding them can help you decide what options are best.

Rock Chip/Impact Protection
Paint Protection Film is a clear film that is installed on top of your paint. This film will protect your paint from physical damage by absorbing impact of road debris (stones) and shielding it from fierce weather conditions and harmful UV rays.

With this long-term, sacrificial film barrier, you can protect anywhere from high impact areas, like the front end, to the entire painted exterior.

Your coverage should be determined by your specific needs. It’s most common to protect the partial front end, including the front bumper, partial hood, partial fenders and the mirrors. To maintain more value, extended front end coverage or other high-impact areas should be considered, like above the windshield or along the rockers.

If you're unsure which areas to protect, consider your previous vehicles and where you noticed the most wear or buildup. You can also consult with a paint protection film specialist to determine the best options for your vehicle.

When choosing a PPF brand, it's important to select a quality, warrantied product.

SunTek PPF is North American made and provides superior optical clarity and an innovative self-healing top coat, making it reliable for years to come.

While brands like 3M and XPEL also have similar benefits, SunTek stands out for its clarity and workability, making it a popular choice among installers.

The protection benefits that a reputable, professionally installed PPF will provide should make your decision to protect your investment easy.

UV and Surface Contaminants Protection
Ceramic Coatings, sometimes called nano-coatings, are liquid polymers that chemically bond to the surface, forming a smooth, glass-like protective layer. Once applied, the surface becomes hydrophobic and stain-resistant for years, while also creating a unique gloss and depth in the paint.

Ceramic coatings can be applied over PPF, but they must be installed last for the film to stick to the surface due to the hydrophobic properties of Ceramic Coatings.

With this dynamic duo, you’ll get tough protection with PPF on high-impact zones and an all over shield from everyday contaminants with Ceramic Coatings.

The shared and unique benefits of Ceramic Coatings and Paint Protection Film.

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Ceramic Coatings are offered in varying durations, and choosing your duration should be based on how long you plan to keep your vehicle. If you were to keep your vehicle longer than you thought, you can always opt for another coating application after the lifespan of your current coating.

To perform the best, the coating must properly bond to the surface. The process of applying the coating itself is not technical, but preparing the surface properly for ceramic coatings is where it’s more precise.

Like a paint job, the best results for Ceramic Coatings begin with the best prep. This begins by decontaminating the entire exterior and a polish, at minimum. After the coating has bonded to the paint, it is designed to lock in the surface condition below long term.

In other words, proper prep is crucial not only for the bond but to make sure you’ll be happy with the look for years to come.

The quality of the Ceramic Coating brand is very important, too. SB3 Ceramic Coatings are designed for professional use only and require certification to be obtained and installed. Products that anyone can purchase will allow room for installer-error, meaning they aren’t meant to last and will be less durable or effective.

Combining an inferior product with insufficient prep is going to fall short. Consumers, and the industry as a whole, suffer from this. People might begin to believe that legit products will disappoint the same as their easily purchased, gimmicky imitators.

Common Ceramic Coating Myths
Don't fall for common myths such as Ceramic Coatings being bulletproof, eliminating the need for regular washing, hiding scratches or bad paint, or lasting a lifetime. Instead, opt for a high-quality product and regularly maintain your coating to ensure its effectiveness.

Here are a few misconceptions that we hear:

“Ceramic Coatings are bullet proof”
Ceramic Coatings are not bullet proof. Ceramic Coatings prevent UV fading, chemical contamination damage and are scratch resistant only to the extent of fine marring. They are not designed for rock chip protection. It's best to pair a coating with paint protection film, which is designed to take physical impact.

“You’ll never have to wash your vehicle again”
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Once bonded, Ceramic Coatings create a hydrophobic surface to make cleaning your vehicle easier, but you still have to wash it. Regularly, too — meaning every 1-2 weeks, and visiting the detailer once or twice a year for a maintenance wash. That said, easier washing also means less touching, and less touching results in reduced chance of marking the paint.

”Ceramic Coatings hide scratches or bad paint”
Ceramic Coatings are not a band-aid method to hide paint defects, any imperfections will show just as they did prior. Not only that, but applying this long-term protection overtop will lock in these imperfections, which then can’t be corrected unless the coating is removed.

”Lifetime Ceramic Coating”
That’s a stretch, by a lot… A coating product won’t withstand a lifetime of daily wear, it’s not possible unless the upkeep is outrageously demanding and “coating top-ups” are frequent (which is likely the kicker). Even if it was guaranteed to “last forever” or longer than 10 years, why would you pay for such a long term coating on a vehicle that you probably aren’t keeping forever? You’re paying for the future owners coating then, too.

To summarize, combining quality PPF and ceramic coatings provides an excellent option for tough protection on high-impact zones and an all-over shield from everyday contaminants. By understanding the unique benefits of PPF and ceramic coatings, you can make an informed decision on the best options for protecting your investment.

Often Overlooked Options

Protecting your vehicle's paint is important, but don't overlook other areas that can benefit from protection. There are lots of options that are simple yet effective at preventing wear on different areas.

From ceramic coatings to protect your plastic trim or interior fabrics, to headlight and fog light paint protection to preserve costly lenses.

**The right half of this mat has our SB3 Fabric coating applied.** After liquid was poured over the entire mat, it only soaked through on the left, the uncoated side.

Another overlooked option is aftermarket window tint. Aftermarket window tint not only enhances the aesthetics of your vehicle, but can also block 99% of harmful UV rays that can damage your interior and its passengers. Factory tinted glass does not provide UV protection, so consider aftermarket tint to add protection.

Our SunTek brand carries a variety of product lines, in addition to a wide range of shades. From their colour stable Carbon Series, to their CIR and Evolve series, which offer even more heat rejection and scratch resistance — all offering a lifetime warranty.

When planning, make sure to ask what options are available to help you make your decision.

What options are best for you?

When deciding on protection options, it's important to consider your individual situation and priorities. Will your vehicle be exposed to harsh conditions or terrain? What types of damage have you experienced in the past? What is most important to you in terms of preserving your vehicle's appearance and value?

Asking yourself these questions can help you determine which options will be most effective for your needs. For example, if you use your vehicle for work or commuting, reliable protection may be more important than a "showroom" finish. On the other hand, if you have a special or high-end vehicle, long-term, extensive protection may be a top priority to maintain its appearance.

Be sure to communicate your goals and expectations to your detailer and film installer. With this information, they can help you develop a customized plan that meets your specific needs

Dealership Protection VS. Outsourced Protection.

Some dealerships are notorious for offering questionable products and high-pressure sales tactics, which can make it difficult to determine what's in your best interest. To lower costs, some dealerships offer inferior products and/or hire inexperienced installers, but still charge you beyond top dollar.

However, armed with knowledge of new vehicle protection options and what to expect, you can confidently navigate the options available during the purchase process and do your own research on what’s available, whether that’s through the dealership or elsewhere.

A client who was unhappy with their dealership install PPF asked our experienced installer to remove and replace the unsightly film with our SunTek PPF.

Did you know that your options are not limited to the dealership, even when financing? You can choose to take your business elsewhere if you prefer. In most cases, you can find the same protective coverage for a fraction of the cost at a higher quality and installed by experienced technicians.

Common Financing Misconception
If you're planning to use dealership financing, the total amount financed can include additional funds to cover accessories and protection to be used outside their in-house services.

Let them know that you want to include aftermarket protection costs within any financing, and that you will get estimates to determine where you’d like to receive the protection from (unless you already have).

During the financing process, the dealership includes the amount for protection within the purchasing total, just like they would if it was in-house.

Once finalized, the dealership will be the one making payment to the chosen shop(s), and your outsourced protection is now included within your arranged payments.

This is important to know and it should always be considered, except not many are aware that this is even an option at all.

Questions to Ask.

To find the best value for your vehicle protection, ask for estimates from the dealership and other local shops. Don't rely on price alone - clarify what's included and compare protection options, brands, and prices. Ask about the service breakdown, products used, and their warranty.

Sometimes there’s an oversight and the price can be revised. Or, maybe a shop has a different process that includes (or eliminates) crucial steps.

For example, we don't install Ceramic Coatings without a single-stage polish (at least) to make sure the surface is decontaminated. Because of this, our Ceramic Coating prices may be higher than anyone who skips this step, but their final result is probably going to be unreliable and trap noticeable defects on the surface below.

To ensure a professional installation, ask about the installer's experience and request to see a portfolio or chat with them.

When doing research, here are some questions to ask the dealership and other shops.

What are my options for protection, and how much will it cost? Compare the estimates to get a feel for market pricing.
What is included in my service? You want a breakdown of the process to fairly compare estimates.
What products do you use, and why? What is their warranty? Research their product to see if honest, customer reviewed feedback is matching theirs.

The quality of the product means nothing without a professional install, though. If you're satisfied with the product, you should ask:

What experience do the installers have, and how can I trust their process? Better yet, ask if you can see an portfolio or arrange to chat with an installer yourself.
What if the quality seems poor, or I find the benefits aren’t delivering as promised? A professional installer will avoid contamination. If this was missed, they should fix this for you and warrant installation or product defects.

Compare the estimates, products, qualifications, and customer service/assistance you received.

Finalizing Your Plan.

You've asked the important questions and you're familiar with the brand of products and installation qualifications. You’ll be picking up your new ride and you will need to get in touch with wherever you decide is best so the services can be arranged.

Bonus Tip: Most dealerships will accommodate you and your preferred shop by dropping off and picking up the vehicle. Just ask them!

Schedule Protection ASAP
New paint is thinner and can be easily damaged, which is why it's crucial to contact the protection shop in advance and schedule an appointment shortly after picking up the vehicle. Schedule protection services as soon as possible to avoid any damage to your new paint.

Make sure your detailer and film installer know your complete expectations so they can formulate a plan and figure out the service duration for you and your vehicle.

For example, depending on how perfected you'd like the paint to be, a paint correction could take anywhere from one day to multiple.

Warranty & Aftercare
It's important to ask about the warranty and aftercare of the protection products you choose. Most of these products require regular upkeep and maintenance to perform at their best and get the maximum life out of them.

Ignoring suggestions can disrupt the initial curing process, or bad habits could lead to lost benefits or even product failure. Therefore, it's important to know the warranty clause and what it includes, and to make sure you're meeting the requirements or if there are things to avoid or watch for. Following aftercare instructions can help maintain the longevity and effectiveness of the product.

Conclusion.

Buying a new vehicle can be stressful, but with the right information, you can feel great about your new ride. By becoming educated about the process, you will feel confident when considering your options to maintain the value of your new vehicle purchase.

Do your research, get familiar with what's available, and seek assistance from experienced industry professionals. A professional who is passionate about their services will be happy to give guidance and help avoid misconceptions or gimmicks.

Remember, a little effort and investment today can go a long way towards keeping your vehicle in top condition to help maintain value and appearance.

At Sindicate Auto Salon, we strive to give you and your vehicle dependable, high-quality service and products.

In an innovative industry with constantly changing vehicles, we promise to use our knowledge to grow and adapt, while offering trusted products to our clients.

Every engagement with us should convince you we always go that extra mile to get you ready for the pavement and feeling confident about aftermarket vehicle care.

With 20+ years of experience, certified technicians and perfected methods, we look forward to earning your trust for all of your vehicle's protection needs.

Ready to Protect your Investment?

Professional Protection to Keep Your New Vehicle Looking its Best.

Skip the gimmicks and get more for less on your new vehicle purchase. Preserve your paint with our SunTek Paint Protection Film and SB3 Ceramic Coatings.

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The Sindicate Standard means trusted, quality investment protection.

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