Will A Car Wash Ruin Ceramic Coating?

Proper maintenance is essential in order to prolong the protective qualities of a ceramic coating. However, many car owners who invest in ceramic coating often wonder if they can safely use automated car washes without damaging the protective layer. So, will a car wash ruin ceramic coating?

In this article, from the expert team at HydroSilex, we will address this concern by exploring what ceramic coating is made from, discussing the impact of automated car washes on ceramic coatings, and providing tips on how to properly maintain your ceramic coating.

What is ceramic coating made from?

Ceramic coating, also known as nano-ceramic coating, is a liquid polymer that is applied to the vehicle's exterior. It is made from nanoparticles of silica dioxide (SiO2) or titanium dioxide (TiO2), suspended in a solvent or resin. When the coating is applied to the painted surface, these nanoparticles form a protective layer that bonds with the paint, creating a durable and hydrophobic barrier.

Will an automated car wash damage ceramic coating?

Automated car washes have become a popular choice for car owners due to their convenience and time-saving benefits. However, when it comes to vehicles with ceramic coatings, it's important to exercise caution. While ceramic coatings provide an additional layer of protection, they are not impervious to the potential risks associated with automated car washes. 

One of the primary concerns with automated car washes is the use of harsh chemicals. These chemicals are often necessary to break down and remove dirt, grime, and contaminants from the vehicle's surface. However, some of these chemicals may not be compatible with ceramic coatings. The aggressive nature of these chemicals can strip away the protective layer, leaving the coating vulnerable to damage. Prolonged exposure to such chemicals can lead to discoloration, dullness, or even degradation of the coating over time. 

In addition to the chemical aspect, the mechanical components of automated car washes can pose a threat to ceramic coatings. Many car washes employ abrasive brushes that rotate or oscillate vigorously to remove dirt. While these brushes are designed to clean effectively, they can create micro-scratches on the surface of the ceramic coating. These micro-scratches may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, but they can compromise the integrity of the coating and reduce its ability to protect against future damage. 

Furthermore, the high-pressure jets used in automated car washes can also cause potential harm to ceramic coatings. The force exerted by these jets, especially in combination with abrasive brushes, can lead to the removal or thinning of the protective layer. This can significantly impact the coating's ability to repel water, dirt, and other contaminants, thereby diminishing its effectiveness. 

Repeated exposure to the harsh chemicals, abrasive brushes, and high-pressure jets of automated car washes can gradually wear down the ceramic coating. The protective properties that make ceramic coatings so effective can be compromised, leaving your vehicle's paint vulnerable to scratches, stains, and other forms of damage. It's essential to be mindful of these risks and take appropriate measures to preserve the longevity and effectiveness of the coating.

How to properly maintain your ceramic coating?

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your ceramic coating, it is important to follow proper maintenance practices: 

Hand washing 

Opt for hand washing your vehicle using the two-bucket method or the foam cannon technique. This allows you to control the pressure, use gentle wash mitts or microfiber towels, and avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the coating. 

pH-neutral cleaning products 

Choose pH-neutral or specifically formulated ceramic coating maintenance products. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents that can degrade the coating. 

Grit guards and high-quality wash mitts 

When hand washing, use a high-quality wash mitt or microfiber towel along with a grit guard in your wash buckets. This helps trap dirt particles, preventing them from scratching the coating. 

Drying techniques 

After washing, use a soft, lint-free microfiber towel or a blower to dry the vehicle. Avoid air-drying, as it may cause water spots that could be difficult to remove. 

Regular inspections 

Periodically inspect your ceramic coating for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, consult a professional detailer for advice on repair or reapplication.

Read more:

Will Ceramic Coating Prevent Rock Chips?

Ceramic Coating After Care And Maintenance

Premium ceramic coating maintenance products from HydroSilex

HydroSilex provides a wide variety of ceramic coating and auto detailing products to help you get professional level results in the comfort of your own home. Here is a selection of the best products to maintain your ceramic coating:

HydroSilex Ceramic Waterless Wash

HydroSilex Ceramic Waterless Wash is a revolutionary product designed to take your car detailing routine to the next level. With its advanced ultra-slick formula, this waterless wash solution offers unparalleled performance and convenience. Let's explore the key features and benefits of this exceptional product. 

HydroSilex Ceramic Waterless Wash is formulated with a ceramic-based solution infused with SIO2 (silicon dioxide). This ceramic formula creates a protective layer on the surface of your vehicle, enhancing its durability and resistance to contaminants. By encapsulating dirt and grime, the solution allows for easy removal without leaving micro scratches behind. This not only ensures a clean and polished finish but also helps to maintain the integrity of your vehicle's paintwork. 

In addition to its waterless wash capabilities, this product serves as an excellent quick detailer. If your car has accumulated a light layer of dust, a simple wipe-down with the HydroSilex Ceramic Waterless Wash will swiftly remove the dust particles, leaving your vehicle looking clean and refreshed. This makes it an ideal solution for touch-ups between thorough washes, allowing you to maintain the pristine condition of your car effortlessly. 

Furthermore, the HydroSilex Ceramic Waterless Wash is specifically designed to work with HydroSilex Recharge. If your vehicle has been coated with HydroSilex Recharge, this waterless wash serves as the perfect maintenance solution. It helps to prolong the longevity of the coating, ensuring that your vehicle continues to benefit from the hydrophobic and protective properties provided by HydroSilex Recharge.

HydroSilex Ceramic Soap

HydroSilex Ceramic Soap is a cutting-edge product specifically designed to provide your vehicle's paint with optimal performance and protection. With its ceramic-infused formula, this soap goes beyond traditional cleaning to leave behind a thin layer of SIO2 (silicon dioxide), enhancing your paint's water repellency and hydrophobic properties. 

One of the key advantages of HydroSilex Ceramic Soap is its ability to maintain and enhance ceramic-coated surfaces. If your vehicle has been treated with a ceramic coating, this soap is the ideal choice for your regular washing routine. As you wash your car with HydroSilex Ceramic Soap, it leaves behind a thin layer of SIO2, which helps to reinforce and prolong the hydrophobic properties of the ceramic coating. This ensures that your vehicle maintains its water-repellent nature, allowing water to bead up and roll off the surface effortlessly. 

Not only is HydroSilex Ceramic Soap perfect for maintaining ceramic coatings, but it also stands out as a standalone soap for all paint finishes. Its high foaming and highly concentrated formula enables effective cleaning while being gentle on both coatings and paints. The soap's powerful cleaning agents tackle grime and dirt, leaving your vehicle spotless without compromising the integrity of the coating or the underlying paint.

Regular use of HydroSilex Ceramic Soap helps to maintain the protective properties of the ceramic coating on your vehicle. By reinforcing the hydrophobic nature of the coating, it aids in preventing dirt, grime, and water spots from adhering to the surface. This not only keeps your vehicle looking clean and pristine but also reduces the need for frequent and intensive cleaning sessions.

HydroSilex Microfiber Towels

HydroSilex Microfiber Towels are the ultimate choice for all your cleaning and polishing needs. Designed with high-grade quality, these towels offer exceptional performance and protection, making them suitable for a wide range of surfaces. Whether you're cleaning expensive furniture, sophisticated appliances, computer screens, TVs, or luxury vehicles, HydroSilex Microfiber Towels provide the care and attention required to achieve flawless results. 

One of the standout qualities of HydroSilex Microfiber Towels is their ability to prevent scratches. The high-grade microfiber material used in these towels ensures a gentle and safe cleaning experience on delicate surfaces. With their ultra-soft fibers, the towels glide smoothly over surfaces without leaving behind any scratches or swirl marks. This makes them ideal for premium surfaces that require meticulous care. You can trust HydroSilex Microfiber Towels to clean and disinfect these surfaces without marring or damaging their appearance.

While HydroSilex Microfiber Towels excel in various cleaning tasks, they were initially created with luxury vehicle detailing in mind. The unique demands of cleaning and polishing vehicle finishes require special attention and precision. Professional car detailers worldwide choose HydroSilex Microfiber Towels for their exceptional performance and ability to deliver flawless results. These towels are specifically designed to meet the rigorous standards of automotive detailing, ensuring that your vehicle receives the highest level of care and protection.

HydroSilex is a one stop shop for all the best car detailing products on the market. We have many years of experience in forming high-quality products to help car owners maintain their vehicles. Visit our website at https://www.hydrosilex.com to choose the best  cleaning solutions, products and tools for your vehicle.