Paint Protection from your Dealer (What you need to know)

[Whelan]

Hello again folks. It's been awhile since I have posted any kind of major topic on here. Sorry but the Trix has not yet been detailed, it's been a busy month as some of you know.But I am here to inform or talk to you about these Paint Protection items offered by your dealer. So those who are looking to buy or considering a new car, or even a new Vibe or Trix. Pay attention!What is it exactly?Paint protection is something offered by a dealer to new car sales mostly that gives your paint an additional warranty against items such as industrial fallout, acid rain, tree sap, rocks, etc. Dealers will try and sell this product at a cost ranging from $100-$500+ depending on the dealer and system used. One of the most common products available is the Simoniz System 5. I personally have bottles of this stuff in my basement to use. But we will get into what it is later. The protection offered is in addition to the paint warranty that comes from the manufacturer. If you have ever listened to the guy in the business office talk while going over the binder of paperwork, he mentions the warranties. Typically a car will come with something on the lines of 7 years 60K paint and rust protection, if not more. That is all you need guys and gals. If your sitting with the salesman and show interest in anything they are offering as extras, then you are hooked. He informs the business manager who in turn tries to upsell it to you by babbling. The only one I have ever seen useful is the rim protection. You damage a wheel, it's replaced at no cost. Helpful when a factory OEM costs $250-500 depending.How does it work?OK, you ready for the big secret...You really wanna know this...huh...LOL. OK, here it is. Teflon Coating! That's all in a nutshell folks. It is basically some specialty wax that has a teflon synthetic in it that coats the car and puts an additional barrier between your wax and your clearcoat. I won't say paint cause they all use that term so broadly. Your car is made up of several layers. Your metal, primer, base, paint, clear coat to be simple. On top of that would be any polish/cleaner then wax. And if you feel the need, a glaze top coat. The Paint protection offered is simply a easy on easy off sealant glaze. It takes all of 20 minutes to apply. Then you cannot get the car wet for approximately 3 days while it cures. Basically the product is like concrete in a sense, it gets stronger over time. At least for a little while. They offer some crazy 5 year additional protection when you get this product as well. Did I simplify that for you, they take a wheel, add product, put it on the car, then wipe it off. That is what you pay for.Is it necessary?Nope! I mean if you wash your car twice a year, sure it could help. If you never wax your car, it could help for a period of time. But if you keep your car clean, washed, maintained and waxed then this product is not for you. It is a waste of money and you could go buy $100 worth of cleaning supplies for the car that will last a lot longer.Is it the same as other protection plansMostly yes, but please do not confuse this with the film protectors offered. Those would be the clear masks that are put on the front of the hood, front bumper, side mirrors for additional protection against rocks and other road debris. Completely different system altogether. That would be something worthwhile in getting IMO. It is a little more expensive but worth the money.So I hope I have helped some people here, at least you now have the knowledge and know where to get it. If you know someone who works at a dealer, have them get in touch with the in-shop detailer (the guy who cleans up the cars before they go), and get a small sample bottle of the stuff. I used to get them all the time and have a box in my basement full of the Simoniz specifically. I have'nt used it yet. Enjoy!

[Kevzaz]

Good read, very useful, as always. =]

[Vibe2009]

I dont have such connection.... anywhere I could get a bottle of these sealant online?

[Whelan]

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/_C...dZm39

[Vibe2009]

Thanks!! I am ordering one!

[Whelan]

That small bottle should do the car a few times. It is spread very VERY finely. Even finer than the wax top coat. So a little goes a long way.