How To Wash Car With Ceramic Coating?

Considering the long-lasting effect and protection ceramic coating provides, you decided to opt for it—a fantastic idea!

Ceramic coatings offer hydrophobic protection against water spots, chemicals, and dirt, giving them a legendary status in vehicle maintenance. Moreover, their extended lifespan and often multi-year or lifetime warranties have made them a highly valued solution in car care.

However, despite their robustness, ceramic coatings are not entirely maintenance-free – a common misconception.

A ceramic coated car requires regular cleaning to maintain its sleek appearance and protective qualities. While ceramic coatings facilitate easier cleaning, neglecting routine maintenance can reduce their effectiveness over time. Applying proper washing techniques, as recommended by the coating manufacturer, plays a significant role in extending the life and enhancing the performance of the coating.

So, how to wash car with ceramic coating? Let’s delve into the best practices for washing a car with a ceramic coating, ensuring your vehicle remains protected and looks its best.

But first…..

What Is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic car coating is a long-lasting protective layer applied to a vehicle's exterior. It starts as a liquid and cures into a hard, durable surface. Made from silicon dioxide (SiO2), it bonds with the car's paint, providing robust protection against water, dirt, and chemicals. Its hydrophobic properties make the car easier to clean and maintain, enhancing its appearance and safeguarding against damage.

How To Wash Car with Ceramic Coating?

Some car owners mistakenly believe their vehicle no longer requires regular washing after applying a ceramic coating. However, this isn't true. While the ceramic coating does help keep your car cleaner for longer, it does not eliminate the need for routine washes. Regular washing is still essential to maintain the coating's effectiveness and the car's appearance.

Washing a car with a ceramic coating requires careful attention to maintain its protective properties and appearance. Here is a step-by-step guide to ceramic car wash:

Wait For The Curing Period

After applying a ceramic coating to your car, it’s crucial not to wash it for at least seven days. This waiting period allows the coating to fully cure and bond to the paint, providing the optimal level of protection. Washing your car too soon could disrupt this process and compromise the coating's effectiveness.

Wash The Car Monthly

Once the initial seven days have passed, it is important to wash your car regularly—at least twice a month—to prevent the buildup of contaminants. While its hydrophobic properties repel water-based dirt and smudges, tiny particles like dirt and pebbles can still embed themselves in the coating. Failure to wash these materials away could eventually degrade the ceramic coating.

But routine maintenance will help maintain the coating’s protective qualities and keep your vehicle looking its best.

Gather Your Supplies

Ensure you have the following supplies ready: a gentle car shampoo, two buckets (one for washing, one for rinsing), a soft microfiber wash mitt or sponge, and a separate microfiber towel for drying.

When washing your car, it's essential to use automotive-specific car soaps and shampoos. Automotive products are pH neutral, which helps maintain the integrity of your car's coating, preventing damage over time. Dedicated car wash products are also wax-free, which facilitates effective cleaning without leaving unwanted residues.

Remove Bird Dropping and Bug Splatter

Before your ceramic coating car wash, remove bird droppings and bug splatter to prevent damage to the paint. Consider storing a quick detailer in your car for spot cleaning. When using it, blot gently instead of wiping vigorously to minimize the risk of swirls and scratches on your vehicle's finish.

Apply Pre – Wash Foam

Before washing, apply a pre-wash foam on your vehicle's surface to effectively loosen dirt and grime. Follow the specific instructions provided by the product for the optimal dwelling time. This ceramic coating car wash step helps soften and lift contaminants, making them easier to remove during washing.

Two Bucket Washing Method

To properly wash your car, opt for the two–bucket washing method. This ceramic car wash method prevents swirls and marks on your car's clear coat.

Wash your vehicle from top to bottom, one section at a time, to minimize cross-contamination. Regularly rinse your wash mitt in a clean water bucket while cleaning each section. Additionally, use separate mitts and buckets for the wheels, as they are often the dirtiest part of the car and contain brake dust with metal flakes. Start at the top of the vehicle and gradually work your way down, frequently rinsing the wash mitt to avoid transferring dirt back onto the car.

Rinse and Dry

After washing each section, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all shampoo residue.

If you use a power washer for car washing, keep the nozzle 8 to 12 inches away from the vehicle's surface to prevent damage to the finish.

Use soft microfiber towels or air blowers to dry the car gently. These tools are gentle on the coating and effectively absorb or remove water without leaving residues. Inadequate tools can leave streaks, introduce swirls, or damage the protective ceramic layer.

There you go: now you know how to wash ceramic coating car.

What To Expect If You Don’t Maintain Your Ceramic Coating?

Here is what you can expect if regular upkeep of a ceramic-coated vehicle is neglected:

•  Reduced Hydrophobic Effect: Ceramic coatings are valued for their hydrophobic properties that repel water and prevent contaminants from adhering to the surface. However, without regular cleaning, dirt and grime can clog the coating, diminishing its water-repellent effectiveness and making it more challenging for water and dirt to slide off.

• Decreased Gloss and Shine: Ceramic coatings enhance the gloss and depth of your car’s paint. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a build-up of contaminants, diminishing the coating's ability to reflect light and dulling the vehicle’s overall appearance.

• Shortened Coating Lifespan: Regular maintenance, such as washing and occasional reapplication of a top coat or booster, helps preserve the integrity of the ceramic car coating. Lack of upkeep can lead to premature wear, reducing the coating’s lifespan and necessitating a more frequent reapplication.

• Loss of Protective Qualities: Ultimately, the protective layer provided by the ceramic coating will degrade if not maintained. This means your car's paintwork will be more vulnerable to environmental damage, UV rays, and chemical contaminants.

Looking For Top–Tier Car Wash Services for Your Ceramic Coated Car?

Brakeout Auto Detailing offers exceptional car washing services tailored specifically for ceramic-coated vehicles. Our comprehensive approach includes the use of spray-on ceramic coatings, ensuring your car retains its high-gloss, hydrophobic finish.

Our ceramic car wash process starts with a snow foam pre-wash followed by a gentle hand wash, ensuring every inch of your vehicle is cared for without risking damage to the coating. We meticulously clean wheels, tires, and fenders, removing tough dirt and grime that can accumulate over time.

At Brakeout Auto Detailing, we prioritize your vehicle’s protection and appearance, offering the best care for ceramic-coated cars.