Caring for Your Coated Vehicle
Your vehicle has been professionally protected with a ceramic coating system designed to enhance gloss, resist contamination, and simplify ongoing maintenance.
That said, a coating is not a replacement for proper care. It is a tool that performs best when maintained correctly.
This guide outlines exactly how to care for your vehicle moving forward so you can preserve the performance, appearance, and longevity of the protection we’ve installed.
If you ever have questions, we are here to help.
First 7 Days After Installation
During the first week, your coating is continuing to cure and harden. How the vehicle is treated during this time matters.
Avoid the following:
- Do not wash the vehicle
- Do not use any chemicals or cleaners
- Avoid parking under trees or areas with heavy contamination when possible
If the vehicle gets wet:
Rain is not harmful, but water may leave light spotting during this early stage. If this happens, gently dry the surface with a clean, soft microfiber towel. Do not wipe aggressively.
If contamination occurs:
Bird droppings, bug splatter, or similar contaminants should be removed as soon as possible. Lightly dampen a clean microfiber towel with water or a ceramic detail spray and gently blot the area.
When in doubt, reach out. It is always better to ask than risk damaging a surface during this phase.
Proper Washing Method
Routine washing is the most important part of maintaining your coating.
Recommended approach:
- Wash the vehicle regularly to prevent buildup
- Use a pH-neutral automotive shampoo like Feynlab Pure Wash
- Use clean, high-quality microfiber wash media
- Rinse thoroughly before making contact with the surface
Drying:
- Use a clean microfiber drying towel or compressed air
- Avoid letting water air dry, especially in direct sunlight (unless using spotless water systems)
Proper washing preserves the hydrophobic properties of the coating and helps prevent unnecessary wear over time.
What to Avoid
Improper care is the most common cause of reduced coating performance.
Avoid the following:
- Automatic car washes, especially those with brushes
- Harsh chemicals or degreasers not intended for coated surfaces
- Abrasive towels, sponges, or wash media
- Letting contaminants sit on the surface for extended periods
Even though your vehicle is protected, it is still possible to introduce defects or reduce performance through improper touching and wiping.
Ongoing Maintenance
Ceramic coatings reduce maintenance, but they do not eliminate it.
Over time, environmental buildup can sit on top of the coating and affect how it performs. This can show up as reduced water behavior or a less responsive surface.
Periodic maintenance helps:
- Remove embedded contamination
- Restore hydrophobic performance
- Extend the life of the coating
We recommend a professional maintenance service at appropriate intervals based on how the vehicle is used and stored. This is typically annually but should be increased if above average miles are driven. More use usually equals more maintenance. Just like an oil change protects your engine, proper maintenance protects your coating.
Most of our clients choose to have us handle ongoing maintenance to ensure everything is done to the same standard as the initial installation.
When to Contact Us
If something doesn’t feel right, we want to know.
Reach out if you notice:
- A change in how water behaves on the surface
- Stubborn contamination that does not wash off
- Questions about products or washing methods
- Anything that causes uncertainty about proper care
We would rather guide you early than correct an avoidable issue later.
Long-Term Care Matters
Your vehicle is an investment, and how it is cared for moving forward plays a major role in how it looks over time.
Following these guidelines will help you get the most out of the protection we’ve installed.
When maintained properly, your coating will continue to perform, protect, and enhance your vehicle for years to come.
