With daily wear and tear, dings, and scratches, your new car could quickly look less-than-new if you don’t protect its paint. Paint protection film is a clear urethane cover that auto body shops install over your car’s paint to prevent depreciation and protect the vehicle’s surface. However, new vehicle owners often wonder, “Is paint protection film worth it?”
As an experienced auto painting contractor in Tucson, our team at Cutting Edge Collision Center put together this guide explaining the benefits and costs of paint protection film so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Benefits of Paint Protection Film
Paint protection film comes with many benefits, including:
- Protects against scratches and scrapes and absorbs impacts
- Protects paint color from rock chips and road debris, and is especially effective to protect your car paint in winter
- Nearly invisible, and won’t discolor with age
- Usually comes with a warranty of up to ten years
- Preserves the value of your vehicle and combats depreciation
Some severe damage may break through the film, but the impact will result in less damage than if there were no film.
Is Paint Protection Film Expensive?
Paint protection film can be expensive, but you can reduce the overall cost if you know what you need.
The vehicle’s exterior condition is one of the first things a detailer will consider. Some cars are older or have already acquired imperfections. In this case, the detailer will need to use a paint correction process to remove them before paint protection film installation can begin. This extra work will likely add to the cost.
The surface area you want to protect also affects the price. Applying paint protection film to the entire vehicle will be more expensive. On the other hand, just treating the front end will reduce the cost while still protecting the car. Treating the vehicle’s front end is always the minimum that a detailer will recommend.
The detailer’s experience and skill level will add to the cost. An inexperienced detailer will be cheaper, but if they inadvertently cause damage, it will cost more to correct. An experienced detailer will charge more, but they will do it right the first time.
It can be tempting to cut costs by attempting to apply the paint protection film yourself. However, the process can be complex and must be precise. You should always speak to a professional about paint protection installation.
Is Paint Protection Film Worth It?
In most cases, paint protection film is worth the cost. It will protect your vehicle and preserve its value. However, a cheaper ceramic coating may be sufficient if you are not too concerned with minor damage and light wear and tear.
Learn More About Protecting Your Car’s Paint
The answer to “Is paint protection film worth it?” is not an easy one. Paint protection film has many benefits and is a good investment for most drivers. You should consider your own needs and unique situation before making a decision.
An experienced detailer here at Cutting Edge Collision Center can answer your questions and help you make the right decision. We also offer helpful advice, such as ideal car maintenance tips for the summer. Call us at 520-339-6901 today!