Ceramic coating on Underground … yes or no?

[TulameenGal]

Just ordered my 2026 Hybrid off road Premium. Should I get the Ceramic Coating package? It’s pricey, but with what I’ve read on the durability of the Underground paint we’re thinking it may be worth getting. I typically keep my vehicles for around 15 years and wax twice a year (the Mustang maybe more) and dealer says ceramic coating means no waxing? We live very rural, lots of snow and gravel roads.

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[get.outside.75]

From the dealer? No. From someone that knows what they are doing, maybe. Ceramic coating doesn't help protect against rock chips, only PPF.

 

[Tarekith]

Ceramic coating will not do anything for durability, they are literally only a few atoms thin. It won’t do anything against rocks or scratches.

You don’t need to wax a ceramic coated car, but you do need to apply a sealant topper every 6 months to a year to keep it functioning like it was when freshly applied. I had my last 3 vehicles ceramic coated, but these days I just use Griot’s 3-1 ceramic spray coating every 4-6 months. It’s super easy to apply (I can do the whole 4Runner in 20 minutes), about the same time and effort as a ceramic topper. It also lasts just as long (or longer) as I would go in between applying ceramic coating toppers, so these days I don’t bother with ceramic coatings and just use the Griots. Same looks and functionality but thousands cheaper.

If you DO decide to get a ceramic coating, DO NOT do it at the dealer. They charge you way too much for an inferior product, usually it’s just a cheap spray like the Griots I mention before. Take it to a reputable auto detailer who specializes in ceramic coatings, it will last a LOT longer.

 

[NotApplicable]

Ceramic coating will not do anything for durability

This. Ceramic coating is for cleanliness and shininess, does nothing* for protection.

* I guess you could argue it offers some protection against contaminants by way of making them less able to adhere to the surface, but certainly nothing against physical/kinetic damage.

 

[Mad Ghost]

if you can afford it 1000% do PPF. I PFP my Toyota highlander and it looked brand new 5 years later. Wasn't in the budget on the 4runner and I have a few rock chips after 13k miles.

 

[RobCMass]

Absolutely do not go to an automatic car wash, learn from my mistake. I only did it 1 time and it got lots of swirls from the brushes. Like others have stated I would at least do a front package of PPF that does the hood, bumper, fenders and mirror caps.

 

[brumey]

All the advice above is correct.

Never get it at a dealer.

Do not allow the dealer to detail the vehicle. They will probably run that soft paint through a car wash scratching and swirls.


PPF the front at minimum. Do ASAP, like make an appointment now. Good shops are busy. Front end only, not hood is about $800. Use a reputable dealer.

if you go the ceramic route, do it after the PPF.

I went to wax. My other choice would be a self do product. If it were a Porche 911 Turbo, I might consider a pro ceramic job and pay the $$$$$$

 

[Joey_Midnight]

The dealers is some spray on bs. Just buy it your self for $100 and apply it yourself

 

[Scarlett]

I did a full front end PPF. Couldn't quite afford the whole thing this time. But then did a ceramic coating at a local shop. Saved a ton of money there.

 

[JackedAcctnt]

Full front end PPF and ceramic coat was what I did (at a reputable shop). Spent $2K flat. As others mentioned, do not go through automatic washes. If you have the space, then invest in a pressure washer and car wash supplies. I like Chemical Guys but there are other reputable brands out there.

Do not wax your car either after ceramic coating if you go this route. You just need to apply a ceramic coat booster spray every 4-6 months. This will restore and keep the hydrophobic layers active.

Edit: I also have the Underground color. If you're skeptical then also buy the touch up paint - think it cost me like $10 or so, and this should fill in any small scratches to the paint.

 

[RandomSquirrel]

Just to echo others:

Ceramic: protects paint from UV and helps maintain cleanliness and water beading.
PPF: protects paint from chips and minor scratches.

I had mine ceramic coated 3 days after taking delivery. I'm still debating on the PPF for the front+hood, but that may be another month or two before I pull that trigger.

 

[ScoMay]

Agreed on all of the above. PPF (full or partial) before ceramic. Then periodically refresh the ceramic - or go with the Griots.

I will add more reasons not to go for ceramic from the dealer. When I bought my Ram pickup a few years ago, I had it ceramic coated at the dealer. They gave me no instructions as far as later maintenance. (I only learned about that long after from this forum!) And when the dealership I purchased from was bought out by another chain, the new ownership canceled all the “extra“ contracts. So going back to the dealer for a promised refresh at my convenience was no longer an option. All I got was a prorated refund on what coverage remained - kind of defeated the concept of extended protection.

Bottom Line: find a reputable PPF specialist shop or ceramic outfit or both!!

 

[RunnerRocks]

Does PPF apply to plastics? Or only non-plastics?

 

[ScoMay]

Does PPF apply to plastics? Or only non-plastics?

I am not 100% certain on that. I had a full PPF done on my Pro and they did wrap the overfenders. I THINK they are plastic, not metal. But there were areas in the front bumper they could not do …. I think some of the small black areas like around the radar, not sure. I know they could not do the grill due to its honeycomb detail.

One thing I will mention if you are considering PPF - a reputable PPF installer will wrap the edges wherever possible. Be sure you get that. It will minimize the number of visible edges that can get dirty over time.

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