Owning a car is a huge investment for anyone. That’s why protecting it from wear and tear becomes more important to preserve its appearance and value. Paint protection film (PPF) is a long-lasting car paint solution that protects your car from damage caused by different contaminants and elements. PPF offers great long-term benefits and value for money, unlike ceramic coating or traditional waxes. If you’re looking for something more durable with self-healing properties that keep your car looking as it looked when you first bought it from the showroom, PPF is the right choice for you. It’s a smart choice for car owners who want to keep their car’s paintwork looking pristine. Moreover, there are endless paint protection film cost savings in the long run. Let’s find out how.
Paint Protection Film Cost-Savings: How to Save on Car Maintenance
PPF is a durable and clear film applied to a car’s body. Its main purpose is to shield the paint from damage.
Some of the common types of damage PPF prevents include the following.
- Minor scratches
- Rock chips
- Road debris
- Stains and other damage caused by insect splatter
- Bird droppings
- Corrosion and fading
- Chemical stains
- Swirl marks
- Mineral deposits and hard water spots
PPF reduces the need for repaints and touch-ups by protecting your car from scratches, chips, and other damage. It also repels dirt, water, and grime. This means PPF not only makes it easier to clean your car but also minimizes the amount of water and soap needed. It helps you save time and money on car washes.
The need for frequent paint jobs also reduces with PPF, saving long-term expenses on maintenance. You can also maintain your car’s resale value by protecting its exterior with PPF. It even keeps your car in excellent condition, so you don’t have to spend extra money to fix damage to its aesthetics before selling it. The initial investment of installing PPF on your car may seem high. However, the cost-savings and other benefits will outweigh the cost in the long run.
Other Key Features and Benefits of PPF
In addition to cost savings, automotive paint protection film offers several other benefits. Here are some of the major ones.
- Most PPFs have self-healing properties, meaning most minor scratches will be automatically repaired when exposed to heat, including sunlight, etc. – another feature of PPFs that leads to cost savings. You don’t have to worry about repairing those minor scratches.
- Unlike waxing, which provides only temporary protection, high-quality PPF can last 5 to 10 years if properly cared for.
- Even if the PPF gets damaged, you can just replace it without affecting the underlying paint.
- A car with a flawless paint job is more appealing to potential buyers, adding to your paint protection film cost savings.
- It offers chemical resistance, protecting it against damage from tree sap, bird droppings, and harsh detergent chemicals.
- It protects your car’s paint from salt, minerals, and other corrosive elements, especially in areas with harsh climates.
- PPFs are available in multiple options. You can improve your car’s aesthetic appeal by selecting transparent, colored, or matte coatings, depending on your tastes.
What Can’t PPF Protect Your Car From?
PPF can’t protect your car from the damages caused by the following:
- It can’t protect your car from dents, broken glass, or other damage caused by major collisions.
- PPF can’t protect your car from harsh weather conditions, including high humidity, heavy rain, strong winds, and too hot and cold temperatures.
- PPF can’t protect your car from chemical stains and damage caused by fire.
- While it offers protection against minor scratches, deep scratches or gouges can still penetrate the film and damage the underlying paint.
The quality and method of installation of the PPF will also impact its ability to protect your car.
Maintenance Tips for PPF
Here are some maintenance tips you should follow to ensure the longevity of PPF on your car.
- Clean the PPF regularly to remove debris, dirt, and contaminants that can damage or discolor the paint finish.
- Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or chemicals with PPF. This will increase longevity and paint protection film cost savings.
- You should also avoid using dyed sealants and petroleum—or resin-based products on the PPF, as they can dull the film and damage its surface. Instead, you should use pH-neutral products on the PPF.
- Clean bird droppings, tar, tree sap, and other environmental contaminants promptly to prevent permanent etching and stains.
- To avoid swirl marks, you should wash your car with gentle automotive detergents in straight lines instead of circles.
- Use a clean microfiber towel on the car after washing to prevent water spots.
- You should also avoid pressure washers with very high PSI and automatic car washes, as the brushes can scratch or damage the PPF.
Conclusion
Investing in protection film not only helps you maintain your car’s aesthetics but also gives you several paint protection film cost savings. PPF lessens the need for regular repainting and repairs. Its UV protection preserves your car’s color, while its ease of cleaning saves you time and effort. Over time, these benefits mean huge cost savings, making PPF invaluable in maintaining your car’s resale value and overall performance and condition.
Bravo Protection: Save on Car Maintenance Costs with PPF
Bravo Protection is a leading provider of paint protection film in Minneapolis. We use the best installation techniques and some of the best products, offering a 10-year manufacturer warranty against any failures or material defects. With a chemical-resistant topcoat and self-healing properties, our PPFs repair abrasions and swirl marks themselves when exposed to heat. It’s also completely safe to remove without damaging the car’s paint, offers a lifetime installation guarantee, and does not stain or discolor. Schedule a free consultation today.