Ceramic Coating - New Mustang GT

[MAT1955]

@2024_Night_Mare and @AZ_Ryan ...... being moderately ocd I contacted Feynlab about the warranty. Was there anything I HAD to do? Was there anything they RECOMMENDED..... Response - nothing I HAD to do to ensure warranty. RECOMMENDED - take it to the detailer once a year to have him look at it (I am going to take it to him at the end of every summer before I store it for the winter and have him do a wash, detail - if required - and inspection) and don't use a wash product that strips/dulls the ceramic coating. They said any PH neutral would do, they have a product, very reasonably priced, called Pure Wash. I bought two quarts (liters) and have filed the bill in my maintenance file. I will also file the bill for the yearly check-up. IMO the bottom line is if you buy a decent or better yet top tier ceramic product and go to an accredited detailer you shouldn't need the warranty.

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[AZ_Ryan]

@2024_Night_Mare and @AZ_Ryan ...... being moderately ocd I contacted Feynlab about the warranty. Was there anything I HAD to do? Was there anything they RECOMMENDED..... Response - nothing I HAD to do to ensure warranty. RECOMMENDED - take it to the detailer once a year to have him look at it (I am going to take it to him at the end of every summer before I store it for the winter and have him do a wash, detail - if required - and inspection) and don't use a wash product that strips/dulls the ceramic coating. They said any PH neutral would do, they have a product, very reasonably priced, called Pure Wash. I bought two quarts (liters) and have filed the bill in my maintenance file. I will also file the bill for the yearly check-up. IMO the bottom line is if you buy a decent or better yet top tier ceramic product and go to an accredited detailer you shouldn't need the warranty.

Understand my response was simply about the warranty question made by @2024_Night_Mare

I dont disagree with anything you said here. Its all pretty standard. Its true you will likely never have a problem if a good installer uses a good product. That said I need to point out that regardless of what the vendor told you, they are not the ones who installed the product, or the ones who would be re-installing the product if there was a warranty claim. Its all on the installer to agree to anything. And many (not all) installers do require periodic maintenance if they are to honor a warranty claim on ceramic coating. Again, im not saying they won't, but you cant always assume people will do the right thing. Especially in the car business.

 

[2024_Night_Mare]

Understand my response was simply about the warranty question made by @2024_Night_Mare

I dont disagree with anything you said here. Its all pretty standard. Its true you will likely never have a problem if a good installer uses a good product. That said I need to point out that regardless of what the vendor told you, they are not the ones who installed the product, or the ones who would be re-installing the product if there was a warranty claim. Its all on the installer to agree to anything. And many (not all) installers do require periodic maintenance if they are to honor a warranty claim on ceramic coating. Again, im not saying they won't, but you cant always assume people will do the right thing. Especially in the car business.

I will certainly be asking the question of how they (the installer I end up choosing) would handle a warranty claim. I have talked to only one installer so far and he said they recommend a yearly inspection. I would expect at least a yearly inspection and preferably twice a year if I had concerns.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I will certainly be asking the question of how they (the installer I end up choosing) would handle a warranty claim. I have talked to only one installer so far and he said they recommend a yearly inspection. I would expect at least a yearly inspection and preferably twice a year if I had concerns.

Just make sure they dont charge for these "inspections". Sometimes shops take advantage and these "inspections"can turn into charged maintenance.

 

[DFB5.0]

Just make sure they dont charge for these "inspections". Sometimes shops take advantage and these "inspections"can turn into charged maintenance.

I get what you are saying, but why wouldn't they charge for a yearly maintenance wash/inspection? Unless the vehicle owner is able or willing to do that themselves, you pay for that service.

Realistically, to do that "coating inspection", they would need to at least wash the car, feel for contamination and treat if needed, which is often a multi-step process using specific high-cost chemicals (iron removers, mineral deposit removers). That would be followed by drying and application of a coating topper. That's at LEAST a 2-hour service. So, would you work two hours without pay, while also using expensive consumables?

Remember, a ceramic coating can become contaminated through normal use of the vehicle (iron deposits, mineral deposits, sap, tar ect). That's not warranty.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I get what you are saying, but why wouldn't they charge for a yearly maintenance wash/inspection? Unless the vehicle owner is able or willing to do that themselves, you pay for that service.

Realistically, to do that "coating inspection", they would need to at least wash the car, feel for contamination and treat if needed, which is often a multi-step process using specific high-cost chemicals (iron removers, mineral deposit removers). That would be followed by drying and application of a coating topper. That's at LEAST a 2-hour service. So, would you work two hours without pay, while also using expensive consumables?

Remember, a ceramic coating can become contaminated through normal use of the vehicle (iron deposits, mineral deposits, sap, tar ect). That's not warranty.

Right. Its depends on the shop or the installer. My point is that sometimes these warranties come with strings. And sometimes you pay or them. A smart independent installer wont do that. Nickle and diming people for maintenance in order to keep a warranty that you paid good money for doesnt build a good reputation. My guy includes a follow up maintenance visit within the first year of the initial job. And he sends clients home with a small cleaning kit and educates you on how maintain the finish.

 

[2024_Night_Mare]

All factors that need to be weighed when choosing a shop. Thank you guys for giving me your inputs. Now it's time to start making some phone calls.

 

[MAT1955]

The inspection by my installer is nc. Of course when I ask him to wash it using his foam gun and special wash mitts - he throws them away after each wash - I would expect to pay. I get what AZ is saying but I tried to pick my detailer carefully and there has to be some level of trust.

 

[Jimbo33]

I am a big believer in ceramic coatings. My previous 2018 mustang and now my 24GT. I had it done at Ziebart for the paint correction and coating. They do everything, the wheels and glass. Granted they are very expensive but the water beading is like nothing I have ever seen. Bird droppings just slide off with a wet wash cloth. They inspect and touch up and detail the exterior every year for free for 8yrs and it looks like a million dollars when done.. I have not experienced a swirl mark from a car wash like I have in my 2 daily drivers. I know this sounds like and advert for them, I have no ties to them. I am just completely sold on their product.

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