Question 1

How long does PPF last?

Accepted Answer

PPF is one of, if not the, highest levels of paint protection you can add to your vehicle. It's designed to absorb as much impact damage as it can.
XPEL's Ultimate Plus series of paint protection films are warrantied for 10 years and this warranty covers: yellowing, delaminating, cracking, peeling, bubbling, and more.  More information on the warranty can be found on XPEL's warranty Information page

In real terms, high impact areas may need to be replaced (we're looking at your side skirts & front bumper areas) to be the areas where the film needs to be replaced first. An estimate would be around 5 years on a daily car.
This does depend on how much the car is driven, how well it's looked after and a whole host of other variables but the main idea is that your paintwork isn't getting damaged.
It's the film, a replaceable piece of film, which is taking the hit each time and as such it's relatively simple to replace a piece of PPF.

Question 2

What is the difference between PPF and Ceramic Coating? Can I have both?

Accepted Answer

PPF is a transparent, self-healing film that shields your car from scratches, stone chips, and other forms of damage. It acts as a sacrificial barrier, absorbing impacts and preventing direct harm to the paint surface.
It's by far the toughest layer of protection. Think of this as impact protection.

Ceramic Coating is a liquid treatment that forms a durable and glossy layer over your vehicle's paint. It offers long-lasting protection against UV damage, fading, and minor scratches.
Think of this as protection against contaminants and very minor impacts (like poor washing technique).

Both PPF and Ceramic Coating have their unique benefits, and combining them can provide the ultimate protection for your vehicle's paint. PPF offers physical protection against impact damage, while Ceramic Coating enhances the durability and glossiness of the paint surface.

Both have hydrophobic properties making it easier to clean your car.

With both PPF and Ceramic Coating, you can enjoy the advantages of both solutions.
PPF acts as the first line of defense against scratches and stone chips, while Ceramic Coating provides an additional layer of protection and enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle.

Question 3

Is ceramic coating good for your car.

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, a ceramic coating can be a fantastic choice for your car. After we've taken care of any paint corrections, the application of this coating can noticeably enhance your vehicle's shine. Plus, it has the added advantage of blocking harmful UV rays. What's more, the protective layer it provides can serve you well for several years. So, all things considered, it's certainly good for your car.

Question 4

How long do ceramic coatings last?

Accepted Answer

The longevity of ceramic coating really depends on a couple of factors.
When applied professionally, these coatings usually endure for a period of up to 5 years.
This duration can fluctuate based on the quality of the coating used (we use a professional grade ceramic coating - Gtechniq) and the application technique. It also depends on how aggressively you wash the car and it's exposure to the elements.
If we were pushed to give an estimate, that we would say on average the coatings last 3 - 5 years.

Question 5

Can you wax a car with a ceramic coating?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes. Yes you can.
You need to install the ceramic coating first, let it cure, and then apply a wax. However we would question the need to apply a wax on top of a professional ceramic coating.

Question 6

How long does it take to ceramic coat a car?

Accepted Answer

The process of applying a ceramic coat needs to be done meticulously and usually spans about 2-3 days.
This timeframe can vary based on factors like the size of your vehicle, the condition of the paintwork and whether the vehicle is brand new or pre-owned.
The application process is a multi-step one which includes stages like preparation, paint correction, actual application, and a curing period. It's a careful procedure, but worth it for the results!

Question 7

How much does ceramic coating cost?

Accepted Answer

We need to start this answer off with an honest truth. There isn't a set cost for ceramic coating your car that we can give here.  Simply because it depends on a wide range of factors.

• Does your car need paint correction beforehand?
• Is the car brand new or used?
• Does it currently have wax or a ceramic coating on it already?
• Are there any areas on the paintwork which are damaged?

Bascially, how much work does the car require before we apply the ceramic coating?
Then we need to consider the size and complexity of the panels.

Given all these variables, it's not quite feasible to just assign a fixed price and say, 'That is how much it will cost'. There's a lot to consider. We'd love to discuss the options with you and take a look at your vehicle. Simply give us a call!

Question 8

Can you apply a ceramic coating to my windscreen, wheels, calipers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! That's something we've done a lot of.
Alloy wheels and calipers really benefit from the ceramic coating as it makes them a lot easier to wash and maintain.

Question 9

Ceramic coatings are hydrophobic.  What's that actually mean?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: In plain English, it means that the ceramic coating attempts to repel any water (rain or spray or hose pipe)

After the ceramic coating has cured  it results in a wonderfully smooth, hydrophobic surface.
This means that liquids don't linger but rather slide off. Now, if there are minor damages on the car's paintwork (we're talking really tiny, microscopic-level imperfections), these areas, while still slick and smooth, aren't flawlessly even. This could result in water forming into a bead and resting in these minute depressions.

If your car is stationary, these beads might stay put on the coating. But even the slightest disturbance, like a gust of wind or minor vibrations, will likely dislodge that bead from its minuscule crevice and off the car it goes.
So in essence, a perfect Ceramic Coating would cause all water to sheet off the surface in mere seconds, not leaving any beads behind. This is the best scenario, as it helps to prevent water spots and ensures a dry, clean surface for the lifetime of the coating.

Take this example of a Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 which we applied ceramic coating on top of PPF to.
See how the rain moves off to all sides, taking dirt with it.  As soon as the car is driven, the remaining water will fall off as well.

Question 10

How do I get a quote from you for ceramic coating?

Accepted Answer

Simply fill in our contact form or just give us a call on 01275 463 134
We're a friendly team and more than happy to help and discuss options.

Question 11

Ceramic coating vs wax.

Accepted Answer

So, you're caught in the classic car care conundrum: Ceramic Coating versus Car Wax....
Now, wax might initially seem more appealing - it's less money and you can apply it yourself. But let's delve a bit deeper into why you might want to consider ceramic coating instead.

Firstly, let's talk about chemical resistance.
Car Wax unfortunately doesn't score well here. After a couple of washes, it typically begins to deteriorate , as if it was never there. In stark contrast, Ceramic Coating is like the marathon runner of car care products - it's got stamina and stays the course, even when confronted with harsh chemicals.

Now let's discuss damage protection. Car wax, to be honest, doesn't offer much. Ceramic coating though, it's a different ball game altogether.
It's not some superhero shield that makes your car invincible. But it does a commendable job protecting your vehicle from everyday annoyances - think light scratches, swirl marks, and even those stone chips when you're cruising at lower speeds.

At first glance, these benefits might not seem monumental, but ponder a bit more, and you'll appreciate the significance. After investing time and money to maintain your car's pristine paintwork or getting a detailed respray, you'd naturally want it to last.

Despite your best efforts, over time, your car will show signs of wear like swirl marks and scratches, making it appear a bit dull.
There's a myriad of factors that can harm your car's paintwork. Even something seemingly harmless like rain can eventually cause some damage. Over time, all these factors take a toll, causing your once shiny car to lose its lustre.

So how do we combat this? The key lies in protecting your car's paintwork. And that's where Ceramic Coating steps in, offering this much-needed protection at a price point that's hard to beat. The only thing better, would be paint protection film.

Question 12

Car detailing prices - how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

It's wonderful to hear of your interest in car detailing. This process is an exceptional way to maintain your vehicle's aesthetic appeal and overall condition.

However, providing a specific cost without understanding the unique situation of your car is a challenge. Just as every car is distinct, so too is the level of detailing they require. Factors such as accumulated dirt, scratches, or interior wear and tear, can significantly vary from one vehicle to another, influencing the cost of detailing.

Think of it in terms of a medical consultation: you'd expect a doctor to diagnose you before suggesting a treatment plan. Similarly, car detailing costs depend on several variables including the car's size, the degree of detailing needed, any notable damages, and even the make and model of your vehicle.

To help us give you an accurate quote, we'd encourage you to contact us.
Our team is ready and eager to evaluate your car and offer a tailored quote reflecting the exact detailing work needed.

Question 13

How long does car detailing take to do?

Accepted Answer

Most detailing works are completed within 1 - 2 days. The whole process takes longer than a simple valet as detailing is far more... detailed. 
The preparation of your vehicle involves a 21-stage wash, decontamination, contactless air dryer and that's before we start correcting any damage absorbed by the surface of the vehicle.

Question 14

Does car detailing remove scratches?

Accepted Answer

It will help hide them. It won't remove them if they're deep, that's where paint correction comes in, which can be carried out at the same time.

The objective is to remove as little paint as possible leaving a high gloss finish as the surface of your vehicle. This can then be protected with a ceramic coating or paint protection film to protect it.

If you're looking for scratches to be removed then we would suggest we need to carry out paint correction on your vehicle.

Question 15

How often should you detail your car?

Accepted Answer

A real 'how long is a piece of string' question this one, and one we get asked quite often.
It depends on how often the vehicle is used, how much wear & tear it receives and how you look after it in between detailing visits.
We would suggest that, on average, most cars are detailed 2 or 3 times a year (about every 4 to 6 months).

Question 16

How to find us.

Accepted Answer

We're in the area of Bristol, or more precisely Portishead which is easy to find and conveniently located just off the M5. 
Our full address is Autotrilogy, Unit 24, Portishead Business Park, Old Mill Rd, Portishead, Bristol BS20 7BX

We are about 20 mins from the centre of Bristol or about 4 mins off Junction 19 of the M5
If you're arriving from the M5, then you'll need to get off at the Gordano junction (J19) and head towards Portishead. 
Plenty of free parking is available on site, and it's suitable for cars which have low ride heights (during the summer months we regularly hold events where everything from McLaren 760, Ferrari 458, Porsche GT3 RS and more arrive)
At the time of writing, there are no speed bumps along the way.

If in doubt, please get in contact and we'll happily help guide you to us.

Question 17

What areas do you cover with your car detailing services?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Bristol, 2 mins off the Ashton by-pass (A370) and easily accessible from both Bristol Airport, Temple Meads and the M4, M5 and M32. There is ample free parking on site which is suitable for luxury sports cars (no steep ramps).
Please note that we are not a mobile valet. We are a specialist car detailing company and as such vehicles will need to be brought to our premises so that we can work in a controlled environment for the best results.

Our address is: 
Autotrilogy
Unit 24 Portishead Business Park
Portishead 
Bristol
BS20 7BX

Question 18

Can I visit & see some cars you've worked on?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! It's always best to call in advance just to make sure we're not hands on completing a complex job for a customer, but our showroom is always open to visitors.

We do have a gallery showcasing a small sample of our work which our customers have kindly let us photograph. These images are on our 'Case Studies and Information' pages.

Bristol's only XPEL & Gtechniq Certified Installers

01275 463 134

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PAINT PROTECTION

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MCLAREN WITH OUR SERVICES AT AUTOTRILOGY.

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