If you’ve recently purchased a brand-new vehicle (or have one on order), then you’re probably looking to preserve its condition for as long as possible. Paint protection film (PPF) is the best option available in the detailing industry, offering superior protection compared to a ceramic coating. But do new cars really need it? In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what PPF is, the benefits, the cost, and the packages available, to help you decide if it’s a worthwhile investment for your new vehicle.
What is PPF?
Paint protection film (PPF), is a transparent, urethane-based film which can be applied to the exterior surfaces on a vehicle. Measuring approximately 6-8mm thick, it acts as a barrier between dirt, stone chips, and scratches to shield the paintwork underneath and leave it unblemished. It’s colourless, and is available in gloss and matte finishes so is virtually invisible on the vehicle.
PPF can be applied to all the painted surfaces on the car, or just to select areas. The most commonly protected areas include the front bumper, bonnet, and front wings, as these are the most prone to rock chips.
Benefits of PPF
PPF offers several benefits including:
- Abrasion resistance – acting as a physical shield to protect against scratches and stone chips.
- UV protection – to prevent fading and discolouration.
- Self-healing characteristics – light scratches will simply disappear when exposed to heat.
- Hydrophobicity – keeps the car cleaner between washes and makes the cleaning process itself easier.
- Impressive durability – PPF lasts 10-years when applied and maintained properly.
Why PPF is Perfect for New Cars
The best time to apply PPF to a vehicle, is actually when it’s brand new. PPF is designed to preserve the current condition of the paintwork before it becomes damaged with stone chips and scratches. That’s why applying it as early as possible in the vehicle’s life is great idea.
New Car PPF Packages Available
If you’re considering getting PPF for your new car, then the main thing you’ll need to decide is how much coverage you want to go for. As PPF is a significant investment, different coverage levels are available to suit different budgets. Here at Elevate Automotive, we offer three different options:
- Full car PPF: all external painted surfaces are protected.
- Front-end PPF: covers the front bumper, bonnet, wings, headlights, and wing mirrors.
- Extended front-end PPF: coverage the front bumper, bonnet, wings, headlights, wing mirrors, side skirts and A-pillars.
Front-end PPF is a popular choice as it shields the highest-impact areas. However, the sides, rear and roof are not protected from general impact and abrasion, unless you opt for full coverage.
Cost of PPF
The cost of PPF varies depending on the vehicle size and level of coverage required. Here’s a price guide for the three coverage levels that we have available:
- Front-end PPF – from £1200
- Extended front-end PPF – front £1500
- Full car PPF – from £3200
With all our PPF packages we also include a ceramic coating application. This will further enhance the chemical resistance and hydrophobic surface characteristics of the PPF. It will also provide protection to areas not covered with PPF if you opt for a front-end coverage package.
PPF vs Ceramic Coatings for New Cars
Another choice to protect a new vehicle’s paintwork is a ceramic coating. Ceramic coatings are liquid polymers which can be applied to a surface and left to form a hardened layer. Coatings offer a hydrophobic finish which makes the car easier to clean. They also provide chemical resistance to help protect the paint underneath.
PPF and ceramic coatings both have their place in the detailing industry, but they each have pros and cons. Here is a summary table highlighting the key differences.
Paint Protection Film | Ceramic Coating |
Polyurethane film which acts as a physical barrier to protect the paint underneath | Liquid polymer that forms an invisible layer of protection on the surface when cured |
Provides stone chip and scratch resistance | Does not offer stone chip and scratch protection |
Lasts 10-years when properly installed and maintained | Lasts 2-5 years on average |
Prices range from £1200-£3200+ depending on coverage level | Prices range from £525-£1500+ depending on the level of paint correction required beforehand, and the maximum coating lifespan |
| Takes 3-5 days on average to prepare and install | Takes 2-3 days on average to prepare and apply |
Both ceramic coatings and PPF are great options, but PPF offers more protection as it also shields against stone chips and abrasion. Ceramic coatings are a good choice for a new car if you have a lower budget.
PPF + Ceramic Coating - The Perfect Choice for New Cars?
PPF undoubtably offers the best protection against impact and abrasion, but ceramic coatings typically have the edge when it comes to hydrophobicity. Applying a ceramic coating on top of PPF, provides the best of both worlds. You get all the abrasion resistance of the PPF, but also the self-cleaning characteristics of the coating.
That’s why we include a ceramic coating with all of our PPF packages, to give our clients the ultimate paint protection available in the industry. We use Gyeon Q² PPF EVO which is specifically designed to bond to PPF without altering its flexibility.
Having full coverage PPF, and a ceramic coating applied on top, will give your vehicle the best possible protection. Alternatively, you could choose a front-end PPF package, and have a ceramic coating applied to the remaining painted surfaces which are less prone to impact.
Is PPF Worth it for New Cars?
This is a personal question and will really depend on the vehicle owner. For high-end and prestige vehicles, PPF is an excellent choice as it preserves the paint underneath. Although it’s not indestructible and can still become damaged by heavier forms of abrasion, it can save the paintwork underneath if the abrasion isn’t too severe. The PPF can simply be removed and reinstalled, leaving the paintwork completely unmarked in many cases and avoiding the need for a respray.
PPF should be seen more as an investment, as it preserves the vehicle’s current condition and can be a very desirable addition when it comes time to sell the vehicle.
You should consider PPF for your new car if you want to:
- Protect your vehicle against stone chips and minor abrasion.
- Preserve the paintwork underneath.
- Want the car to stay cleaner between washes and be easier to maintain.
- Want to preserve the resale value of the vehicle.
- Would like the car to stay looking new for as long as possible.
New Car PPF in Leighton Buzzard
Here at Elevate Automotive, we offer PPF packages using the highly-regarded SunTek paint protection film. This comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, and offers incredible protection and optical clarity. All our PPF services are carried out in our controlled detailing studio to ensure a clean, dust-free installation. Please visit our PPF service page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About PPF
How long does PPF last for?
PPF can last for up to 10-years. Not all PPF is made equal, and some films are better quality and hence, last longer than others. We use SunTek PPF which is backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee. PPF must be applied by a professional installer, otherwise it is very unlikely to last this long and can result in issues such as peeling and cracking.
Will PPF change the look of my car?
No, PPF will not change the appearance of the car – unless you choose a different finish. For example, if you have matte PPF applied to a car with glossy paint. The seams of the PPF are hidden where possible, resulting in a nearly invisible installation.
What happens if the PPF gets damaged?
In the event of light scratches, the PPF can be carefully treated to heat which makes minor marks disappear. However, if the PPF is more heavily damaged, then the film can be removed on the affected panel and a new layer can be reapplied. If you notice damage to your PPF, get in touch with your installer and they will be able to advise.
Is PPF only for expensive cars?
No, PPF is not only for expensive vehicles and supercars. It can be applied to any car including daily drivers and family cars. It’s really for anyone who cares about preserving the condition of their car’s paintwork.
How do I book my new car in for a PPF package?
Get in touch by visiting our contact page or filling in the contact form below if you would like to learn more about our PPF services or book your brand-new vehicle in for a PPF package. We can provide an accurate quote based on your car’s make and model, and the level of coverage required.