Jim Webber

Hey guys,

I'm likely to pick-up an 18 A6 Comp in Nardo Gray that sitting in the showroom of our Audi dealer -- assuming reasonable pricing/trade on my BMW -- this afternoon. I'm curious if anyone has experimented with the ceramic coating available these days and has comments as to whether they make any sense. Given this car is sitting in a showroom now, taking it to the detail shop immediately after picking it up for the coating would be ideal.

Waste of money? Good preventative measure?

I'm trading my 2008 335xi and hope to keep the A6 for a similarly long haul..

DanfZX14

I say do it from all the info I have read about it!

Q5 Bob

Who are you thinking of using? I'm in the SW suburbs and thinking having the prep and ceramic coating applied.

Jim Webber

My thinking has only progressed far enough to investigate whether it makes sense... My local carwash/detail shop just started offering the treatment; and, I've been curious whether it's any good. The manager there showed me his SUV a couple months ago - it was their test vehicle. I'll go have a look next time I'm in there.

powertech83

In my opinion ceramic coating is worth it. I have had black cars in the past without coating and with ceramic coating since new. Given the similar maintenance on my part, the one with coating held up a lot better over the years (less visible fine scratches and virtually no waterspots). Of course it doesn't mean no maintenance, you still have to clean up bird poops fast, otherwise it is still going to etch through the coating and to the paint.

r1racer

It's worth it if it's your daily and you don't like to maintain your car. I use sio2 (McKee's hydro blue) after each wash and it's amazing how hydrophobic the paint is vs waxes/sealants. I use regular carnauba and chem guys VO7 quick detailer on my gt350 since it's not a daily. The waxes/sealants give the paint more depth and shine vs a ceramic coating (from my exp) but they don't shed water as well and definitely doesn't last as long.

One thing you may want to consider is a clear bra on the front bumper and hood. The paint will get destroyed without it and a ceramic coating will not prevent it, If you simply want the affects of a ceramic coating just seal the paint with a good wax or synthetic and maintain with sio2.

DanfZX14

If you do a clear bra do the rear bumper too. I regret not doing the out side and top edge of the rear bumper.

KevinGary

Spock1234

I am planning to put a ceramic coating on my 2017 A8L. I need recommendations from fellow Audi owners on the best coating and the best installers in the NW suburbs.

snagitseven

Prices, on average, seem about right if the wheels are included. The extra Plus coat will add an improved shine to the Pro coating. Also check out Ceramic Pro. I've had both Opti-Coat and CP done over the years and I find the Ceramic Pro to be more glossy.