Does a Ceramic Coating for Cars Stop Rock Chips?
When you’re driving on highways or rough roads, rock chips are a common annoyance. As an auto enthusiast, you probably want your car looking as pristine as possible. So, you might be asking: “Does a ceramic coating for cars stop rock chips?” Let’s take a closer look at what ceramic coatings can and cannot do for your car.
Understanding Ceramic Coatings and Rock Chips
Ceramic coatings, such as the traditional SiO2-based coatings, are primarily designed to protect your car’s paint from minor scratches, dirt, UV rays, and chemical stains. They create a hard, glass-like layer on top of the paint, which enhances gloss and makes the surface hydrophobic—meaning water and dirt slide right off. This keeps your car looking shiny and makes cleaning easier. However, when it comes to rock chips, these coatings have some limitations.
While traditional SiO2 based ceramic coatings do provide a sacrificial layer that absorbs minor abrasions, they are not thick or flexible enough to absorb the high-impact force from rocks or debris. The ceramic layer can reduce the visibility of small chips, but it won’t completely prevent them from occurring if the impact is significant enough.
However, with the introduction of silicone-powder nanotechnology, REVIVIfy has engineered a liquid car coating that actually absorbs and reflects impacts, similar to PPF.
Though not as thick as PPF, these coatings provide superior protection over traditional SiO2 based ceramic coatings. Additionally, the coating may be layered to achieve 30 microns of protection. That’s about how much clear coat is on your car, and 5-10 times thicker than traditional SiO2 based ceramic coatings.
Revivify’s Self-Healing Automotive Coatings: A Game Changing Innovation
At Dripping Auto Pros, we offer Revivify’s Self-Healing CarbonX Ceramic Coating, which adds another layer of defense. This coating has a unique self-healing property that allows it to repair itself from minor scratches and chips. It works by using heat, such as sunlight or warm water, to “heal” small surface imperfections.
Although Revivify’s CarbonX coating can provide better protection against rock chips compared to traditional ceramic coatings, it is still not a substitute for Paint Protection Film (PPF). PPF is much thicker and designed specifically to absorb impacts, making it the gold standard for rock chip protection. However, CarbonX offers a significant advantage in terms of cost—about half the price of PPF—while still providing a good level of protection.
Self-Healing Coating vs. PPF: Making the Right Choice
PPF is a durable, flexible layer applied over your vehicle’s paint to protect it from rock chips, scratches, and other forms of impact damage. Unlike ceramic coatings, PPF is designed to be thick and absorbent, allowing it to take the brunt of impacts and prevent damage to the paint beneath. This makes PPF the top choice for those who drive frequently on ranches, gravel roads or highways.
However, PPF comes at a higher cost and may not provide the same level of gloss or hydrophobic properties as ceramic coatings. If you’re looking for a balance between cost and protection, the Revivify CarbonX Ceramic Coating is a great alternative. It offers many benefits, such as a high-gloss finish, UV protection, chemical resistance, and water repellency, along with some degree of protection against rock chips.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Protection for Your Car
If your primary concern is rock chips, and you are prepared to invest in the best protection, PPF is the ideal choice. However, if you want a more affordable option that still offers great overall protection and a glossy finish, Revivify’s Self-Healing CarbonX Ceramic Coating provides a balanced solution.
At Dripping Auto Pros, we’re here to help you choose the right protection for your vehicle. Whether it’s ceramic coating, PPF, or a combination of both, we’ve got you covered. Stop by and let’s discuss the best way to keep your car looking its best, no matter where the road takes you.
