Does ceramic coating require maintenance?

A car with a ceramic coating will get dirty, it will just get dirty less quickly, so you will need to wash it less frequently. But you will still need to wash your car. You don't need any special maintenance products to do this.

However, there are special ceramic coating maintenance products available which will help you extend the life of your ceramic coating.

Some of these products are top-ups are for professional use only, but there are also ceramic spray on products which you can use yourself. 

Keeping the coating topped up will maintain maximum protection, but do you require them? No, you don't, but they will extend the life of the coating and we do recommend them.  If it were a requirement that you need to apply lotions and potions to your car every month, it would negate one of the primary benefits of having a ceramic coating, which is the fact that it's low maintenance.

What we would suggest is that you give your car a review once a year, like a spring-clean.  It is fairly likely that over that time you may have picked up a few dents, scratches and chips. Dirt may be collecting in some hard to reach places, and at this point you might consider having your car's exterior professionally detailed and any problems corrected. A top-up can be applied at this point should you wish.

What this question is really about

When people ask whether ceramic coating requires maintenance, they are often trying to work out whether the coating replaces washing altogether, or whether it still needs looking after to perform properly.

Many people ask whether ceramic coating requires maintenance because they have been told they must return the car annually for inspections, top-ups, or decontamination to keep the coating “valid”. This can create concern about ongoing cost, warranty conditions, and whether missing a visit means the coating has failed.

Does ceramic coating require mandatory visits or top-ups?

With the coatings we provide, the answer is no. There is no requirement to return the car annually, no obligation to pay for inspections, and no automatic warranty issue if you do not book periodic treatments. 

A ceramic coating is designed to work continuously on the car. It does not switch off or fail because a diary appointment was missed.

Why maintenance is still talked about

A ceramic coating is not maintenance-free. It reduces how often and how hard you need to wash the car, but it does not remove the need for safe, regular cleaning. In our experience, a ceramic coating needs washing about half as much as a car without a coating. In the summer, when it's dry, your car will still get dusty. However, in winter when your car usually gets dirty, rain will wash much of the dirt away. 

Maintenance is often confused with obligation. In reality, it simply refers to sensible care.

• Road grit, minerals, and limescale still accumulate over time
• Build-up is common around badges, trims, window rubbers, and panel edges
• This contamination can reduce water behaviour without damaging the coating

What happens if you do nothing beyond normal washing

• The coating continues to provide chemical resistance
• Ease of cleaning may gradually reduce in high-impact areas
• Visible build-up can appear around trims and details

What periodic deep cleaning actually achieves

Occasional decontamination or deep cleaning is about restoring performance, not keeping permission to have the coating.

• Removes bonded grit and mineral deposits
• Restores water behaviour
• Keeps fine details and edges looking sharp

You do not need paid inspections

Inspections are not mandatory. You can assess the car yourself by looking at water behaviour, surface feel, and visible contamination. If something looks off, you can address it directly.

• You are not required to book inspections to keep the coating valid
• You can ask your detailer for advice if unsure
• Guidance is available in our knowledge base if you prefer to self-manage

What happens if a coating is neglected

A neglected coating often looks like it has “failed” when, in reality, it is simply clogged.

• Water stops beading or sheeting properly
• The surface feels rough or grabby
• Dirt becomes harder to remove

We can do remarkable things with cars to make them like new again!
It is far easier for us to make good on a car with a ceramic coating than one without. 

What ceramic coating maintenance actually involves

• Regular gentle washing using safe methods and suitable shampoos
• Avoiding harsh traffic film removers unless advised
• Periodic decontamination if mineral or fallout build-up occurs
• Occasional inspection to check coating behaviour

Common misconceptions

• “It never needs washing” - false. Washing is still essential.
• “Any shampoo is fine” - aggressive chemicals can shorten coating life.
• “Loss of beading means the coating is gone” - not necessarily.

Best-practice takeaway

• Ceramic coatings reduce maintenance - they do not remove it entirely
• No annual visits or top-ups are required with our coatings
• Contamination build-up is normal and manageable
• Deep cleaning is beneficial, but it is a choice, not a requirement
• Top-ups are available and can be applied yourself or by your detailer.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 12/01/2026 15:27