Matrix Blue Ceramic Protection: BMW X3

Both of these BMW X3s had come straight from the dealership, and both had wash marks and light scratches on the paintwork. This is common: dealers clean many cars a day, often in a hurry, and even with good intentions the sponges and drying cloths pick up grit that introduces fine scratches every pass.

We machine-polish every car before a ceramic coating goes on. The wash marks and light scratches on these two were removed easily in that process.

Even if you are trying your hardest with a regular wash, you will introduce fine scratches over time -- dirt and grit are harder than car paint, and every wash is a mild abrasion. The best argument for a ceramic coating is that it drastically reduces how often you need to wash the car. Because of its hydrophobic properties, water sheets off the surface and takes most of the dirt with it. Fewer washes means fewer opportunities to introduce those scratches, so the paint stays looking newer for longer.

Ceramic is also a very hard material in its own right. It does not make the car bulletproof, but it does add a layer of resistance to marking over the top of the lacquer. The result: a noticeably shinier finish, far less cleaning, and paint that keeps its appearance for years.

Both cars were finished with Matrix Blue 3-year ceramic coating. It is one of the most popular coatings we apply -- very well suited to cars that get regular use and benefit from the reduced-wash maintenance routine.

How do you wash a ceramic-coated car?

Avoid car washes. Hand washing is better, and with a coating it is far less effort than you expect. Start with a pressure washer blast -- this removes most of the dirt on its own, because the coating is so slick that grime cannot bond to it properly. For anything that needs a little more, a soft brush with gentle pressure will lift it; then rinse again. The same principle as a non-stick pan: most things come straight off without scrubbing.