Buyer Beware: Just Say No to Dealership PPF & Ceramic Coatings
In recent weeks, we've encountered several instances where new car owners fell victim to deceptive practices surrounding dealership Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Ceramic offerings. It's disheartening to witness customers paying hefty amounts only to discover subpar installations and deceptive claims.
One of our clients brought in their brand-new $160,000 Cadillac Escalade, having invested thousands in what was supposed to be a comprehensive PPF application covering the partial hood, fenders, full bumper, grill (when applicable), mirrors, lights, and fog lights. To their dismay, upon inspection, we found only a meager strip on the bumper, less than 4 inches on the face of the hood, and an incorrectly applied adhesive causing the film to peel off like static cling.
Another client, the proud owner of the new Toyota Supra 45th Anniversary, shared a similar experience. While his vehicle had some of the promised coverage he paid for, the dealership's PPF installation was extremely lacking. No A-pillars were done, and no lower bumper or grill pieces had PPF. They left him with several 4-6 mm film gaps, exposing the car to potential damage in those EXACT high-impact areas. Additionally, the film had a big booger-looking bubble, smack in the middle of his partial hood.
At VIP Auto Spa, we are appalled by the poor quality of work and products coming from not only local dealerships but also those far and wide offering PPF and Clear Bra installs on brand-new cars and trucks. What's equally concerning is the dealerships' unwillingness to address and rectify these issues without severe pushback and excuse-making for their poor workmanship and deceptive practices. Both of our clients not only suffered financial loss at the dealership, but BOTH essentially had to pay 2X for VIP Auto Spa/Ceramic Pro Reno to remove and re-apply the film and/or ceramics. Our reviews are chock-full of these stories if you want to see for yourself.
3 Things to look for when shopping for Paint Protection Products
GOOD QUALITY PREP WORK. Hand washing, decon (chemical and manual), polishing, and paint correction BEFORE anything is applied.
GOOD QUALITY PRODUCTS. Just try to look up the type of ceramic coating a dealership offers you and all you will find is a sales website aimed at other dealerships who want to increase their bottom line. No science, no coating technology terms, just nameless products.
PROFESSIONAL FOLLOW UP. Here at VIP Auto Spa, we do a 30-day inspection on all cars and trucks that leave the shop for PPF work so we can bring your vehicle back in to inspect our work after it has had time to cure. We tuck edges, trim excess film, pop air bubbles, and generally increase the overall aesthetic of the install.
There is no such thing as a PERFECT install, but at VIP Auto Spa we try to come darn close on each and every car we touch!
Got questions or want to schedule an appointment? Just give us a shout. We're here to help out and fill you in on everything you need to know about protecting your car's paint and keeping your ride looking sharp!
