How to Maintain Your Car After a Ceramic Coating

So you’ve had your vehicle ceramic coated—great choice! At Great Details Auto Care, we know how much value a professional ceramic coating adds: incredible gloss, long-term protection, and easier cleaning. But even though coatings are tough, they’re not invincible.

To get the most out of your ceramic coating and keep your car looking its best for years, here’s what you need to know about proper care and maintenance.

🕐 The First 24 Hours Are Critical

Right after your ceramic coating is applied, it begins the curing process. Your car is safe to drive, but the coating is still hardening, so extra care is essential.

Avoid the following during the first 24 hours:

• Hard mineral water or washing

• Automatic car washes or any kind of abrasive cleaning

• High or low pH soaps

• Parking under trees or near sprinkler systems

• Bird droppings or tree sap

If something lands on the surface, gently wipe it away using a clean, high-pile microfiber towel and a light ceramic-safe quick detail spray.

📅 The Next 14 Days—Still Curing

The ceramic coating continues to cure for up to two full weeks. During this time, it’s working toward reaching its maximum hardness, so it’s important to stay cautious.

Keep avoiding:

• Automatic car washes

• Any detergents or soaps with unbalanced pH

• Bird droppings, pollen, sap, and road contaminants as much as possible

If your vehicle gets dirty:

• Rinse with clean water

• Perform a gentle hand wash with pH-neutral soap

• Dry thoroughly with a soft microfiber towel

  
  

🧼 Ongoing Washing: The Right Way

Even after the curing period, regular washing keeps your coating working at its best. Dirt and road grime still accumulate, so don’t skip washes—just do them correctly.

DO:

• Wash every 2–3 weeks

• Use a pH-neutral car shampoo

• Wash in the shade or when the surface is cool

• Use high quality microfiber mitts and towels

DON’T:

• Use automatic car washes with brushes

• Use dish soap, degreasers, or harsh chemicals

  
  

💦 Dry With Care

Letting your car air dry can leave mineral deposits or water spots—even on a coated surface. Always dry with a clean, plush microfiber towel or use a car dryer/blower.

Pro Tip: After drying, apply a ceramic maintenance spray to enhance gloss and boost water-beading effects.

🧽 Skip Abrasives

Ceramic coatings are durable, but they can be damaged by harsh products.

Avoid:

• Clay bars

• Machine polishing

• Abrasive compounds

If your coating ever appears dull, it may just need a decontamination wash—not a full reapplication. Ask us about maintenance options.

✅ Schedule a Maintenance Detail

Just like an oil change or tire rotation, ceramic coatings benefit from routine upkeep.

We recommend:

• A maintenance detail every 6–12 months

• Ceramic booster sprays to refresh hydrophobic performance

• Decontamination washes to remove embedded contaminants

At Great Details Auto Care, we make it easy to protect your investment long after the initial application.

🚘 A Coating That Lasts—With Just a Little Care

A ceramic coating can keep your vehicle looking showroom-fresh for years. But like anything, it needs basic upkeep.

Follow these simple steps:

• Protect the coating during its curing phase

• Wash the right way

• Avoid harsh chemicals

• Book a yearly check-in

Need help or have questions? Stop by our shop at 430 Shady Lane in Crawfordsville or book your next maintenance wash online. We're here to help your vehicle stay glossy, protected, and turning heads for the long haul.