Should You Ceramic Coat Your Car Wheels?

What is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a car's surface, forming a chemical bond that won’t wash away like traditional wax. While wax sits on top of the surface, ceramic coating actually fills in microscopic imperfections in the paint or other surfaces, providing better protection and durability. You’ve likely seen videos of water or mud rolling right off a car, thanks to ceramic coating. It makes surfaces hydrophobic, meaning water, dirt, and grime struggle to stick to them.

While ceramic coating is often applied to paint, it works wonders on wheels as well, providing benefits that go beyond just keeping your car’s body clean. With wheels constantly exposed to dirt, road grime, and environmental elements, a ceramic coat can offer an extra layer of defense.

Benefits of Ceramic Coating for Car Wheels

Ceramic coating offers several benefits when applied to wheels, no matter the finish—painted, powder-coated, polished, or textured. Let’s break down a few reasons why ceramic coating could be a game-changer for your wheel maintenance.

• Ease of Cleaning: One of the top benefits of ceramic coating is that it makes wheels much easier to clean. Wheels collect a lot of dirt, brake dust, and road debris, which can be a hassle to scrub off. Ceramic coating doesn’t make the dirt magically disappear, but it makes cleaning significantly easier. After applying some soap and water, you’ll notice how much less effort it takes to get your wheels spotless again.
• Protection from the Elements: Your wheels are constantly exposed to harsh conditions, whether it's UV rays, road salt, or dirt buildup. Ceramic coating creates a protective barrier that helps prevent oxidation, corrosion, and damage from environmental factors.
• Brake Dust Repellent: Brake dust is notoriously difficult to clean, especially on wheels with intricate spoke designs. Ceramic coating creates a smoother surface that helps brake dust wash away more easily. Instead of having to scrub between spokes or deal with stubborn brake dust buildup, a quick rinse and wipe will usually do the trick.
• UV Protection: Ceramic coating also helps shield your wheels from harmful UV rays, which can cause finishes to fade or oxidize over time.

Is Ceramic Coating a Cure-All For All Types Of Damage?

While ceramic coating offers significant protection, it’s important to note that it doesn’t protect your wheels from everything. For example, it won’t prevent scratches or chips from road debris. For that, you’d need to look into protective films, which are typically applied to other areas of a car, like the front bumper or mirrors, that are more prone to damage from rocks and other road hazards.

Additionally, while ceramic coating makes cleaning easier, it won’t make your wheels completely maintenance-free. Regular washing is still necessary to keep them looking their best, especially in harsher conditions.

How to Apply Ceramic Coating to Car Wheels

Applying ceramic coating to your wheels requires a clean surface to ensure proper adhesion. If you’ve been using your wheels for a while, you’ll want to thoroughly clean them first, removing any dirt, wax, or grease. This is crucial because ceramic coating forms a chemical bond at the molecular level, so any leftover contaminants can affect its durability.

While ceramic coating can be applied to wheels that have already been exposed to the elements, the best time to apply it is when your wheels are brand new. This ensures a completely clean surface for the coating to bond with, offering maximum protection from the start.

It’s also worth noting that ceramic coating is a time-consuming process, and it takes some experience to apply correctly. That’s why at Fitment Industries, we offer ceramic coating as an option for all wheels.

Get Ceramic Coating Done On New Car Wheels With Fitment Industries

So, should you ceramic coat your wheels? If you want to protect your investment, make cleaning easier, and keep your wheels looking fresh for longer, ceramic coating is a smart choice. While it doesn’t protect against every type of damage, it offers excellent protection from environmental elements and helps maintain the appearance of your wheels.

At Fitment Industries, we’ve made it easy to add ceramic coating to your wheels, so you don’t have to worry about applying it yourself. Our in-house experts handle the process, ensuring your wheels are protected and ready to hit the road looking their best. All you have to do is pick out the "ceramic coating" option at checkout, and we'll take care of the rest. Let us know your thoughts on ceramic coating and whether you’ve tried it yourself - we'll catch ya in the next one!