Is new-car prep worth it?

Isn't a new car already perfect?

Not always. Between the factory and your driveway, a new car is shipped, stored on lots, moved around and washed, sometimes quickly. It can pick up rail dust and industrial fallout, light handling marks, and swirls from a rushed wash. Most cars have no protection on the paint beyond the clear coat.

What does new-car prep usually involve?

A careful wash, decontamination to remove fallout, a polish if there are handling marks, and protection: a sealant, Ceramic Pro Sport or a full ceramic coating. The interior gets a clean too, and is a good candidate for an interior coating while it's still spotless.

Why is day one the best time?

Because there's the least to fix. Paint that has never been through a brush wash, never sat under a tree on the street and never seen a winter needs very little correction. Protecting it then is like putting a case on a phone before it's dropped.

Is it worth it for a lease?

It can be. Protected paint and seats are easier to keep clean, which helps when the lease return comes around.

Frequently asked questions

Doesn't the dealer already protect the paint?

It depends on the dealer. Many new cars have no protection beyond the factory clear coat. Ask what was applied, if anything.

Should I wait a while before coating a new car?

No. A new car with healthy paint is the easiest time to protect it, because there is little to correct first.

Does a new car need a polish?

Sometimes. If it has handling marks or swirls from a rushed wash, a polish before protection gives a better result.