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Written by Jay Bridges, a Detailing and PPF Expert with over 15 years of experience, 2nd January, 2026
Buying a new car is a big moment. The paint looks deep, glossy and flawless. Or at least it should.
The reality is often different. Many brand new cars arrive with light scratches, swirl marks and paint defects straight from the factory or dealership. This is far more common than most owners expect, regardless of brand or price point.
At our purpose-built studio near Wokingham, we regularly see brand new vehicles from Reading, Berkshire and the surrounding areas that already show signs of improper handling. The good news is that these issues can be corrected and, more importantly, prevented from getting worse.
This guide explains the main options for new car paint protection. It covers paint correction, ceramic coating and paint protection film (PPF) . It also explains why protecting a new car early matters and how to choose the right solution for how you use your car.
All work referenced here is available at On Track Detailing. Links are included where relevant so you can explore each service in more detail.
A new registration does not mean perfect paint.
Modern cars go through a long journey before you collect them. From the factory line to transport, storage compounds and dealership preparation, the paint is touched multiple times before it reaches you.
Most dealerships use fast wash methods designed for speed, not paint safety. Shared/Re used wash mitts (and sponges!), automated brushes and quick machine polishing are routine. These processes introduce swirl marks and fine scratches, even on delivery mileage cars.
Dark colours show this immediately. Lighter colours hide it better, but the damage is still there.
If protection is applied without addressing these issues first, they remain sealed beneath the coating or film and can only get worse. That is why preparation is critical.
Paint correction is the process of refining the clear coat to remove defects and restore clarity.
This is not valeting and it is not a quick polish. Paint correction uses controlled machine polishing, measured pad and compound combinations, and safe working techniques to improve the finish without unnecessary paint removal.
On new cars, correction is usually light to moderate. The aim is not to chase perfection, but to:
Every car is inspected under proper lighting before work starts. Some new cars need very little correction. Others require heavier polishing due to poor dealership preparation.
Paint correction is included as part of our new car protection packages. We do not apply ceramic coatings or paint protection film over uncorrected paint.
You can learn more about our paint correction process here: https://www.ontrackdetailing.co.uk/services/paint-correction-enhancement-detail
Ceramic coating is one of the most popular paint protection options for new cars.
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds to the paint surface. Once cured, it forms a durable protective layer that enhances gloss and makes ongoing maintenance easier.
Key benefits include:
Ceramic coating does not make paint scratch proof. What it does is reduce wash-induced damage and slow down general wear by making cars remain cleaner for longer and making the dirt easier to remove in a contactless manner before using your wash mitt.
For lease cars, PCP vehicles and long-term ownership, ceramic coating offers excellent value. It keeps the car looking newer for longer and helps maintain resale condition.
We work with premium coating systems from Labocosmetica, Gtechniq and Gyeon. To be honest - pretty much all ceramic coatings perform about the same despite what some people may claim. So ceramic coating choice is more down to personal preference.
New car ceramic paint protection packages start from £650 including VAT.
Explore our new car detailing services here: https://www.ontrackdetailing.co.uk/services/new-car-protection-detail
If your car is on order or has just arrived, now is the best time to protect it. Early installation prevents avoidable damage and preserves the finish from day one.
Most good detailers are booked up for several weeks, so if you want your car done as soon as possible, pre-booking with plenty of notice is essential.
Book a free consultation here: https://www.ontrackdetailing.co.uk/contact
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Paint Protection Film, often referred to as PPF, offers the highest level of paint protection available.
PPF is a clear polyurethane film applied directly to painted surfaces. It acts as a physical barrier between the paint and the road.
It protects against:
Modern PPF is self-healing. Light marks disappear when exposed to heat from sunlight or warm water.
PPF is particularly suited to:
The most popular option is full front end protection.
This typically includes:
Full front PPF packages start from £1250 including VAT.
However, as much or as little PPF can be installed as you want, from Front bumper only to full car coverage!
We install ProFilm paint protection film, plotted and fitted in-house to ensure accurate coverage and clean edges.
It comes as standard with a 12 year warranty covering materials and installation.
Find out more about paint protection film here: https://www.ontrackdetailing.co.uk/paint-protection-film
Many owners choose a combined approach.
This setup provides impact protection where it matters most and the ease of maintenance benefits of ceramic coating across the rest of the vehicle.
A popular configuration includes:
This approach suits owners who want strong protection without committing to a full vehicle wrap. It also keeps ongoing maintenance simple and helps protect resale value.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
When choosing paint protection, consider your budget and the following use cases:
Lease and PCP customers often opt for ceramic coating only.
That being said, PPF is increasingly popular on PCP/Lease vehicles because of the value of them and how particular many Lease companies are for charging you for small scuffs, chips and marks from day to day use.
Enthusiasts and performance owners typically add PPF to high-impact areas.
The most important factor is starting with proper preparation and selecting protection that matches real-world use.
Many new car buyers are offered paint protection at the dealership, often during the handover process. These packages are usually presented as a convenient add-on and are applied before or shortly after collection.
While some dealership products sound impressive on paper, the reality is often far from the magical solution offered.
Common issues with dealership-applied coatings include:
The "coatings" offered by dealerships are not a comparison to the professional products used by independent detailers and we have seen too many times a car only a few months old with a dealer coating have absolutely zero protection present and heavy swirl marks present.
In many cases, the "coating" is applied over existing swirl marks and defects. This locks them in rather than improving the finish.
Independent protection carried out by a specialist allows for:
If you are considering dealership protection, it is worth discussing independent options first so you can make an informed comparison.
Choosing who protects your new car matters as much as the products itself.
On Track Detailing has decades of combined hands-on experience working with new and used daily drivers, performance and high value vehicles. This is not volume-based work. Every car is treated individually.
Reasons customers across Reading, Wokingham and Berkshire choose us include:
Rather than working outside in uncontrolled conditions without proper curing, we have a proper studio setup for the correct environment to work on your car.
We take the time to explain what your car needs and what it does not. No upselling. No pressure. Just honest guidance and professional execution.
Yes absolutely! Ceramic coatings and PPF helps keep the car cleaner and reduces the risk of paint-related end-of-contract charges.
Yes, but only after proper inspection and correction. We do not apply protection over defects or swirl marks.
Longevity depends on the product used and how the car is maintained. This is discussed clearly during consultation. Typically, 2-4 years of daily use on a car that's parked outside.
No. Quality film is optically clear and enhances gloss when installed correctly. It is invisible and in many cases looks better and more glossy than factory paint
Yes, we can and do PPF cars with many thousands of miles! However, early installation reduces the need for heavier correction later on.
Protecting your car early saves time, money and frustration.
If your car is arriving soon or already on your driveway, now is the best time to act.
Speak to our team about paint correction, ceramic coating or paint protection film at our studio serving Reading, Wokingham and Berkshire.
Book directly here: https://www.ontrackdetailing.co.uk/contact
On Track Detailing. Purpose-built studio. Experienced hands. Proper protection from day one.
