South African motorists love their cars. Our cars often get named and are seen as part of the family. Nevertheless, to what ends should we go to look after them? Should we consider getting a protective film applied to our cars’ bodywork?
Why do some motorists fit protective film?1,2
Paint protection film manufacturers suggest that motorists should consider having their film applied or ‘wrapped’ on motorists’ cars if they regularly experience poor road conditions or drive off-road with their vehicles.
Stones and sand particles regularly hit our cars on South African highways. Paintwork chips and chipped headlight surfaces are everyday occurrences.
In most cases, a clear front ‘bra’ is applied to the car’s frontal area, which may include the bonnet, front bumper, side mirrors and any other surface on your car that may come into contact with loose road debris while driving.
Drivers need to weigh up the benefits and costs associated with protective film on their cars. It could be seen as a luxury to have a protective film applied. However, it may help keep the paintwork and headlights in better condition in the long-term. This may be especially viable if you drive significant mileage on a daily basis.
Scratches and scuffs1
Protective film usage could also come in handy when your car is parked. How often do people carelessly walk past your car with a shopping trolley at the local mall and add a new scuff, nick or scratch to the paintwork?
Reduce stains1
Another potential benefit for making use of protective film on your car is to reduce the chance of staining your paintwork. Bugs, tar, dirt and other substances may stain your car’s paintwork if left unchecked. Tree sap, especially tree sap from a pine tree can do noticeable damage to your paintwork.
Durability1
Protective films are highly advanced and durable these days. Some films even have ‘self-healing properties, which extends the products life. These films can even offer some level of water resistance. They can repel water, which could help make your car’s paintwork more durable in the long run.
Different film for different finishes1
You can get film with a glossy or matte finish depending on what surface on your car you need to cover. This can help make the film less visible.
Why do some motorists not fit protective film?2
You’ve read about many of the potential benefits for using a protective film on your car. What are the potential disadvantages? The high-quality protective film is quite expensive for limited coverage. Some films may not age well and become discoloured over time, while others are less durable than expected when it comes to certain conditions. Other films may even harm your paintwork and plastic trim. The protective film may not be as invisible as advertised once on your car for some time.
The ideal course of action may be to seek advice from your car’s manufacturer. Also, stick to reputable brands if you are considering getting a protective film for your car. Ensure that the company fitting the film is authorised to do so by your car’s manufacturer. No one wants to potentially void the warranties on their cars. Poorly fitted film of inferior quality could put you in a worse position compared to not fitting protective film on your vehicle at all.
There are other ways to assist with protecting your car. Do you have car insurance? Are you looking to get affordable car insurance? Perhaps get a quote for affordable car insurance with PMD?
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1 https://northamerica.llumar.com/automotive-film/types-of-automotive-film/car-paint-protection-film
2https://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2012/03/10/pros-and-cons-of-clear-bra-paint-protection-film/