Shield Smith Malaysia

How to Properly Maintain a Coated Car: 3 Important Tips

Applying a high-quality car coating gives your vehicle enhanced protection and a beautiful shine — but maintenance is still key to keeping it in top condition.
Here’s how to properly care for your coated car and avoid damaging the protective layer.

1. How Often Should You Wash Your Car?

While a car coating provides self-cleaning properties that keep your car looking cleaner for longer, it doesn’t eliminate the need for regular washing.

Raindrops often contain tiny dirt particles and minerals. After rainwater evaporates from your car’s surface, these minerals remain and can form visible water spots.
If left unwashed, these mineral deposits can slowly penetrate through the coating and eventually cause permanent etching or damage to your car’s surface.

Tip: To protect your coating, it’s recommended to wash your car once a week or at least once every two weeks — especially after rainy days.

2. Always Use Clean Microfiber Towels

When washing or drying a coated car, it’s crucial to prevent cross-contamination.
Always ensure that your microfiber towels, wash mitts, and buckets are completely clean and free from leftover cleaning agents, degreasers, dirt, or debris.

Using contaminated tools can scratch your coating or introduce chemicals that degrade its effectiveness.

Tip: Dedicate specific microfiber towels for coated cars only, and wash them properly after every use.

3. Always Use a pH-Neutral, Wax-Free Car Shampoo

Your car’s coating not only enhances gloss but also forms a hydrophobic surface that repels water, dirt, and contaminants — similar to a paint protection film.

Because of this hydrophobic property:

  • You don’t need harsh chemicals, aggressive cleaners, or clay bars for regular cleaning.

  • Using a pH-neutral car shampoo with no added wax is highly recommended.

❌ Avoid shampoos with wax additives, as they can leave behind residues that reduce hydrophobic performance and attract more dirt.
Over time, this buildup makes your car appear dirtier faster and can compromise the durability of the coating.

Tip: Stick to high-quality pH-neutral shampoos specifically formulated for coated cars to maintain maximum protection and gloss.

Conclusion

Following these simple but important care tips will help maximize the life, shine, and protective performance of your car coating — keeping your ride looking brand new for longer!