05-29-2020, 07:38 AM | #1 |
Daily Commuting Camaro Protection
Hey community,
I plan on taking my camaro to a car spa soon to get a good paint correction for some swirls and light scratches on the car to get it looking fresh (bought it used and it needed it). I plan on commuting in this car and putting a good amount of miles on it (~10-12k/year with 80% being highway). Ultimately, I want to put a little extra protection on the car knowing it will see the highway a good bit. So i'm thinking protection against small rocks, bugs, etc will be something to prepare for. I've been debating between ceramic coatings or a clear bra on the front, but wanted some opinions. My goal is to simply minimize the wear and tear, not completely eliminate it. I will drive this car so much I know it will need continuous love for touch ups. Thanks in advance.
__________________
2018 2SS hot wheels convertible
|
|
05-29-2020, 07:52 AM | #2 |
Drives: '17 SS 50th Camaro Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 921
|
You can do both ceramic coating and clear bra, it's just expensive. In reality they do different things.
At a high level Ceramic coating protects the paint from bird droppings, dust\dirt and such making them much easier to remove without hurting the paint. While clear bra protects against bugs\rocks\flying debris type scenarios.
__________________
2017 50th Anniversary 2LT\RS - #1583 SOLD
2017 50th Anniversary 2SS - #3410 |
05-29-2020, 08:16 AM | #3 |
Drives: 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Florida
Posts: 305
|
Minimum I'd clear bra the front bumper and mirrors. I've driven mine daily for about 1 1/2 years and those seem to be the two spots that have been hit the most, along with where the windshield meets the roof (bug paradise).
|
05-29-2020, 08:37 AM | #4 |
Drives: 2016 SS Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Jamestown NC
Posts: 451
|
The clear bra/Paint protection film is the way to go for sure. The Ceramic will help with keeping it clean week in and week out (less wash/detail maintenance), but it's not going to help protect the car in any tangible way.
The PPF will do wonders. |
05-29-2020, 08:51 AM | #5 |
Drives: 2002 z28, 2018 2ss 1LE Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Parrish, Florida
Posts: 836
|
Ppf the front of the car for sure , it’s so wide and square that bugs and rocks love it.
In front of the rear wheels there’s a small piece of factory ppf, either replace it with a bigger piece or side skirts will help. |
05-29-2020, 08:55 AM | #6 |
+1 I also recommend you install clear bra on the rear of the rocker panels going up to the quarter panel as this area gets blasted with rock chips.
|
|
05-29-2020, 10:38 AM | #7 |
Account Suspended
Drives: 18 1SS/1LE Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Missouri
Posts: 939
|
I drive mine similarly and I don't have problems besides the expected ding here and there. Following too closely will be your number 1 culprit. There's a lot of expense there to what's being recommended here, I mean thousands of dollars in PPF. If I gave you one for sure thing is splash guards on the front and then PPF in the spot highlighted on the car by azerlazer26.
|
05-29-2020, 10:51 AM | #8 | |
Drives: 2016 SS Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Jamestown NC
Posts: 451
|
Quote:
I was told that I'd want splash guards when I first bought the car and though, "no way!". .....I put 'em on the front only last week, lol!!! Yeah, they certainly hep! ....and I'd just put PPF on the front. I suppose everyone will have opinions on that, but that's my 2 cents. If you drive cars, they're gonna get chips. Do your due diligence, protect the main spots and call it a day. |
|
05-29-2020, 11:00 AM | #9 |
Drives: Chevy Camaro Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Wi
Posts: 384
|
Do the front bumper for sure and the leading edge of the hood. My 2 year old truck looks like someone shot the front of it with bird shot.
|
05-29-2020, 12:39 PM | #10 |
SoCal HT5! SD
Drives: 2016 red hot 2ss M6 Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego CA,
Posts: 1,929
|
In my opinion, stay away from other drivers. Don't tailgate, and keep at least 5 car lengths between you and trucks and jeeps. Only a handful of rock chips on my front end in 36000 miles driving this way, on crappy California roads too. No PPF on my car, and shes my daily. Also, for the sides, get some zl1 addons rock guards, they work.
__________________
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...37#post5437037
By my deeds, I honor him. V8!!! |
05-29-2020, 12:53 PM | #11 | |
Banned
Drives: 2015 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: My Garage
Posts: 1,125
|
Quote:
If you're gonna be driving on the freeways, a clear bra on the front bumper and half the hood is a must at a minimum. |
|
05-29-2020, 12:58 PM | #12 |
SoCal HT5! SD
Drives: 2016 red hot 2ss M6 Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego CA,
Posts: 1,929
|
I do it everyday. Been working for me for 3 years. Driving in San Diego to Los Angeles. Again, clear bra not necessary in my experience.
__________________
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...37#post5437037
By my deeds, I honor him. V8!!! |
05-29-2020, 01:30 PM | #13 | |
Banned
Drives: 2015 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: My Garage
Posts: 1,125
|
Quote:
Nope, what works best for me is never taking the freeways. I usually take the city streets and my front end still looks like new. This of course, is to be expected because the velocities are lower for debris hitting the front end and you can actually maintain a following distance up ahead. However, if you have to commute a long distance every day, taking city streets may not be practical. Luckily for me, my commute is short so I can do the city street driving thing. |
|
05-29-2020, 02:56 PM | #14 |
Drives: 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Arizona
Posts: 596
|
Another vote for PPF. Assuming the existing paint is in great to excellent condition, make arrangements to have PPF installed ASAP. You'll thank yourself later, especially if you intend to keep the vehicle long term.
|
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|