Dealer seems to be offering Perma Plate on all new cars for an additional $1,600 claiming it protects the paint from swirl marks, water spots, bird stains, etc... Here is the cost break down they gave me:

$600 for exterior paint protector (5 year warranty)
$500 for interior leather guard (5 year warranty)
$500 for fiber and plastic guard (5 year warranty)
$200 for labor (applying all 3 products) for free

I'm only interested in exterior paint protection. Will this Perma Plate really protect against swirl marks??? Any advise or experiences would be very helpful....

 

sounds like paint sealant, and a load of BS from the dealer, FYI i used to apply products like these for dealers, dont do it....go buy a good paint sealant...Menzera FMJ oR Wolfgang Paint sealant

 

anything besides the car the dealer is trying to sell is a scam

 

If you do a search in the 'detailing' forum you will get your answer from professionals.

 

+1

I'll move this thread to the Detailing Forum.

 

You are better off using a polymer sealant (DIY / Professional Detailer applied) than use these products. The only exception I know of that is a valid product / real warranty is the Daimler-Chrysler Master Shield sealant

Lifetime Paint Protection:
There is no polymer, synthetic or natural wax, or after-market product available that can provide a two, five year or lifetime protection to a paint film surface. Read the fine print in the contract offered by car dealerships, there is normally a clause that states you should return the vehicle for a "maintenance" application of the product (at 3 or 6 months intervals) failing to do this will void your warranty or the fine print will basically exclude every condition you could claim against The primary protection provided for a modern water-based colour coat is a polythene paint that has a thickness of 2-3 Mils (0.002-0.003") this is protected by a sacrificial barrier of wax or synthetic polymer sealant.

This semi-liquid barrier is all that stands between the environmental contaminants (ultra violet radiation, acid rain, ozone, industrial pollution, rain, road dirt and tar, etc) and the paint film surface. This renewable barrier is less than 0.000001" thick. While it’s true that a polymer paints melting point is 350+oF, it is still subject to evaporation and erosion by the elements and vehicle washing. However its durability is approximately five or six months. The technology for a lifetime protection for a vehicles paint film surface does not currently exist.

Most dealerships rely on the fact that few customers read the fine print on the contract; the PermaPlate box says is must be reapplied every 6 months and every 3 months on darker coloured cars (for which a service charge will apply). While it will not provide ‘lifetime’ protection go to a Chrysler or Dodge dealer and get them to apply the ir sealant

Product specific - Daimler-Chrysler Master Shield sealant, this product provides both real protection and a real warranty for any make of vehicle.
this product provides both real protection and a real warranty for any make of vehicle.

 

The Perma Plate is not a good investment in my opinion. You'll be better off spending that money on applying a sealant to your paint on a semi-regular basis. If you would like me to help you outline a good detailing routine please let me know. I'd be happy to help you create a routine that will accommodate your schedule and detailing goals. Let me know if I can help you.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

Yes, I definately need your help.... PM sent...

 

I sent you an e-mail in return because my response was far too long for the limitations of a PM. I look forward to hearing from you!

One thing I did not mention in the e-mail was that I highly recommend you read our How To section on DetailedImage.com so you can better understand each step in the process.

Greg @ Detailed Image