Protect Your Ride Inside and Out
Keeping your car looking shiny and new can be a challenge with all the scrapes, scratches, dings, and rock chips vehicles are subjected to everyday. Installing protective automotive body armor is an effective way to defend against minor cosmetic damage and keep your paint job intact.
Scratches and Dings Protection
Small scratches and door dings from other car doors in parking lots can quickly make your car look worn. Clear vinyl body protection films, also known as clear bras or paint protection film (PPF), provide an invisible layer of defense against scratches and scuffs from keys, brushes with bushes, and other hazards.
- 8-10 mil thick urethane film
- Self-healing properties to close light scratches
- Optically clear to maintain original paint finish
Rock Chips Prevention
Rock chips from gravel on roads and debris from other vehicles can cause small pits and divots in your paint. These are unsightly and lead to rust if left exposed. Applying clear PPF on vulnerable areas like hoods, bumpers, fenders can protect from rock chips.
- Thicker PPF better for high impact areas
- Have installer wrap edges for full protection
- Check film thickness - minimum 8 mil recommended
Keep Your Car Looking New
Even small mars can make a vehicle look older than its years.preserve that straight-from-the-dealer shine.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance | Vinyl films prevent light scratching from daily use |
| Chip Resistance | Films protect paint from chipping from road debris |
| UV Protection | Films block UV rays to prevent paint fading |
Body Armor Films vs Plates
Two main options for protecting your vehicle's exterior:
- Films - clear vinyl wraps to prevent scratches/chips
- Discrete protection that retains original appearance
- Relatively affordable DIY option
- Plates - steel/aluminum plates for high impact areas
- Heavy duty shielding for off-roading/rallying
- Visible armor plates alter look of car
DIY or Professional Installation
PPF kits can be installed DIY if you have patience and skill. For best results, consider professional installation.
- DIY takes days - pros can install in hours
- Professionals have experience with tricky areas
- Get warranty on workmanship with pro install
Protecting your vehicle's finish helps it look showroom new for longer. Armor up with vinyl films or plates to defend against dings, chips, and scratches from daily driving.
Shielding Your Vehicle from Scratches and Dings
Even the most careful drivers can't avoid the minor parking lot scratches and door dings that happen when people open their doors into your car. These annoying scuffs and mars build up over time, making your car look worn well before its time.
The Cost of Neglecting Paint
Scratches that expose the bare metal underneath will start to rust if left unprotected. Even light scratches distort reflected light, making them visible from certain angles. Multiple scratches detract from your car's appearance and hurt resale value.
- Repainting a single panel can cost $200-500
- Heavy scratching may require repainting the entire vehicle
- Paint protection film can prevent costly repairs
How Clear Bra Protects Paint
Clear bras, also called clear paint protection film (PPF), provide a transparent barrier between your paint and scratches. The urethane vinyl wraps around panels to shield from scuffs and scrapes.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 8-10 mil thick | Absorbs impact from scratches |
| Optically clear | Blends seamlessly with paint |
| Self-healing top coat | Fills in light scratches over time |
Where to Apply Protective Film
The most vulnerable areas of paintwork that you should cover include:
- Full front clip - full hood, bumper, fenders, lights
- Mirror backs - frequent scuffing from jewelry and bags
- Door edges - shields from dings from opening doors
- Rocker panels - protect from kicked up gravel
Caring for Protected Paint
Follow these tips to keep your clear bra looking good:
- Hand wash with soap and water only
- Avoid using waxes or sealants on the film
- Check for lifting edges, bubbling annually
- Replace film after 7-10 years
Protecting your investment with clear PPF saves money over repainting panels down the road. Keep your car looking showroom new by shielding it from unsightly scratches and dings.
Protecting Your Paint from Rock Chips
Driving on gravel roads or behind other vehicles can send small rocks flying up to chip and pit vehicle paintwork. Preventing rock chips with protective film will help maintain your car's appearance and value.
The Damage Rocks Can Do
Small rocks hit with force can remove flecks of paint down to the metal below. Rock chips may start out minor but can lead to:
- Exposed metal rusting underneath paint
- Flaking and peeling around chip
- Further damage if left unrepaired
| Rock Chip Size | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | $50-150 |
| 1/4 inch | $150-300 |
How Rock Protection Film Works
Clear urethane PPF creates a barrier against chips and scratches. Key features that help prevent rock chip damage:
- 8-12 mil thickness absorbs more impact
- Flexible film dampens and deflects rocks
- Optically clear blends with paintwork
- Self-healing top layer fills in mars
Vulnerable Areas to Protect
Areas most likely to get hit by gravel and debris:
- Hood - Low hanging over front, takes most abuse
- Fenders - Curve around wheels open to stones shooting up
- Bumpers - Project out, no protection from undercarriage
- Mirrors - Extended exposure when driving
Proper Film Installation
For best results:
- Decontaminate paint by claying and polishing
- Use experienced installer for challenging areas
- Ensure no gaps, overlaps or uneven edges
- Heat film to shape around contours
Maintaining Protected Surfaces
Follow these care tips to keep PPF looking good:
- Rinse off bugs/sap immediately to limit etching
- Hand wash only with soap and water
- Avoid using waxes, sealants or polishes
- Inspect film yearly for lifting edges or bubbles
Guarding against rock chips keeps your paint pristine. Protect vulnerable areas with high quality film for peace of mind against stone damage.
Another interesting products
Maintaining That Showroom Shine
The joy of driving a new car slowly fades as the miles add up. Minor scrapes, swirl marks, and chips degrade the paintwork over time. Protecting your vehicle with automotive body armor helps retain that factory fresh look.
Enemies of Your Paint Job
Your paint takes abuse from:
- Road debris - rocks and gravel pinging paint
- Door dings - other car doors in parking lots
- Bugs - acidic fluids etch paint
- Bird droppings - eat away clear coat
- Tree sap - bonds and discolors paint
How Paint Protection Slows Aging
| Protection Type | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Clear vinyl film | Absorbs scratches so they don't reach paint |
| Ceramic coatings | Create slick surface so grime doesn't bond |
| Waxes/sealants | Layer fills in micro-scratches and adds gloss |
Full Front Protection Package
Typical package to maintain new car beauty:
- Full front clear bra - full hood, bumper, fenders, lights
- Rocker panel film - protects lower doors
- Ceramic coating - slick glass-like protection
- Clay and polish paint - removes bonded contaminants
Expect to pay $1500-3000 for full front package from a professional detail shop.
DIY Paint Protection Tips
Ways to protect your car's finish at home:
- Hand wash with a mitt to avoid swirling
- Wax or seal twice a year
- Touch up chips as soon as they appear
- Park away from other cars to prevent door dings
- Remove sap, bird droppings quickly before they etch
When to Remove/Replace Protection
- Waxes/sealants - reapply every 3-6 months
- Ceramic coating - lasts 2-5 years
- Clear vinyl film - replace after 7-10 years
Defending your car's finish from damage will keep it looking showroom new for longer. Use professional paint protection services combined with proper at-home maintenance for best results.
Films vs Plates: Choosing Vehicle Body Armor
Two main types of automotive body armor exist - clear protective films and metal plates. Understanding the differences will help you pick the right solution for your needs.
Clear Protective Films
Paint protection films (PPF) are clear vinyl wraps designed to shield paintwork.
- 8-10 mil thick urethane
- Optically clear blend with paint
- Protect against scratches, chips, UV
- Can be self-installed or professional applied
Benefits of Films
- Discreet protection maintains original appearance
- Can be applied to whole vehicle or just parts
- DIY installation possible for experienced installers
- Less expensive than repainting later
Metal Plates
Steel, aluminum, or composite plates bolt over vulnerable sections.
- 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick plates
- Heavy duty protection for high impact areas
- Often used for rally cars, military vehicles, etc.
- Require professional installation
Benefits of Plates
- Nearly impenetrable defense for parts prone to damage
- Visible armor has aggressive, rugged look
- Ideal for off-road use over rocky terrain
- Can be removed when protection not needed
| Films | Plates | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Vinyl urethane | Steel, aluminum, composite |
| Thickness | 8-10 mil | 1/4 - 1/2 inch |
| Visibility | Transparent | Visible armor |
| Installation | DIY or professional | Professional recommended |
| Cost | $500-$3000 | $2000+ |
Weigh the pros and cons of films versus plates to decide which body armor suits your needs.
The Benefits of Amazon Prime for Automotive Body Armor
Amazon Prime provides a number of advantages when purchasing automotive body armor products like protective films, skid plates, and bash bars for your vehicle.
Free Two-Day Shipping
With Prime's free two-day shipping on eligible items, you can get your body armor products delivered quickly. This allows you to outfit your car with protection faster, without having to pay extra for expedited shipping costs.
Free Same-Day Delivery
For Prime members in eligible zip codes, same-day delivery is available on select body armor items. This ensures you can get products in a hurry if you need them right away for an upcoming trip or install project.
Free Returns
Amazon offers free returns on eligible items for Prime subscribers. This makes it easy to return body armor products if they don't fit your vehicle properly or aren't what you expected when installing them.
Amazon Prime Visa Rewards
The Amazon Prime Visa Card provides 5% back on all Amazon purchases. This cash back on body armor products can help offset some of the upfront costs associated with protecting your vehicle.
Amazon Garage
The Garage feature lets you view products for your specific vehicle. This makes it easy to find automotive body armor parts designed to properly fit make, model, and year vehicles.
Overall, the shipping and purchasing benefits make Amazon Prime a great way to buy body armor items for your car or truck efficiently and affordably.
"The Ultimate Guide To Automotive Body Armor: Protect Your Car From Damage And Theft"
Introduction
Automotive body armor is an essential accessory for car owners who want to protect their vehicles from damage and theft. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the different types of body armor available in the market and provide tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
Types of Body Armor
How to Choose the Best Body Armor
Conclusion
Automotive body armor is an important investment for car owners who want to protect their vehicles from damage and theft. By choosing the right type of armor and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your car is well-protected.
What Are The Different Types Of Automotive Body Armor Available??
There are different types of automotive body armor available in the market. Here are some of them:
