A common concern with the decision to apply paint protection film to a car is the cost. With protective film installation ranging from $2,000 into $6,000+ territory, it's understandable why some might think that it's a hefty investment.
With so many options to choose from, and many films being very similar, it's often overwhelming to choose and therefore the cheapest option sometimes seems like the best one.
While the cost of protective films has remained relatively stable, it's important to remember that if you're investing in a $30,000+ vehicle, a $6,000 full vehicle wrap doesn't seem as big of a deal. This holds even truer when the cost of the vehicles gets closer to the six figures.
Protecting a high-value car with minimal effort and investment is very often the way to go.
But for those on the edge, here are some reasons why paint protection film is more affordable than you may think in the long run.
Even with new technologies emerging every single year, there are still very few (if any) off-the-shelf products that can reverse moderate paint damage.
The most common forms of paint damage from daily driving are:
- Bird poop stains
- Tree sap stains
- Washes from a dirty or low-quality wash mitt
- Improper washing
- Rock chips
- Bugs
While there are several guides all over the internet that provide some insight into fixing these issues, time, energy, and money can very often be wasted before seeking professional help.
Detailers and body shops have skilled workers who can likely get the job done - but they aren't cheap. The more expensive the car, the more expensive the repair, in many cases.
A one-time investment in paint protection film when the car is new can save you a whole lot of headache and unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle in the future. It's very difficult to return a car to a "brand new" state once it's come up against the outside world.
Plus if you have a self-healing film, you increase your odds of keeping your car looking pristine. Read more about self-healing protection films.
Our most popular film, XPEL Ultimate Plus, has a 10-year warranty. This means that XPEL will support you in the event that the paint protection film is defective or does not work as advertised - for 10 years!
Whether or not you plan to keep your car for a long time, 10 years is fairly significant when it comes to vehicle ownership. Protecting your investment for that length of time breaks down to be a fairly insignificant expense in the long term.
While this aspect isn't specifically related to the cost of the film, the ability to remove the protective film in the future means that it doesn't have to be a permanent fixture.
This is particularly useful in the case of lease returns where permanent modifications to the vehicle can result in penalties upon returning the vehicle back to the dealership.
Unless you invest in some sort of lease protection when you purchase the vehicle, many dealerships may penalize you if the car is brought back with noticeable damage to the car. The application of paint protection films at the time of purchase keep the car looking pristine during the time you are driving it, plus it protects you against any damage fees incurred upon return.
Also, should you want to purchase the car at the end of the lease, your care and protection will have paid off!
Depending on whether you want to keep your vehicle for life, or are looking to drive it for a few years and then upgrade, physical damage to the vehicle will impact its resale and trade-in value.
Protecting your paint with protective film keeps that damage at bay, allowing you to sell your vehicle for a higher price tag in the future. The investment you made when the vehicle was brand new will help you recoup some of that investment when the vehicle changes hands.
If you're on the fence about paint protection film, or if you want to learn more about it, feel free to contact us for a free consultation and we'd be happy to discuss the benefits of protecting your investment.
