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Although driving on open roads might be thrilling, there are several possible risks that could affect your car. Rock chips are small, ugly dents and scrapes on cars that are created by material kicked up from the road. They are one of the most prevalent and annoying issues that Calgary drivers have because of the rugged terrain and pollution. If you don’t take action to treat these chips, they can cause more damage, like rust, and completely destroy your car’s look.
This is where Paint Protection Film in Calgary gains popularity among car owners, specifically those who love to go hiking or off-roading. Is PPF the ultimate for stopping rock chips, though? This blog examines PPF’s functions in detail and its performance to shield your car from this frequent driving threat.
Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a transparent, resilient, and flexible urethane film. It protects a car’s paint from small abrasions, chemicals, and environmental variables such as UV rays. PPF was initially made for military use for application on helicopter blades. Its exceptional properties have made it suitable for automotive applications with more advanced technologies. It is often applied to high-impact areas such as the hood, roof lines, front bumper, side mirrors, and fenders. This is because these are the most susceptible to rock chips.
PPF absorbs the impact from gravel and small stones by acting as a physical barrier between your car’s paint and the environmental elements. PPF can literally “bounce back” after small-scale damages due to its flexible, self-healing nature. The film cushions the impact of small stones hitting your car, keeping them from penetrating the paint beneath and causing damage. PPF is therefore among the best defences against rock chips.
However, while PPF provides considerable protection, it is not fully indestructible. The thickness and quality of the film have a considerable impact on how effectively it protects your car. High-quality PPF, usually 6–12 mils thick, can keep the bulk of rock chips from penetrating the film. However, in some circumstances, especially with larger or sharper debris, the impact may still cause damage, albeit less severe than without the film.
The self-healing technology of contemporary PPF is one of its most notable aspects. This speaks to the film’s capacity to mend minor abrasions and scratches on its own. When little scratches occur, they can “heal” when exposed to warmth. Such as the sun, heat gun, or hot water, as the top layer of the film is made to be flexible and heat-responsive.
This implies that even if small chips or scratches are caused by rocks or other debris on your PPF, the damage will usually go away with time. This leaves your car appearing brand new despite regular use and minor stone hits. While self-healing does not dissolve rock chips directly, it smoothes the minor abrasions, keeping the surface uniform, extending the life of your vehicle’s pristine finish.
A high-quality PPF in Calgary, such as Xpel or 3M PPF, is highly durable with 10-year warranties. They are contingent upon the driving environment and the level of maintenance applied to the film. For many years to come, the film will continue to offer the best defence against rock chips and other dangers. Only if you ensure your car’s regular cleaning, waxing, and maintenance.
PPF is one of numerous viable protective technologies; however, how does it compare to ceramic coatings, waxing, paint sealants, or vinyl wraps?
Ceramic Coatings: Ceramic coatings offer superior resistance to environmental elements such as UV radiation and chemical stains. Still, they fall short of PPF in terms of physical protection against rock chips. They are hard and do protect the paint’s shine but are not thick or flexible enough to absorb blows.
Vinyl Wraps: Vinyl wraps can give some protection, but they are primarily intended for aesthetic purposes and are not as durable or impact-resistant as PPF. These last for 3 to 5 years. Finally, if rock chip protection is your major concern, PPF is the best option.
Paint Sealant: It is more of a liquid vitamin for the paint that safeguards the paint from brake dust or grime, including UV-ray protection. However, they are not protective films that are applied as a layer.
Other methods include waxing, like sealant that is applied to the paint, but they wear out and start fading after a number of car washes, unlike long-term PPF protection. Also, teflon coatings only save from fading and minimal scratches.
Investing in the best paint protection film in Calgary is one of the best ways to stop rock chips from causing car paint damage. Its adaptable, impact-resistant, and self-healing qualities make it a great choice for protecting your car from common road hazards. In comparison to most protection techniques, PPF provides a high degree of protection.
If you are a vehicle enthusiast or daily commuter hoping to retain its immaculate appearance, getting PPF from Calgary Window Tinting is best. We use the best quality PPFs for all cars and provide different packages as per your budget. Fight against rock chips with our PPF services!
