Can I take my car with clear bra to the car wash?
June 16, 2022
GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

Car washes, PPF, & ceramic coating - why it's bad for your car!

Car washes, PPF, & ceramic coating – here’s the gist:


Car wash brushes DESTROY the paint on your vehicle. They rub and scratch against your paint more than anything should. Just like the video shows, they are slamming dirty mops against your car at all times.


Even touchless car washes use harsh chemicals that you cannot control. How many of these awful car washes do we have in the Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights area?! TOO MANY!


 There’s no telling what chemicals will damage or strip the ceramic coating or PPF we have installed on your car. Additionally, the touchless car wash can often get the nozzles too close to your car/PPF, and can lift the seams or edges of the PPF. We try to wrap as many edges as possible on your vehicle, but sometimes seams are inevitable. Car washes can lift PPF or strip off the ceramic coating.


Not convinced that PPF & ceramic coating is the way to go? Read on for more “damaging” info about car washes!

GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

Major damage! Look at these reviews!

The car wash, aside from scratching your paint, can often damage the vehicle itself. They try to ensure that your vehicle is between the “safe” areas – but sometimes it can rub your wheels, dent the vehicle, or we have even seen it rip off mirrors. The image gallery shows reviews from car washes in the Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights area. These are just a quick snapshot of people having their cars damaged!


Will car washes damage PPF & ceramic coating? You BET!

check reviews PPF INFO

Why do Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights car washes destroy ceramic coating?

Something to consider about car washes, PPF, & ceramic coating and damage – if we ever need polish off the ceramic coating from your vehicle, we do that by using an abrasive. Compound and polish abrasives are designed to polish a vehicle, but bear in mind that ALL POLISHING removes SOME degree of your clear coat, which is 25-40 microns thick. 


Abrasives are synthetic or natural tiny pieces of grit – just like the dirt contained in the dirty mops slapping against your car. So, just like the polishing abrasive will remove the ceramic coating and remove some of your clear coat, a car wash will do the same. 


Over time, this will degrade your clearcoat, and the paint will begin to oxidize (dry out) and fade. If car washes damage your paint, they will also damage ceramic coating and PPF.


If you want to see some car wash damage without PPF/ceramic coating, look at this older TikTok we did on this black Honda Accord.

GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

Car wash places to avoid that damage your PPF & ceramic coating:

Mister Car Wash and Today’s Car Wash are popular locations in our area. They often have memberships to look attractive, but they damage your paint. There is a Today’s Car Wash in Harker Heights, a Mister’s and Today’s Car Wash in Killeen, and a Mister’s Car Wash in Copperas Cove. There are also a Mister’s and Today’s Car Wash in Temple. 


We aren’t sure the brand name, but they are building a new car wash in Harker Heights/Killeen area that claims to have $1 car washes (probably a $30/month membership, but they haven’t finished building this car wash yet).


HEB also has a lot of automatic car washes, and you might find car washes at gas stations or similar. We don’t even know of many car washes that are even touchless around here – most have brushes. We cannot stress enough how bad that is for your paint and how much effort (and therefore money on your part, which we don’t want you to spend) it takes to conduct paint correction on your vehicle to correct it.



We know how tough it is to deal with regular vehicle cleaning – we hate to do it ourselves! We show you the right products and procedures to ensure future cleaning is the most painless, easiest washing there is. And how to stay away from the car wash!

Ceramic Coating

Let's make it so you don't need car washes - get ceramic coating or PPF today!

Listen, you don’t need these Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights area car washes. They waste water (even though it is recycled), they damage your car, and they make it look worse. If you’re reading this article, you probably care about the appearance of your vehicle. So why damage it at the car wash? If, for some reason, you still aren’t convinced, then we at Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings are probably not the right fit for you. The reason is, our PPF/ceramic coating can be ruined by going to automatic car washes, and we don’t want you to be disappointed down the line.


We can make it easier for you to clean up with our extensive playlists of aftercare instructions that show you how to be more efficient and effective at washing your own vehicle – WITHOUT the damage from the car wash!

GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

Why should you pick hhcc for hail repair near killeen tx?
By Matthew Jones March 30, 2025
See why we are your best choice for hail damage repair and paintless dent repair in the Killeen TX area! I'm sure you will not regret coming to Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings!
Changing a tesla cybertruck to black phantom red near killeen tx
By Matthew Jones March 29, 2025
Love them or hate them, the 2024 Cybertrucks are polarizing cars. At Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings, we love ALL cars, especially when we get to install color change PPF on them! We have 120 different colors to choose from, and this Killeen area client picked Black Phantom Red from UPPF / Terminax with a 10 year warranty. We have Interstellar Chrome Blue on our minivan, Diamond Black on our loaner car, and have installed the Satin Black on a previous Tesla Cybertruck, and all are holding up great! Despite the abuse that my personal Kia Carnival takes as well as our Kia Forte loaner car, the film maintains a great level of hydrophobics - making the film (and cars) super easy to detail. Even the recent dust storms we had in the Copperas Cove - Killeen - Temple area came off fairly easily with just soap and water (and no scrubbing).
2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Gets Autobahn Paint Protection Film & Ceramic Window Tint in Killeen, TX!
By Matthew Jones March 28, 2025
When you own an iconic muscle car like the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, keeping it protected from rock chips, road debris, and Texas' harsh sun is crucial. This stunning blue Mustang came into Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings for a full front-end paint protection film (PPF) installation and ceramic window tinting. Since this client drives between Copperas Cove and Temple, TX, they wanted premium protection for their Mustang to prevent highway damage while also enhancing heat rejection and privacy with ceramic tint. Here’s what we installed on this 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: ✔ Autobahn Incognito PPF on the bumper and hood – Shields against rock chips, road debris, and scratches. ✔ Autobahn Ceramic Window Tint on the side windows and rear glass – Blocks UV rays, heat, and glare for a cooler ride. 📍 Located near Copperas Cove or Temple? We’re just a short drive away from top-tier paint protection services in Killeen, TX! 👉 Want an instant price quote on PPF? Click here: Instant PPF Quote Tool
Can My Insurance Company Tell Me Where to Get Hail Damage Repair in Killeen, TX?
By Matthew Jones March 27, 2025
If your vehicle has hail damage in Killeen, TX, you might be wondering: 🚗 “Does my insurance company get to decide where I take my car for repairs?” 🚗 “Am I required to use the facility where I got my initial estimate?” The short answer: NO! Texas law protects your right to choose where your vehicle gets repaired. Many insurance companies try to steer customers toward their "preferred" repair shops, but you are NOT required to use their recommended facility. Let’s break down how insurance companies attempt to direct repairs—and why you should be aware of your legal rights as a consumer in Killeen, TX.
Protecting a Luxury SUV: 2025 BMW X7 Gets Autobahn Paint Protection Film & Ceramic Window Tint in Ki
By Matthew Jones March 27, 2025
When you invest in a high-end luxury SUV like the 2025 BMW X7, protecting its pristine paint and interior from Texas’ harsh climate is a must. That’s exactly why one of our repeat clients returned to Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings to install Autobahn Incognito Paint Protection Film (PPF) with a lifetime warranty on their brand-new BMW X7. This client has already trusted us with three other vehicles for ceramic window tint, so when they purchased this fully loaded 2025 BMW X7, they knew exactly where to go for top-tier paint protection in Killeen, TX. Here’s what we installed on their BMW X7: ✔ PPF on the hood, fenders, front bumper, and mirrors – Prevents rock chips, road debris damage, and scratches. ✔ Ceramic window tint – Blocks heat, UV rays, and enhances privacy & comfort. 📍 Located in Temple, TX? It’s just a short drive to our shop in Killeen, TX! We provide elite paint protection services for clients across Central Texas. 👉 Want an instant price quote on PPF in the Killeen, TX area? Click here:
What Can Prevent Hail Damage in the Killeen, TX Area?
By Matthew Jones March 27, 2025
If you’re in Killeen, TX, Harker Heights, or Copperas Cove, you know that hailstorms can be unpredictable and destructive. Every year, we get customers asking: 🚘 "How can I protect my car from hail damage?" The short answer: A garage or covered structure is the only real way to stop hail damage. Even then, depending on the size and wind speed of the storm, you may still experience some level of damage. Many people ask us if paint protection film (PPF) can stop hail, or if those inflatable car protectors you see on social media actually work. Let’s dive into the real answers about hail damage prevention.
Should You Pay Out of Pocket for Hail Damage Repair in Killeen, TX?
By Matthew Jones March 27, 2025
Short answer? Probably not. Hail damage repair in Killeen, TX, Harker Heights, and Copperas Cove can get very expensive—very fast. Many people assume that fixing hail damage is a simple, low-cost process until they see the final repair bill. We often have customers who purchase a car with existing hail damage, thinking they’ll fix it later. But once they realize how labor-intensive and costly hail repair actually is, they start to rethink their decision. If you’re considering paying out of pocket for hail repair, let’s break down why it’s almost never a good idea and what alternatives are available.
The Hail Damage Repair Supplement Process in Killeen, TX (And Why We Don’t Provide Written Estima
By Matthew Jones March 27, 2025
Hail damage repair in Killeen, TX, can be a frustrating process, especially when dealing with insurance claims and supplements. One of the longest parts of getting your vehicle repaired after a hailstorm is waiting for the insurance supplement approval—something many vehicle owners don’t realize upfront. If your car was caught in one of the recent hailstorms in Killeen, Copperas Cove, or Harker Heights, chances are your insurance company’s initial estimate was far too low. In fact, we can confidently say that 99.99% of all hail damage insurance estimates are underwritten or undervalued when first reported. So why does this happen, and how does the supplement process work? Let’s break it down.
Protecting a Limited-Edition 2025 Ford F-150 Shelby Super Snake with Custom Paint Protection Film
By Matthew Jones March 26, 2025
There are cool trucks, and then there are legendary trucks—and this 2025 Ford F-150 Shelby Super Snake is one of the coolest we’ve had in the shop! This isn’t just any F-150; it’s a beastly, high-performance truck built for speed, style, and exclusivity. Given its limited production and custom modifications, this Shelby Super Snake required a fully custom paint protection film (PPF) installation. Since this isn’t an official Ford production model, pre-cut templates for PPF simply don’t exist—meaning this was an extensive custom job requiring precision and expertise. Here’s what we installed on this 2025 F-150 Shelby Super Snake: ✔ Custom-Cut PPF on the hood, fenders, mirrors, and front bumper. ✔ Five-year ceramic coating on the paint, plastics, wheels, and glass. ✔ Hand-cut precision work to accommodate the unique Shelby modifications. 📍 Located near Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Temple, TX? Let us protect your specialty vehicle with custom paint protection solutions!
When Is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Not Suitable for Hail Damage or Door Dings in Killeen, TX?
By Matthew Jones March 26, 2025
At Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings, we specialize in paintless dent repair (PDR) to restore vehicles damaged by hail storms, door dings, and minor dents, all while preserving the original factory paint. However, not all dents can be repaired using PDR. Some vehicles in Killeen, TX, Copperas Cove, and Temple sustain damage that requires conventional body shop work, whether due to the severity of the dent, stretched metal, cracked paint, or material limitations. If your car was hit by hail in Killeen, TX, or received a door ding in a Fort Cavazos parking lot, here’s everything you need to know about when PDR won’t be the best option for your repairs—and why.
More Posts
Share by: