Do I still need to wash my car after?
June 20, 2022
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Do I Still Need To Wash My Car After Ceramic Coating/ Clear Bra (PPF)?

As much as we wish you didn’t have to wash your car after getting a ceramic coating or clear bra (or both), you still have to wash your car. You cannot take it through an automatic car wash, be it ceramic coated or clear bra, without voiding any warranties from us or the manufacturers of the clear bra or ceramic coating.


Unfortunately, automatic car washes use high-pressure nozzles that come too close to the clear bra edges, they use harsh chemicals (whether it’s a touchless or brush car wash), and in the case of the brushed automatic car wash, they damage the paint and strip the coating off with their abrasive nature. We talk about this elsewhere in a few places.


There is a common misconception that ceramic coating completely repels dirt. It doesn’t. The ceramic coating will help make cleanup easier, and it will provide some protection against some other hazards as well as provide UV protection…but you will still get dirt. We have had some people comment on our YouTube videos asking why their self-installed DIY ceramic coating isn’t preventing brake dust on their wheels. Unfortunately, there is so much misinformation out there about ceramic coating and clear bra that they were led to believe that would be the case by someone or some advertisement. You will still collect brake dust, even with the best ceramic coatings. It will just be easier to clean, and potentially provide some protection from brake dust corrosion.


Clear bra is no different. Bird droppings, bug guts, hard water spots – they can all still happen on the clear bra. We install both clear bra and ceramic to make cleanup easier (ceramic coating) as well as provide rock chip, scratch, and scuff protection (clear bra). Ultimately, they still need to be cleaned up after they get dirty, or those hazards will damage the paint protection film or ceramic coating just as it would the paint. 


  1. Our goal is to protect our paint as much as possible – going to a body shop never ends well. We still have to take care of it!
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See Us In Action

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.
Insurance Company Writes For Replacement - Hail Repair Killeen TX
By Matthew Jones March 25, 2025
If your vehicle was hammered by the massive hailstorm in Killeen and Harker Heights in May 2024, you might be wondering whether your hood, roof, or trunk needs to be replaced—or if it can be repaired with paintless dent repair (PDR). When dealing with insurance claims for hail damage repair in Killeen, TX, it’s common for adjusters to write up estimates that call for panel replacements, especially on heavily dented hoods, roofs, and trunks. But does that mean you must get a new panel? Not necessarily! Let’s break down how insurance companies approach hail repair, why they sometimes push for replacement over repair, and how we help customers preserve their factory paint whenever possible.
Hail Repair in Killeen, TX: Why Fixing Aluminum Panels is More Expensive
By Matthew Jones March 25, 2025
If you've ever brought your Ford Super Duty or F-150 in for hail repair in Killeen, TX, you may have been surprised at the price difference compared to other vehicles. Why does it cost more to fix hail damage on aluminum-bodied vehicles? You're not alone in wondering! Whether it's door dings from Fort Cavazos or severe hail damage from storms like the one that hit Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, and Killeen on May 12, 2024, aluminum repairs always come at a higher cost. But why? The short answer: Aluminum is a completely different material than steel, requiring more time, effort, and skill to repair. The long answer? Let’s dive into it!
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