When is the best time to get a clear bra, and why?
June 28, 2022
GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

PPF: The Best Time To Install in Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights!

What is clear bra/PPF film?

Clear bra, otherwise known as PPF film, paint protection film, and much more, is an 8mil thick, durable layer of film that protects against most rock chips and scratches. PPF film stops the front of your vehicle from being destroyed by road damage and debris. The most clear bra/PPF film, including ours, is self-healing. That means, the film will heal minor swirls and scuffs with heat (from the Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights sun, or hot water/hot air). PPF film also fills in already existing minor swirls. This is because the adhesive will conform to those swirls at a microscopic level, but the film is thick enough not to distort appearance when filling in. There are what we call “fashion PPF films,” which include colors, patterns, and more. Some examples are carbon fiber, prism, matte, and more.

GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

Clear bra/PPF film - why you should install right away!

You’re going to think this is a sales pitch, but it isn’t – the answer is to install PPF film “immediately.” 


The short answer is, that automotive paints are thinner than ever, with some auto detailers refusing to even polish or compound (paint correct / paint enhance) some new cars due to the thickness from the factory.


Anecdotally, we have had some Tesla owners take delivery of their new Tesla Model Y at the Austin dealership, drive it up to us in Harker Heights, or home to Killeen/Copperas Cove, and it already is covered in chips. Even before they could get PPF film installed. Especially when we are talking about sports cars such as the C8 Corvette or a BMW M8 Competition we did – they already had a significant amount of chips even though they still had temp tags on the car.

CERAMIC COATING INFO PPF INFO

PPF film install - we have waited too long, ourselves!

How could a clear bra/paint protection film/PPF film shop such as Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings manage to get rock chips before we could install? On our 2022 Mazda CX5 Turbo Signature, we actually got rock chips before our very first tank of gas. We purchased our Mazda out of town, and before we could install PPF film, a dump truck dumped rock chips all over us in the Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights area. Jeez!



You can see our PPF film install process video on our CX5 in the video or click here to see the blog article.

GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

What happens when PPF film gets installed over existing rock chips?

Because clear bra/PPF film is 8mil thick, approximately 3x as thick as vinyl wrap – installing it over a small indented area, such as a rock chip, is very difficult. Clear bra/paint protection film is too thick to conform to small areas such as rock chips. It may not be as obvious on some lighter-colored vehicles, such as silver or white.


However, the darker the vehicle, the more obvious it becomes. Rock chips under PPF film appear as white specs or debris, and on something like our Mazda CX5, the front can look bad under the film.


In about 70% of cases, we can fill the rock chip with color-matched crayon to lessen the white spec look under the PPF film.

How old of a vehicle can get clear bra/PPF/paint protection film in Copperas Cove/Killeen/Harker Heights?

We can’t determine what age a vehicle can be before clear bra/PPF film won’t look right on your vehicle. However, we can say that the installation can be typically compromised if you wait more than a few weeks. Unfortunately, new vehicles have such thin paint, that even driving home from the dealership can be an issue. We have installed PPF film on cars as old as 2014, but turned away cars that are only a year old. It all depends on what mileage and type of mileage they have, and sometimes – dumb luck.

GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

We want to protect the environment, but there are other effects.

What does the environment have to do with why you need to install PPF film right away? I’m going to tell you!


Did you know that the historically frail Apple charging cables result from environmental protesting? In 2009, Greenpeace lobbied for “Green My Apple” – they asked Apple to remove PVC from their charging cables. Apple obliged but now their cables are not as durable. This is why Apple’s cables don’t survive any abuse, while third-party companies’ cables do. The lobbying to remove PVC created an entirely new market for third-party accessory makers that might not have existed to the extent that they do today had Greenpeace been unsuccessful in pushing for the removal of PVC.


Does that mean that PPF film is frail, also? No, that’s not at all my point. Keep reading for more info.

Ok, so what's your point?

The auto paint industry is the same. As a result of lobbying and regulation outlawing certain amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), automotive paint has switched from solvent-based paint to water-based (or waterborne) paint.


The benefits of water-based over solvent-based paint are:


– Better for the environment, according to the EPA


– Healthier to apply to those in the industry due to fewer airborne toxins


– New products


– Cleaner and brighter than solvent-based paints


However, the one “benefit” for the automotive industry is a negative for our auto detailing industry and relates to clear bra/PPF film, and paint protection/paint enhancement:


“Less Clearcoat Needed. – For multiple hues and striping, waterborne paint has an advantage when it comes to spraying due to a thinner application. The different layers take less clear coat to even out the surface.”


This means paint is thinner, and therefore chips easier and faster. This is why we need to install PPF film RIGHT AWAY!

What does that mean for us? 

That means that while we are making things healthier for those working with automotive paints and doing better for the environment, we are making clear bra/PPF film an absolute necessity for new cars.


The paint is so thin that there is very little rock chip protection. This goes for sports cars along the rocker panels, and where the tires kick up rocks, it goes for just about any forward-facing surface of any vehicle, regardless of sportiness. With Tesla, many owners choose to clear bra / PPF film their entire car because the paint is notoriously thin (above and beyond the issues with water-based paint mentioned above).

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!
More Posts
Share by: