The Benefits of Adding Paint Protection to Your Ford Lightning

December 18, 2023September 20, 2023 by sunstop

The Benefits Of Adding Paint Protection To Your Ford Lightning

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Your Ford Lightning is more than just a vehicle, it’s a statement of style and power. You have invested a significant amount in purchasing this truck, and it’s important to ensure that it remains looking and running its best for years to come. That’s why adding paint protection to your Ford Lightning is the perfect way to maintain its appearance and value. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of adding paint protection to your Ford Lightning, including protection from weather, environmental damage, and more.

Protection from Weather and Environmental Damage – Your Ford Lightning is susceptible to various weather conditions and environmental factors that can damage its paintwork and finish. Snow, rain, sun, dust, and tree sap are some examples of elements that can ruin your vehicle’s appearance. By adding paint protection to your truck, you shield it from the effects of the environment, protecting it from harmful UV rays, acid rain, and other harmful environmental factors.

Retains Its Value – If you ever want to sell or trade-in your Ford Lightning in the future, having paint protection installed can help you get the most value out of your vehicle. A well-maintained vehicle with a flawless look is more attractive to potential buyers, who are willing to pay more for them. By taking steps to maintain your truck’s appearance, you’ll get the most out of your investment in the long term.

Saves Money and Time – Your Ford Lightning is an investment that requires both time and money to maintain. A painted exterior that’s susceptible to peeling and chipping can be expensive as it often requires expensive touch-up work or repaints. With paint protection, you save on touch-up costs, repainting, and maintenance time, as it protects your vehicle’s paint from the usual wear and tear that comes with everyday use.

Enhances Appearance – Paint protection films are a clear coat that adds an extra layer of shine to the factory finish of your truck. Because the clear coat is applied corner-to-corner, seams and edges disappear, which makes the appearance more seamless and uniform. With a stunningly smooth and polished finish, your truck is sure to turn heads wherever you go!

Easy to Clean – Paint protection makes the surface of your Ford Lightning so easy to clean, that you’ll wonder why you didn’t have it installed earlier. Removing dirt, grime, and other contaminants from your vehicle is one of the most tiring parts of car ownership. With paint protection, cleaning and washing your vehicle is a much easier task as the paint protection repels dirt and dust, making car washing faster and easier than ever before.

Conclusion:

Protecting your Ford Lightning is an excellent way to preserve its stunning appearance and ensure that it retains its value over time. By adding paint protection, you can protect your investment while enjoying the benefits of reduced maintenance costs, protection from weather and environmental damage and an enhanced appearance. Don’t wait until your vehicle begins to show signs of wear and tear. Take action today, and protect your Ford Lightning with paint protection today!

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Does Paint Protection Film Look Perfect Once It’s Installed?

December 18, 2023April 8, 2023 by sunstop

Paint Protection Film: What to Expect

This is an extremely popular question. We completely understand it. You want to protect your vehicle but you also want it to look as perfect as possible.
The honest answer is, NO. PPF is not a 100% flawless process. No matter who you choose, all installs will include some very minor, visible flaws in the process.

PPF installation is extremely difficult, time consuming, very intricate, and costly to install. Air bubbles, lift lines, water under the film, and lifting edges are the most common occurrences with every install. ?Lift lines are where a section has been laid then has to be lifted to remove an air bubble or speck of dirt. ?Water under the film will evaporate over several days (or weeks, depending on weather) once the film is exposed to heat and sunlight.

Pre-existing paint flaws such as rock chips, trash in the clear coat, scratches, swirls, and poorly aligned body panels are honestly much more noticeable and can even feel magnified after PPF is applied. Sometimes, something that looks like speck of dust or debris under the film, is actually nibs in the painted clear coat. Its doesn’t matter the manufacturer, every vehicle has some existing flaws, even from the factory. While PPF protects the vehicle, it also tends to magnify these existing flaws.

Remember: It’s paint protection, not paint perfection. The second important factor to consider before buying PPF is your expectations—for now and for the future. If you’re considering PPF, you’re in an elite group of committed, savvy car owners. But you might also be a part of a group of people with high expectations. I help my customers to manage that.

No car’s paint is perfect. The paint on your car is not perfect—not even from the factory. Dealers are masters at hiding things with fillers and waxes that will wash off within a week.
Don’t expect perfection. Quality installers do their best—even losing sleep worrying about making each job perfect. But installers aren’t perfect, and no install is perfect.
Sometimes family and friends, who can’t afford to apply PPF to their vehicles, will even point out imperfections. We see posts all of the time from people inventing silly reasons why they don’t need PPF.

Keep the purpose of PPF in mind: What’s important to remember is that your car will look good, without rock chips and benefiting from the self-healing PPF, even though you have to drive it every day and subject it to harsh weather and road conditions. PPF is an investment in peace of mind.

What are the most important areas to apply paint protection film?

December 18, 2023March 31, 2023 by sunstop

Are you feeling brave? Ready to go where no car has gone before? Give your vehicle a makeover with paint protection film and reach levels of awesomeness that existed only in the dreams of every doting car owner! Now, we don’t want to leave out any important sections during the transformation, so what are the most crucial parts of your automobile’s exterior when applying paint protection film? Well, buckle up because we have all the hot spots for giving your ride a maximum level of badassery.

Cover Up Your Bumper

Don’t let your car play bumper cars – protect its sides with paint protection film. It’s a surefire way to keep your ride looking great and avoid those annoying little scratches and dings from day-to-day life. Make sure the important areas of your car, like the hood, fenders, and especially that delicate front bumper, are ready for any bumps they might encounter on the road. After all, you deserve to get around town in style without worrying about picking up damage along the way. Keep yourself covered with paint protection film and give yourself a bump-up in auto appearance!

Protecting the Hood of Your Car

Paint Protection Film is the ultimate bodyguard for your car’s hood. It’s like putting a watchful and protective shield over your valued possession – your car! Paint protection film sticks to the surface of your hood like glue, so you don’t have to worry about dirt and dust, which can leave ugly scratches on the surface of your beautiful ride. Don’t just trust any old product – with Paint Protection Film, you know you’re protecting every inch of your car with quality protection that will last for years to come. You’ll never have to worry about someone causing damage to the hood of your beloved car again!

Protecting the Fenders

Paint protection film is a guardian angel for car fenders. Whether you like to take your car out for some thrills or it’s your daily driver, protecting your fenders can add to the longevity and appeal of your vehicle. Paint might chip away, and rust will eventually take its toll, but with paint protection film, you can have peace of mind knowing that those pesky stones and tree branches will not be able to damage your fenders (at least not as much). So if you want to keep those beautiful curves free of dents, consider investing in paint protection film. After all, is there ever a bad time to give yourself a little extra protection?

Conclusion

In the end, it’s all about protecting your car and keeping it looking new. It’s also about being prepared for inevitable dings, scratches and wear-and-tear that could happen with driving your vehicle. Make sure you take the proper steps to safeguard your vehicle by using paint protection film on all the important areas listed above – the front bumper, hood, and fenders. Now that you know how to protect your vehicle, you can drive around town without any worries of unintentional damage. So get out there and show off your beautiful car – protected with paint protection film – by cruising or racing around town! Ready to be protected? Stop by today for a free paint protector film quote or call now for more information about our products and services.

Why getting your car paint protection film from a car dealership is a terrible idea

December 18, 2023March 28, 2023 by sunstop

Do you want to protect your car from scratches, dings, and chips? If so, seeking a car dealership for the job is natural. After all – that’s where you got the vehicle in the first place! But don’t be fooled: getting your car paint protection film at a dealership is a terrible idea. From escalating prices and hidden fees to untrained staff and shoddy installation, there are dozens of reasons why taking your car to a dealership for installation is an absolute no-go. In this blog post, we’ll explore just why getting your paint protection film installed at a dealership can turn into quite the nightmare – even if means saving some money upfront…

High Prices.

One of the biggest red flags when it comes to purchasing protection film from a dealership is their pricing structure. Dealerships know they can get away with charging more, which means you’ll end up paying far more than necessary for a higher quality of film elsewhere. Yeah, that’s right. The Dealership will charge astronomical prices for a lower-quality product. Why?? Because it’s all about the profits.

Hidden Fees.

Beyond the higher prices, dealerships also like to hide fees and add-ons in their contracts. That means that after signing on the dotted line, you’ll be hit with additional costs which weren’t discussed beforehand. In some cases, these “hidden fees” can add up to more than the cost of the film itself!

Untrained Installers.

Another problem with going to a dealership for your car paint protection is that they may not have trained staff on hand. This means that you’ll likely be dealing with inexperienced installers who don’t know what they’re doing, resulting in an improperly installed film that isn’t up to par. Not only is this a waste of your money and time, but it can also end up causing more damage to your vehicle than the actual film itself! This is true in almost every case; if you are a paint protection film installer that can actually do a good job, you won’t be working at a car dealership. You would be at a reputable location and getting paid handsomely.

The only benefit of the dealership.

Financing. Oh, wait, we offer that too. So you can pay less for better products, installation, and customer service. All while paying 12 months interest-free, sounds like a win-win.

Conclusion.

Going to a car dealership for paint protection film may seem like a great idea at first, as you’re already familiar with the staff and the brand – but in reality, it’s an absolute no-go. From hidden fees to untrained installers, you’ll be hit with a litany of problems that could have been avoided by going elsewhere. Save yourself time and money, and never purchase your paint protection film from a dealership again!

We wish you all the best with your search for quality paint protection film! And if you’re ever in need of any help or advice, our team here at autobahn window tinting is always more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for reading!

Why It’s Not Worth Trying to Save Money on Paint Protection Film

December 18, 2023March 24, 2023 by sunstop

Are you looking to save some money on paint protection film? Think twice! Price shopping can lead to a lot of headache and regret when it comes paint protection film. In this blog, we’ll explore why price shopping paint protection film can end up costing you more in the long run – both financially and in terms of paint protection.

What is paint protection film?
Why it’s not worth trying to price shop paint protection film
The importance of quality paint protection film installation

What is paint protection film?

Paint protection film (also known as clear bra paint protection) is a thin, durable film applied to the paint of your car. It helps protect against rock chips and other environmental damage that can occur while driving. Paint protection film also has anti-UV and anti-corrosion properties which help preserve the paint on your car and keep it looking great.

Why it’s not worth trying to price shop paint protection film

It can be tempting to save some money by looking for the cheapest paint protection film on the market. However, this is not a good idea! Cheap paint protection films are often of poor quality and will deteriorate quickly, leaving your car exposed to paint damage. Furthermore, paint protection film is a complex product to install, and requires special tools and techniques. Installing paint protection film improperly can lead to bubbling, peeling, and other issues – making the savings from price shopping paint protection film not worth it.

The importance of quality paint protection film installation

A paint protection film installation is only as good as the person doing it. Poorly installed paint protection film can cause paint discoloration and other issues that can be costly to repair or replace. It’s important to find a professional paint protection film installer who is experienced and knowledgeable about the product, tools, and techniques needed for a successful paint protection film job.

End Result: Don’t Price Shop Paint Protection Film – You Get What You Pay For!

Paint protection film is an essential product for protecting your paint from environmental damage, so it’s important to invest in quality paint protection film and professional installation. Price shopping paint protection films can lead to a lot of headache and regret, as cheap paint protection films are often of poor quality and can deteriorate quickly. Unprofessional paint protection film installation can lead to paint discoloration and other issues that can be costly to repair or replace. So make sure you find a reputable paint protection film installer who is experienced with the tools and techniques needed to get the job done right! With this knowledge, you can now confidently shop for paint protection film and know that it’s worth investing in quality products and installation. Good luck!

The Differences Between Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film

December 18, 2023December 1, 2022 by Seo Admin

Protecting the exterior of your car is probably a priority for you, at least on some level. After all, the paint job is the first thing people see when they look at your vehicle– and in some ways, isn’t a person’s car a reflection of them as a person, or at least of their priorities?

It’s hard to keep a paint job looking fresh, though. No matter what kind of climate you live in, there are environmental factors that can cause major damage over time. If you live in a temperate area, your car faces potential damage from ice, road salt, and UV exposure from the sun!

What can I do to protect my car’s paint job?

Getting a new paint job every few years isn’t feasible for most of us, but unless you never drive your car, it’s likely to incur some damage over the years.

Fortunately, there are some options available to you for protection.

One of these options is paint protection film.

As you might be able to guess, paint protection film (for brevity, also known as PPF) is a clear film that’s applied to the surface of your car in order to protect the paint.

It’s a pretty good option to keep your car’s paint protected from things like road debris and fading from UV exposure. After all, it’s a physical material that creates a barrier between your car’s paint and the outside world.

The second option is ceramic coating.

It’s also a clear material that’s applied to the exterior of your car in order to protect its paint job, and it does a great job protecting your car from the elements for years.

How does paint protection film compare to ceramic coating?

Both paint protection film and ceramic coating are popular options for protecting your car’s paint job for a reason, but how does one compare to the other?

Both options are great for keeping your car safe from road debris and even acidic and chemical contaminants– these can include things like acid rain, bugs, bird droppings, and tree sap.

The major difference between the two lies in the material they’re made from. A PPF is simply applied to the exterior of your car– while a ceramic coating is made from a material that bonds with your car’s paint job on a molecular level. That means it’s creating a true bond between the paint and the coating to both protect and strengthen it.

While both can protect your car from the elements, the chemical bond created by the ceramic coating is generally more effective.

As an added bonus, ceramic coating makes your car hydrophobic– which means that water will bead off of your car, further ensuring your paint job’s protection from the elements.

How long does paint protection film last on a car?

It depends greatly on the quality of the material and the quality of the installation itself. A professional paint protection film installation should protect your car for up to five years.

How long does ceramic coating last on a car?

Ceramic coating is a more permanent option than PPF just because of its chemical makeup. It’s bonded to the paint of your car rather than just applied to it.

In fact, a quality ceramic coating for your vehicle can last up to ten years.

The longevity of both PPF and ceramic coating depends on the amount of harmful environmental factors your car is exposed to. Obviously, if your car experiences heavy debris, tree sap, bird droppings, and UV exposure on a daily basis for years, its protective coating will wear out more quickly regardless of which option you choose.

Should I get ceramic coating for my car?

One of the reasons why people opt out of ceramic coating for their vehicles is the cost– a high-quality professional ceramic coating application can cost a bit more than people are prepared to spend on a protective measure for their car.

However, applying ceramic coating will ultimately protect your car’s paint for years! Since the paint color and quality of your vehicle are the biggest factors in resale value, it makes good sense to ensure that they look great!

The increased resale value on your car is likely to make up for the initial cost of ceramic coating application.

If you’re ready to get your car looking shiny and gorgeous for years to come, choosing a ceramic coating is a solid choice. Give the experts at Autobahn a call today to schedule your appointment!

How To Protect Your Car’s Paint From The Elements

December 18, 2023September 13, 2022 by Seo Admin

Your car is a big investment, and you probably rely on it for many aspects of your life. That’s why it’s incredibly frustrating to discover paint damage on it, like fading from the sun, scratches, or even corrosion from wintertime road salt.

But if you frequently park outside, or often drive on highways where debris can hit your car at high speeds (which you probably do!), it might seem like there isn’t much you can do to protect your car’s paint.

At this point, you might have even resigned yourself to believing that paint damage and fading is simply normal wear and tear on your vehicle.

Fortunately, we’re here to let you know that it’s not– it can be avoided!

What causes paint damage?

One of the major causes of paint damage on vehicles is pretty unavoidable: the sun.

You already know that the sun’s harmful UV rays can put people at increased risk of skin cancer and can cause sunburns and lots of other problems. But you might not realize that UV rays are bad for your car’s paint job, too!

In fact, if your car’s been exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, you might notice oxidation on your paint job.

This means that the clear coat that covers your car’s paint has been damaged, which can majorly fade the paint color and make your car look a lot older and more beat-up than it actually is.

The sun isn’t the only cause of potential paint damage, though. Things you might not expect can also really mess up your paint job!

For example, if you park under a tree, you might get tree sap on your vehicle– which, over time, can damage the clear coat and become nearly impossible to remove without causing further damage.

Other potentially damaging things include brake fluid and gasoline, insects, and bird droppings.

What can I do to protect my car’s paint?

Although it might be hard to avoid the sun, and things like tree sap and bird droppings, you don’t have to resign yourself to a faded or damaged paint job.

Fortunately, there is a solution that can protect your car from all of the above, keeping your car’s paint job looking as shiny and fresh as the day you got it.

DYNOshield paint protection film is a clear film that protects your car from the elements.

You can choose to apply it over your entire vehicle, or simply choose the parts of your car that are the most likely to receive damage, like your bumpers.

Paint protection film is designed to stop UV rays from damaging the clear coat of your vehicle, keeping the color of your paint looking fresh and vibrant. It also provides an added layer of protection between your car and things like gravel, insects, tree sap, and bird droppings.

One of the best things about paint protection film is that you can’t see it! It functions a lot like a vinyl wrap, but doesn’t change your car’s appearance– simply providing protection and some added gloss.

Who can install paint protection film on my car?

When seeking out a professional to apply protective film to your car, you’ll want to find someone who’s highly experienced at installation. Improperly applied film with bumps or bubbles can leave your car susceptible to the elements or even trap moisture underneath!

At Autobahn, we’re experts at applying protective film to keep your car looking amazing. If you’re ready to protect your car’s paint today, just give us a call!

2022 BMW M8 Competition – XPEL STEALTH “Matte”

December 18, 2023May 10, 2022 by sunstop

This brand new 2022 BMW m8 Competition has been transformed… Originally gloss it’s now MATTE, SunStop applied XPEL Stealth paint protection film to all surfaces of the vehicle.

Not only is the whole car completely protected against rock chips, and wind-blown debris, and has a self-healing top coat, but it changed the car into something truly different! Check out our Paint Protection film packages on our PPF Page.

STEALTH^TM FEATURES:

TRANSFORMING: Don’t have a flat matte finish? No problem. Applying STEALTH^TM Paint Protection Film over your gloss paint will transform your cars look into WOW.

EASY MAINTENANCE: Historically a Satin Matte finish paint job is hard to maintain. Not with STEALTH^TM. Keep the look, lose the headache.

SELF HEALING: Getting a ding or scratch is no longer a big deal when you have STEALTH^TM Paint Protection Film with self healing features.

Xpel Stealth “Matte” Paint Protection Film

December 18, 2023April 26, 2022 by sunstop

2021 Tesla Model S Changes Its Look with XPEL STEALTH Matte PPF

Turning your Tesla from Gloss to Boss

This (originally gloss black) 2021 Tesla Model S is displaying a new look after being wrapped in STEALTH matte-finish PPF. The Tesla’s entire exterior now has a matte sheen that feels like satin to the touch. In addition, it still enjoys the same paint protection benefits as ULTIMATE PLUS PPF. XPEL STEALTH is an ideal solution if you want to change the appearance while protecting the paint.

Whether your vehicle is matte, frozen, or frosted, self-healing STEALTH ™ Paint Protection Film will keep it looking effortlessly pristine. Or, protect your gloss paint with a whole new look! STEALTH PPF helps match most factory flat paint jobs and virtually disappears on most surfaces. With a finish that’s uniformly smooth, you can add STEALTH PPF to your matte or gloss paint job for a unique satin finish. Flat finishes are notoriously difficult to maintain and even harder to repair. STEALTH matte-finish PPF enables you to easily wash and dry your car without damaging its sheen.

**XPEL STEALTH** paint protection film has the same qualities as XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS, to prevent rock chips, scratches, and road debris. It also comes with our comprehensive, 10-year warranty.

If you need help choosing what film is best for your vehicle feel free to send us a DM! We are experts when it comes to PPF, Wraps, and Ceramic Coating. We will give you suggestions based on your budget and needs. Book your appointment and your vehicle will be protected in no time!

Consider Paint Protection Film For Your Tesla

December 18, 2023April 19, 2022 by sunstop

Paint Protection Film

Many Tesla owners acquire these cars knowing this will be a car they keep for the long term; who wouldn’t! The all-electric design lends itself to the perfect Daily Driver, so many Tesla owners all over the country seek Protection Services to ensure their vehicles stay looking new!

The goal for this client was Ultimate Protection for their new vehicle, and that’s precisely the package we designed, specifically tailored to their needs and planned use for the car. Our client decided on our Full Body XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS™ Paint Protection Film Wrap, a package designed to preserve the factory paint finish on your vehicle perfectly. This package is for the automobile enthusiast that wants the ultimate worry-free ownership experience of their prized possession.

Every project here at SunStop Window Tinting starts with a thorough prep wash, removing any contamination like iron fallout, tree sap, and rubber to ensure a clean slate for us to start our protection process.

Prep/wash, removing any contamination like iron fallout, tree sap, and rubber to ensure a clean slate for us to start our protection process.

XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS™ is one of the most advanced paint protection films. Available in three different thicknesses to offer you the protection you need for exterior and interior surfaces. The entire ULTIMATE PLUS lineup is virtually invisible and protects from everyday damage, including scuffs, scratches, chips, etc.

Paint protection needs to be applied by a trained professional to ensure it never fails.

In the hands of an XPEL Certified Installer, the patterns offered by the DAP provide the confidence we need to apply film efficiently, accurately, and without concern.

After our XPEL Paint Protection Film installation is complete, we go through many Quality Control procedures to ensure the quality meets our standards.

The final result of our Customized Installation technique combined with XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS™ Paint Protection Film is a Tesla that is very well protected from its daily driving endeavors, but YOU’D never know!