Vehicle paint protection has evolved dramatically. Traditional carnauba wax — once the gold standard — has been surpassed by ceramic coating technology that offers fundamentally superior protection for fleet vehicles.
Understanding the difference is essential for fleet managers making informed decisions about vehicle care.
Traditional Wax vs. Ceramic Protection
| Property | Carnauba Wax | Synthetic Sealant | PureShield SiO₂ Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | 4–6 weeks | 3–4 months | Up to 12 months |
| Hardness | Soft | Medium | 9H pencil hardness |
| Hydrophobic effect | Moderate | Good | Excellent (100°+ contact angle) |
| UV protection | Minimal | Moderate | High |
| Chemical resistance | Low | Moderate | High |
| Application | Manual, per-vehicle | Manual, per-vehicle | Professional application |
| Cost per month of protection | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
How PureShield SiO₂ Works
PureShield is not a coating that sits on top of the paint — it bonds with it:
- Surface preparation — the vehicle is thoroughly decontaminated and polished to remove existing damage
- Application — liquid ceramic is applied panel by panel
- Chemical bonding — SiO₂ molecules form covalent bonds with the clear coat’s silica content
- Curing — the coating hardens over 24–48 hours to full 9H hardness
The result is a semi-permanent protective layer that becomes part of the vehicle’s surface, not a sacrificial layer that washes away.
Why This Matters for Fleet Vehicles
Reduced Cleaning Frequency
The hydrophobic surface means water beads and rolls off, taking dirt with it. Fleet vehicles with ceramic protection stay visibly cleaner between scheduled valets, reducing the need for interim cleaning.
Superior Paint Preservation
Fleet vehicles face constant environmental exposure — UV radiation, road salt, bird droppings, tree sap, and industrial fallout. Ceramic protection provides a chemical barrier against all of these, preventing the clear coat damage that leads to costly resprays.
Stronger Residual Values
Paint condition is a primary factor in vehicle valuation. Vehicles with maintained ceramic protection consistently show better paint condition at end-of-lease, reducing or eliminating appearance-related penalties.
Cost Efficiency at Scale
For a single vehicle, ceramic protection requires a higher initial investment than wax. At fleet scale, the economics reverse:
| Fleet Size | Annual Wax Cost (monthly application) | Annual Ceramic Cost (single application + maintenance) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 vehicles | £2,400–£4,800 | £1,500–£2,500 |
| 25 vehicles | £6,000–£12,000 | £3,750–£6,250 |
| 50 vehicles | £12,000–£24,000 | £7,500–£12,500 |
Ceramic protection costs less per year whilst delivering superior results.
The Mobile Advantage
Traditional ceramic coating requires vehicles to spend 1–2 days at a specialist facility. MMCC’s mobile application brings the service to your premises:
- No vehicle downtime — application happens on-site during working hours or overnight
- Fleet-scale efficiency — multiple vehicles treated in a single visit
- Consistent quality — trained MMCC technicians follow standardised application protocols
- Maintenance included — regular valeting visits maintain and refresh the ceramic layer
When to Apply Ceramic Protection
The optimal times for ceramic application in a fleet context:
- New vehicle delivery — protect factory finish from day one
- After paint correction — seal freshly corrected paintwork
- Annual renewal — refresh protection before winter or summer exposure
- Pre-disposal preparation — enhance appearance for maximum resale value
Integration with Fleet Valeting Programme
PureShield ceramic protection works best as part of a comprehensive fleet care programme:
- Initial application on all fleet vehicles
- Regular waterless valeting maintains the ceramic surface
- Quarterly ceramic boost during full valet visits
- Annual reapplication to maintain full protection
- Condition monitoring through Fleet Insight Platform tracks coating performance