How long each Aurex coating is rated to last
- Aurex GuardGraphene coating on all exterior painted panels3 years
- Aurex ShieldCeramic coating on paint, wheel faces and glass5 years
- Aurex ApexOur hardest ceramic coating on paint, wheel faces, glass and trim, plus an annual check8 years
These are the coatings' rated lifespans with the recommended care. They aren't a promise: how a car is washed, stored and driven makes a real difference. Longer-life coatings are harder and need more careful application, which is part of why the tiers cost what they do. See how much ceramic coating costs in Perth for each tier's price.
What decides how long a coating lasts
1. The prep underneath it
A coating has to bond directly to bare clear coat. That's why every Aurex coating starts with a wash, clay decontamination and a mineral cleanse, then machine polishing, then a panel wipe to strip every trace of oil. A coating laid over contamination or old wax can't bond properly, and it won't last.
2. How the car is washed
Washing is where most coatings are won or lost. The right shampoo and technique keep it working; the wrong ones strip it early. There's a simple routine below.
3. What the paint is exposed to
A coating shields paint from the Perth sun and resists bird droppings, tree sap and road grime. It still does its job best when that mess is washed off promptly instead of being left to bake on.
4. Where the car lives
A car parked in a garage or carport spends less time in direct sun and under trees than one parked on the street, so the coating has less to fight off each day.
What wears a coating down faster
- Automatic car washes: soft-touch brushes cause micro-scratches, and the harsh chemicals in touchless tunnels break the coating down over time. Avoid them altogether.
- The wrong soap: dish soap, wax-infused soaps and anything acidic or alkaline strip the coating's water-repelling layer.
- Air-drying: letting water dry on the paint leaves mineral spots. Dry it with a clean microfibre towel instead.
How to wash a ceramic coated car
- Wash by hand every 2–4 weeks.
- Use a pH-neutral, coating-safe shampoo.
- Use the two-bucket method, one bucket for soapy water and one for rinsing the mitt, so grit goes back into the rinse bucket, not onto the paint.
- Dry with a clean microfibre towel.
Every coating comes with care instructions, and we offer top-up services to extend its life.
Signs a coating needs attention
- Water stops beading and sheeting off the way it did when the coating was fresh.
- Dirt clings to the paint and washing takes more effort.
- The gloss looks flatter than it used to.
If you notice these, get in touch about a top-up before the paint underneath is left unprotected. Apex includes an annual check, so we keep an eye on it for you.
Will a coating stop scratches and chips?
To be straight about it: a coating greatly reduces the fine swirls that come from washing and resists chemical etching, but it isn't a force field, and it won't stop stone chips. For chip protection on high-impact areas, ask us about pairing a coating with paint protection film.
Is it worth it for your car?
If you plan to keep the car for a few years and want washing to be quicker and easier, a coating usually pays its way. For the full answer, including what we've seen on our own coated van, read is ceramic coating worth it?
Aurex is mobile across the Perth metro area, based in Mosman Park. A fresh coating needs a clean, sheltered space to cure, such as a garage or carport, so we'll confirm what's needed at your place when you book.