Paint and window protection¶

Paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coating and window tint are the most common things owners add after delivery. This page explains what each one does and what to ask an installer. Prices vary a lot by city, installer and product, so get more than one quote.

Paint protection film (PPF)¶

PPF is a clear urethane film applied over the paint. It protects against:

• Stone chips and road debris
• Light scratches and scuffs
• Bug and bird-dropping damage
• Minor marks from washing

Better films self-heal light scratches with heat, and come with a manufacturer warranty against yellowing, cracking and peeling. Ask what the warranty is and who honours it.

How much to cover¶

• Full car: every painted panel. The most protection, and the most cost.
• Front clip: bonnet, front bumper, front guards and mirrors, sometimes headlights. A common middle ground.
• High-impact areas only: bonnet leading edge, lower bumper, mirror faces, door edges and handle cups.

Is it worth it?¶

It's more worthwhile if you plan to keep the car for years, drive a lot of highway or gravel kilometres, or have a dark colour that shows chips. It's less worthwhile if you change cars every couple of years or mostly drive in town.

Installation¶

• Film should go on paint that's in good condition. A new car rarely needs paint correction, but the installer should check.
• Wrapped edges (tucked under panels) generally last better than edges cut on the panel.
• Small haze or moisture under the film can take a little while to clear as it cures. Ask your installer what's normal.

Ceramic coating¶

A liquid coating that bonds to the paint (or over PPF). It makes the car easier to clean: water beads off, and dirt and bird droppings don't stick as easily.

It does not stop stone chips or scratches, remove existing marks, or mean you never need to wash the car.

Professional coatings last longer than DIY products but cost more. Either way, you'll need pH-neutral wash products and should avoid harsh automatic washes. Don't wax over a ceramic coating.

Many owners combine the two: PPF on high-impact areas, then ceramic coating over the PPF and the rest of the paint.

Window tint¶

Check what your car already has¶

The 2027 7X (MY27) has rear privacy glass as standard on every grade¹². If you have an MY27 car, look at the existing rear glass before tinting it further, because the result may be darker than you expect and still has to meet your state's rules.

Why tint¶

• Less heat in the cabin, so less air conditioning
• UV protection for you and the interior
• Less glare
• Privacy

Legal limits¶

Tint limits are set by each state and territory, and they cover the windscreen, front side windows and rear windows separately. Check your state road authority's current rules before you book, and ask the installer to put the VLT (visible light transmission) of each window in writing.

Film types¶

• Dyed: cheapest, least heat rejection, can fade.
• Metallised: good heat rejection, but can interfere with radio and GPS signals.
• Carbon: good heat rejection without metal.
• Ceramic: best heat rejection without signal interference, and the most expensive.

Signs of good and poor work¶

Good work: a clean installation bay, film cut to your car's pattern, one-piece rear window, neat edges around seals and demisters, and a written warranty.

Poor work: dust, bubbles or debris under the film, gaps at the edges, creases, or windows that don't match in colour.

Wait the installer's recommended curing time before winding windows down, and clean tint with a soft cloth and an ammonia-free cleaner.

Dealer paint protection¶

Dealer-applied protection varies. Ask exactly which product it is, what the warranty covers, and compare it with an independent installer before you pay for it.

When to do it¶

Soon after delivery is easiest, while the paint is new. If you're getting tint, PPF and coating, ask your installer which order they recommend.

Finding an installer¶

See Choosing an Installer for what to look for and what to ask. Share your own experience in our community channels.