New Car? Here's Your Protection Checklist

Congratulations on your new vehicle! Whether you've just driven off the dealer lot or are taking delivery of a factory order, now is the perfect time to protect your investment. The decisions you make in the first few weeks of ownership can impact your car's appearance and value for years to come.

Here's our recommended protection checklist for new vehicle owners, in order of priority.

First, consider paint protection film for the high-impact areas. The front end of your vehicle takes the most abuse from road debris. A full front PPF package — covering the hood, fenders, bumper, mirrors, and headlights — protects against rock chips and road rash from day one. This is especially important if you have a long commute or frequently drive on highways.

Second, get a ceramic coating. With fresh, defect-free paint on a new car, you can skip paint correction and go straight to ceramic coating. This locks in that factory-fresh finish and makes maintenance dramatically easier for years. We recommend at least our Silver package for new vehicles.

Third, window tinting. Beyond the aesthetic improvement, quality ceramic window tint blocks up to 99% of UV rays and can reduce interior temperatures by 20-30 degrees. This protects your interior from fading and cracking while making the cabin more comfortable.

Fourth, consider interior protection. Leather and vinyl surfaces benefit from coating treatments that prevent staining, cracking, and UV damage. Our interior ceramic coating packages protect seats, dashboards, and door panels.

Finally, establish a proper wash routine from the start. Avoid automatic car washes with brushes — they're the number one cause of swirl marks. Use the two-bucket hand wash method with quality microfiber products, or find a reputable touchless or hand wash facility.

At Apex Performance, we offer new vehicle protection packages that bundle these services at a discount. We can handle everything in a single visit, so you drive away with comprehensive protection from day one. Schedule a consultation and we'll put together a custom protection plan for your specific vehicle.