The use of ceramics in car cleaning products appeared to start off as a bit of a gimmick, but the sceptics were soon proved wrong as it was found the inclusion of ceramic did have some noticeable advantages in giving paintwork better and longer-lasting protection. Ceramic car wax was initially the preserve of the professional car detailer, but now there are numerous different products available to the public.
That trend seems to be growing with the introduction of ceramic car shampoos, which apply the same water-repelling effect as you wash. The hydrophobic coating is a chemical polymer which bonds with the car’s paintwork on a molecular level, defending it from not only water and moisture but from harmful UV rays as well and can last for weeks at a time.
To get that showroom finish, you’ll still need to put in a bit of work at the end with a good ceramic wax product, but giving the wax an even better foundation to work on can only be a good thing, right? Here are some of the best ceramic car shampoos available just now.
The best ceramic car shampoo at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Gtechniq Ceramic GWash – buy on Amazon
Best for value: Turtle Wax Ceramic Wash & Wax Car Shampoo – buy on Turtle Wax
Best for beginners: Autoglym Ceramic Wash and Protect – buy on Amazon
Best for immediate protection: Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wash and Wax Shampoo – buy on Amazon
Gtechniq brings us an excellent 2-in-1 wash and wax product. It’s super-concentrated, so you don’t need to use much at all - in fact, the recommended dose is 20ml per bucket to give you up to three months of protection. The advanced ceramic GWash technology ensures a thorough and effective cleanse, removing dirt and grime effortlessly, even from matte or satin finishes. But the real magic lies in the hydrophobic coating – it forms a water-repellent barrier, causing water to bead and slide right off the surface, leaving a streak-free, brilliant shine behind and making future cleaning much easier.
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wash & Wax Car Shampoo is proving to be popular among car enthusiasts. This product combines the convenience of a car shampoo with the lasting benefits of ceramic technology. With every wash, it effortlessly cleans dirt, grime, and contaminants, leaving a spotless, streak-free shine. The real magic lies in its ability to build up a protective ceramic layer on the car's paint, giving it a protective shield against UV rays, water spots, and environmental pollutants. The Turtle Wax Ceramic Wash and Wax not only maintains the car's glossy appearance but also extends the lifespan of the paintwork.
This one from Autoglym is another super-concentrated liquid, and this one-litre bottle can give you up to 33 triple-action washes. The low-foaming car shampoo not only provides a thorough clean to remove dirt and grime, but it also generates a high gloss finish and leaves behind a water-repellent layer of ceramic protection which creates beading action and offers excellent water repellence. In addition, the hydrophobic barrier makes drying quicker and will also help to ensure your next clean is even easier
Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wash and Wax Shampoo is the perfect way to clean your car's paint while boosting protection and hydrophobic properties in between regular waxing. This innovative formula offers users a seamless and efficient way to clean and protect their vehicles. With the added Hybrid Ceramic SiO2 boost protection, it creates a strong and durable shield against contaminants, water spots, and harmful UV rays and instantly delivers excellent water-beading protection. The user-friendly bottle application means you just mix the required amount of each compound inside the bottle cap and then add it to your water.
Probably the first thing you’ll notice about Autobrite Ceramic Shampoo is the tangy jelly bean smell when you open it, a pleasant and refreshing change from the typical car shampoo fragrances. Once again, you don’t get an avalanche of suds. Still, there is enough lubricant and effective cleaning agents in the shampoo to pack a punch and allow you to easily glide across the surface, removing dirt and adding a good layer of hydrophobic protection to make those water beads slide away.
Autobead Ceramic Shampoo is designed to top up your car’s protective coating or offer basic protection for untreated cars. It gives impressive lubrication and a good foam to help you get rid of dirt and grime and leave a deep gloss in the paintwork as well as a light ceramic coating for protection. While it excels in maintaining cars which already have some form of ceramic protection, it may not be quite as good at working on non-protected cars.
The gentle but effective formula of McLaren’s Ceramic Wash has been blended with Si02 properties to leave a protective ceramic layer on all exterior surfaces resulting in a high gloss water-beading finish. It effortlessly lifts dirt and grime, but the real result is in the finish, which creates a hydrophobic barrier to protect your paintwork from water, contaminants, and harmful UV rays. This not only preserves the vehicle's pristine appearance but also extends the life of existing coatings. McLaren Ceramic Wash is pretty versatile as it is equally suited for maintaining ceramic-coated cars or providing a basic layer of protection for untreated vehicles.
The cutting-edge ceramic technology they used in Angelwax Enigma Ceramic Infused Shampoo is impressive. When used regularly, those ceramic molecules work their magic and create a super strong protective coating on your car's surface, providing a kind of armour against all the dirt and grime out there. This shampoo goes above and beyond with its cleansing power, adding another layer of ceramic protection on top of your existing wax or ceramic coating. It dries well without leaving smears, and it smells great too.
Pros
Leaves behind a layer of protection
Great paint gloss
Cons
You need to use more product
What does a ceramic-infused car shampoo do?
Ceramic-infused shampoos include liquid polymers that chemically bond with the vehicle’s factory clear coat, creating a protective and hydrophobic layer while the car is washed. This nanotechnology forms a durable shield against various environmental contaminants like dirt, water spots, bird droppings, UV rays, and minor scratches. The result is a glossy, long-lasting finish that can last for years with proper maintenance.
When choosing a ceramic wax or shampoo, it’s worth considering a few things before you buy:
Brand Reputation: Go for reputable and well-established brands known for their quality products.
Durability: Look for coatings that offer long-lasting protection to reduce the need for frequent reapplication.
UV Protection: UV-resistant coatings prevent paint fading and oxidation caused by sun exposure.
Water Repellency: A good ceramic coating should have hydrophobic properties, causing water to bead and slide off easily.
Before applying a proper ceramic coating, thoroughly wash, decontaminate, and polish your car’s paint to ensure a clean surface for bonding. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to achieve the best results. For those uncomfortable with DIY applications, professional detailing services can apply the coating for you, ensuring a flawless finish.
Alex Boydis a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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