Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Upgraded with Opti-Coat Pro+
A Ceramic Coating (such as Opti-Coat Pro, C.Quartz, and Ceramic Pro) is a liquid polymer that is applied by hand to the exterior of a vehicle. The coating chemically bonds with the vehicle’s factory paint, creating a layer of protection. Once applied, a Ceramic Coating will protect painted surfaces from dirt and debris, chemical etching, UV damage, and more. It also creates a hydrophobic surface, which makes the vehicle easier to clean.
We recently had the pleasure of working on a 2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. The owner told us that he has previously owned 41 other cars (including multiple race cars), and this Hellcat is the fastest; not a surprise considering its 707 hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine that gets the car to 60mph in 3.4 seconds. Car and Driver calls it “the most powerful production sedan on Earth.”
Our job was to perform full paint correction and apply Opti-Coat Pro to the whole vehicle. This particular customer didn’t want us to stop with the body of the vehicle, but to protect the wheels as well.
The Process
Because Opti-Coat Pro is a permanent or semi-permanent protective coating, it must be professionally applied. The process shown in the video above requires training, skill, and attention to detail. First, all surfaces must be meticulously cleaned to remove all contaminants. Decontamination begins with a foam wash and rinse. All surfaces are then rubbed with a clay bar to remove any remaining contaminants. If there is any paint damage, polishing may also be necessary to correct the paint. Once the surface is completely clean, Opti-Coat primer is applied. The wheel is then ready for Opti-Coat Pro to be applied to all surfaces.
The Reasons
Why apply a Ceramic Coating to your wheels? Here are three reasons.
1. Wheels are vulnerable.
Because your vehicle’s wheels are, of coarse, the lowest part of your car, they are particularly vulnerable to damage from road debris. Furthermore, the spokes of your wheels are literally inches away from your brakes. This means that when your brake pads press against your rotors, the brake dust created can easily bond to your wheels.
These factors make your wheels an exceptionally vulnerable part of your vehicle, and therefore an exceptionally good candidate for some protection.
2. Wheels are particularly challenging to clean.
When brake dust bonds with your wheels, it is not an easy thing to remove. Often the washing techniques used to remove contaminants from other surfaces on your vehicle will not be sufficient to remove all the contaminants on your wheels. Moreover, wheels come with all kinds of unique shapes and curves, creating areas that can be hard to get to with a brush or wash mitt.
This can make wheel cleaning time-consuming and frustrating. So if there is a product that will keep contaminants from bonding with your wheels and make them easier to clean, that product will end up saving you money and time over the life of your vehicle.
3. Wheels are a significant part of your car’s style.
Why is all of this important? Because your wheels play a big part in the look and style of your vehicle. This means that the appearance of beautiful paint can be ruined by unsightly wheels. So don’t let them get unsightly! Keep them protected with a premium Ceramic Coating applied by experienced professionals.
