Car care question - wax and rust proofing

[kd]

Looking for advice on maintaining paint on our new car.  Is ceramic treatment worth it, or should i stick with traditional wax?  I really don't like spending too much time and energy on applying wax products though, so a multi-step process is out of the question.  I plan on getting the clear plastic film stuff (3M...?) applied to the edge of the hood. 

Also, what's the best solution for rust proofing?  I've been using Rust Check for my vehicles for years but don't like the greasy mess it makes, so is there another alternative that I'm missing?  Dealer tried to sell me one of those rust control modules but methinks that's snake oil. 

[Firm]

Greasy mess is the only rust prevention that works, and Rust Check is the best formula IMO as they apply thicker product on exposed areas and a thinner fluid on the inner panels where it needs to creep/seep more. The competitors use a single formula and it's a compromise.

I think ceramic coating is fine, it lasts longer than wax products, though I am not sure along extended long term UV durability. If you can justify the cost, and don't want to spend the time waxing, then go for it. My issue with ceramic coat is that it does degrade over time, so then it becomes a game of how degraded is too degraded (for protection) and when it the right time to spend the $ on having it re-done. For me, I usually give a car a good multi-stage cut, polish and wax when I get it, and then just maintain it with a quick coat of wax every few months. Doesn't take me more than about an hour to apply a coat of wax on an average car, by hand. Obviously how frequently it needs waxing will depend on storage conditions....if it's inside most of the time, a good coat of wax should last a year or more. Outside in the elements, I try to re-apply every 3-4 months.

[Johnnymac]

As Firm stated, the best and most reliable is the greasy mess that you get from places like Rust Check and Krown for rust prevention.  The module they try to sell you is proven to work...on ships that live in the ocean, so the theory is somewhat proven, just not so much on a vehicle.  To me opting for the module is more to do with the 10+ year warranty associated with getting it than any true rust prevention.

As for ceramic coating the paint, I had it done on our vehicles from the dealer (which I would guess is almost certainly shopped out to a dealing shop that specializes in them).  One of the main reasons why we got it on our Honda and Acura is the extra warranty you get, which is 10 years of paint protection.  As for the finish and how long it lasts, varies from brand to brand, who installs it, and how you treat your vehicle (stored inside, lots of car washes, etc).

I do a deep clean in the spring (with fallout/rust remover), erase some spots that built up in the winter with scratch remover, and lastly I'll apply a spray on wax with a microfiber.  In the fall I do a full detail, clay bar, and then hard shell wax goes on to get through the winter.  That's pretty much it for me as far as wax.  I find it keeps the cars looking decently clean.

With you not wanting a big wax job and thinking about the ceramic wax option, I'd say go one of two ways.  Either get it done from a local shop that guarantees it for X number of years and actually hold them to that standard, or I'd copy what I do in the spring as it's not a big job with the spray on wax, and then in the fall get a local detailing shop to do the big clean and wax before winter time.

[RRocket]

Corrosion Free superior to both Rustchek and Krown, as tested by the Canadian Armed Forces.

https://www.corrosionfree.no/en/_files/ugd/e180f7_e94317287dfe456784df5a57a0a97ade.pdf

[dkazzed]

Any EV owners find a warranty friendly rust protection product? First winter I just did a car wash pass.

[Firm]

Corrosion Free superior to both Rustchek and Krown, as tested by the Canadian Armed Forces.

https://www.corrosionfree.no/en/_files/ugd/e180f7_e94317287dfe456784df5a57a0a97ade.pdf

I like Corrosion free as well, and that's what I was using when I DIY'd, but very few places spray Corrosion Free, and those that do are typically mom & pop shops that do rust proofing as a side hustle and don't really make the effort required to do it right. The Rust Check places I've used, are dedicated rust proofing locations, it's all they do, and Rust Check trains them to do a really good job of the application (from what I've seen). The Rust Check in Mississauga  (Mavis & Dundas) really knows their stuff.

Here in the south we have fewer choices, Fluid Film is the only widely available product. It's decent (on the thicker side). I have my own spray setup and do both Cadillacs myself annually...Though I'll admit I am not as thorough as I was in Canada. No salt and limited rain have eased my rust control A.D.D a little bit.

[RRocket]

Corrosion Free superior to both Rustchek and Krown, as tested by the Canadian Armed Forces.

https://www.corrosionfree.no/en/_files/ugd/e180f7_e94317287dfe456784df5a57a0a97ade.pdf

I like Corrosion free as well, and that's what I was using when I DIY'd, but very few places spray Corrosion Free, and those that do are typically mom & pop shops that do rust proofing as a side hustle and don't really make the effort required to do it right. The Rust Check places I've used, are dedicated rust proofing locations, it's all they do, and Rust Check trains them to do a really good job of the application (from what I've seen). The Rust Check in Mississauga  (Mavis & Dundas) really knows their stuff.

Here in the south we have fewer choices, Fluid Film is the only widely available product. It's decent (on the thicker side). I have my own spray setup and do both Cadillacs myself annually...Though I'll admit I am not as thorough as I was in Canada. No salt and limited rain have eased my rust control A.D.D a little bit.

Unless you're near the sea...I wouldn't bother. They don't use salt on the roads. So you're just dealing with plain old moisture.