Question 1

Does a car that lives outside need a coating more?

Accepted Answer

A car that is parked outside all day is exposed to UV and road chemicals all day, and that is where a coating's resistance matters most. It also makes the dirt that does land easier to rinse off.

Question 2

How do I get from Ferndale to the shop?

Accepted Answer

I-696 east to exit 18, its interchange with I-75 at the corner Ferndale shares with Hazel Park, Royal Oak and Madison Heights, then I-75 north to exit 65, 14 Mile Road. The shop is at 436 E 14 Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

Question 3

What is the difference between a coating and wax?

Accepted Answer

A coating lasts longer. Detailers also protect paint with waxes and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) sealants, and a coating keeps a showroom shine far longer than either; ours last 2 to 9 years depending on the product.

Question 4

What does the coating job look like, step by step?

Accepted Answer

We inspect, wash and decontaminate, correct the paint if it needs it, apply the coating and let it cure, then inspect again.

Question 5

Should I fix swirls and scratches before the coating?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the paint has them. Paint correction is recommended first for swirls, haze, oxidation and similar defects, because the coating seals in the finish as it is. Many vehicles benefit but not all require it, and we assess your paint and advise.

Question 6

How do I keep a coated car looking right?

Accepted Answer

Use a pH-neutral shampoo, skip harsh chemicals and automatic car washes, and add a booster spray every 3 to 4 months. An annual maintenance detail extends the coating's life.

Question 7

Which cities near Ferndale have ceramic coating pages?

Accepted Answer

Ferndale borders Detroit, Oak Park, Hazel Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak and Royal Oak Township. Detroit and Royal Oak have ceramic coating pages, along with these nearby cities:

Question 8

Can I add film, a detail or tint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all at the same shop, and package pricing combines services:

Question 9

What does a ceramic coating cost in Ferndale?

Accepted Answer

The price follows the coating, your vehicle's size and the correction the paint needs. Request a free quote or call (248) 881-8204 to get the number for your car.

Question 10

What does living outside in Ferndale mean for a coating?

Accepted Answer

Woodward Avenue, Nine Mile Road and Eight Mile Road are the streets a Ferndale car parks on, and I-696 borders the city. That exposure leaves film a coating makes easier to wash, after paint correction if the paint needs it. The shop is in Madison Heights, about 5 miles away, via I-696 exit 18 and I-75 exit 65.

Question 11

Why do Ferndale drivers come to Madison Heights for a ceramic coating?

Accepted Answer

Ferndale drivers come to the Madison Heights shop because Ferndale is about 5 miles from Elite Auto Lab, in a straight line. The short way is I-696 east to exit 18, where it meets I-75 at the corner Ferndale shares with Hazel Park, Royal Oak and Madison Heights, then I-75 north to exit 65, 14 Mile Road. The shop is at 436 E 14 Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071. Ferndale is bordered by I-696 along one side and by Eight Mile Road on the south. The install is at the Madison Heights shop, not a mobile stop in Ferndale. Hours, parking and how to book are in Visiting the shop, further down this page.

Question 12

Which coatings are used on a Ferndale car?

Accepted Answer

Choose the prep before you choose the bottle. A car that lives outside along Woodward, Nine Mile and Eight Mile picks up film a coating makes easier to wash. Gtechniq, Gyeon, CarPro and P&S are the coatings, and Rupes tools do the paint correction. The product-by-product list is further down this page. Coatings last 2 to 9 years, depending on the product.

Question 13

How do I book a coating appointment from Ferndale?

Accepted Answer

Leave the car at 436 E 14 Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071. The published way is I-696 east to exit 18, the corner Ferndale shares with Hazel Park, Royal Oak and Madison Heights, then I-75 north to exit 65. Appointments are preferred, and walk-ins are welcome when possible. We're open Mon–Fri 10:00 AM–6:00 PM and Sat 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, and closed Sunday.

Question 14

Which ceramic coatings does Elite Auto Lab use?

Accepted Answer

We use professional-grade coatings from Gtechniq, Gyeon, CarPro and P&S. Our coatings last 2 to 9 years, depending on the product, and they need proper maintenance. More in how long ceramic coating lasts.

Step	What we do
1. Assessment	Look over the paint and talk through your goals
2. Wash and decontamination	Hand wash, foam cannon and clay bar for brake dust, tar and industrial fallout
3. Paint correction, if needed	Multi-stage compounding and polishing for swirls, scratches, water spots and oxidation
4. Coating and cure	Apply to the prepared paint; skip washing for 7 days afterward
5. Final inspection	A walk-around under show lighting before delivery

Ceramic Coating in Ferndale, MI