Pro-Tech paint protection....is it worth it?

[GSLV6]

Just doing the figures for the sales agreement on our new RX450 and they've included the obligatory Pro-tech and smart guard packages for a not inconsiderable extra sum.

Quick one for those in the know.  The Protech is not the Protech ceramic paint coating, it's the standard one, which I assume is no different to something like any other proprietary lock and seal paint protection on the market you can buy for around £30 a bottle.  As our seats are dark leather, I'm not convinced on the leather treatment as my ten year old car has just had regular leather cleaning with a lanolin based leather treatment rubbed into it to keep it supple and prevent drying out and still looks good.

The Smart-guard 3 year agreement priced in makes more sense as it allows up to three claims annually and includes repair of minor damage including small dents, scratches and wheel scuffs for a one of payment of £300 and a £12 per repair supplementary charge.  That could pay for itself for one bumper scratch or a couple of wheels being damaged, so for a newish car looks sensible.

Has anyone availed themselves of the Lexus dealership's offer of Protech paint protection and is the cost worth it?

[Ken R]

My dealer included Supaguard paint protection in the overall deal and I am pleased with its performance thus far. Good level of gloss and water beading whilst bird droppings are simply hosed off without leaving any etching.

[GSLV6]

Thanks Ken.  I initially thought it was the supaguard system but not the ceramic one, but the standard polymer wax solution.  I doubt the detailer will do a full wash, clay, and polish at the dealership before application, and I can have this done by a specialist detailer cheaper so may take the latter option.  I contacted Supaguard in Glasgow and Listers Lexus are not on their list for local dealerships offering their products, (nearest to me is in Ross on Wye) although the pictures in Lexus Protech pack are remarkably similar!

[Gary H]

It all depends on how you intend on looking after the car, in my humble opinion. Personally speaking, it's not something I'd opt for because I'm someone who likes a clean car anyway, studies car cleaning/protection products and rarely it goes more than a fortnight (three weeks at most) without a wash. 

In my experience, I can achieve the same level of finish as the dealer's products, at a much lower cost, after the first month or so. Sure, the protection may not last as long but as a 'car washer', it's topped up often enough by the frequency of car cleaning I do! 

Obviously if you don't wash your car that often, then what the dealer offers is indeed something I would be looking at. 

[GSLV6]

I've had a paint specialist go over the whole car and correct any blemishes by polishing them out before a decontam pre-wash, rinse, main wash (Car pro shampoo), rinse, then after thoroughly drying it, he applied Car pro's "3 year" Si02 paint protection, and advised I use CarPro Reload after using the same car washing stuff, which maintains the ceramic coating, extending its life.

Like you Gary, I've always done my own detailing and have a Daspro6 I use for the occasional paint correction but elected to use an independent detailer to get a good base from which to continue the paintwork maintenance. 

Everyone has their own routine, and favoured products.  I really like Maguire's techwax but won't use it over the ceramic coating as it will hinder the build up of the reload stuff, so my routine (weekly) is to start with a quick blast to get the worst of the muck off with a power washer, then snow foam (Autoglym's prewash PH neutral stuff), and power rinse, immediately followed by the car wash shampoo (hand applied with a fleece mitt), one final rinse and towel dry.

It gets treated better than I treat myself Lol!

The Reload coating should only be needed every month or so to build up and maintain the hydrophobic coating and swirl resistance.  I find it therapeutic but it does take a good few hours to do properly.