System X ceramic coating, from a certified installer
System X is the ceramic coating we install at our Oakdale shop. We are a System X certified installer, and every coating we put on carries a manufacturer-backed warranty. This page covers the three tiers, what each one costs, what the warranty covers, and how to keep the coating performing for as long as it should.
What System X ceramic coating is
A ceramic coating is a liquid layer that bonds to your paint and cures into a hard, glossy shell. It sits on top of the clear coat, so water, dirt and road grime have a much harder time sticking, and the paint underneath is shielded from the sun. We install System X as a professional coating: applied in the shop by a trained installer after full paint preparation, and backed by a warranty from the manufacturer.
The coating is only half the result. The other half is the paint it goes onto. A coating locks in whatever is underneath it, swirls and water spots included, which is why every System X install at our shop starts with a full decontamination and paint correction before any coating touches the car.
The three System X tiers we install
| Tier | Protection | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 3 year coating | from $995 | Leased cars and newer cars you plan to trade in |
| Level 2 | 6 year coating | from $1,300 | Daily drivers you plan to keep. Our most popular tier |
| Level 3 | 10 year coating, lifetime warranty | from $1,750 | The car you never plan to sell |
Starting prices are for standard sedans and small SUVs. Trucks and full-size SUVs sit higher, and paint that needs extra correction adds to the quote. Every tier gets the same prep; the difference between them is how long the coating is built to last and how long the warranty runs. For the full price breakdown, see how much ceramic coating costs.
What every System X install includes
- A full exterior detail, so the paint starts clean.
- Decontamination: an iron remover and a clay bar treatment to pull out what washing leaves behind.
- Paint correction, to take out swirls and light marks before they get sealed under the coating.
- The System X coating itself, applied by hand, panel by panel.
- Time to cure. An install takes 1.5 to 2 days, and the car stays with us overnight so the coating cures properly before it sees the road.
What the System X warranty covers
The 3 year coating's warranty covers any loss of gloss and UV damage, per the System X warranty terms. The top tier carries a lifetime manufacturer-backed warranty, so the protection is covered for as long as you own the vehicle. Every warranty assumes the coating is looked after, which is simple, and covered below.
Looking after a System X coating
- Hand wash it with a pH-neutral car soap. Skip automatic car washes with brushes; they are what put swirls in paint in the first place.
- Dry it with a clean microfiber towel or a blower rather than letting water spots bake on in the Valley sun.
- Keep bird droppings and tree sap off as soon as you see them. The coating buys you time, not immunity.
- Book a maintenance wash if you would rather not do it yourself. Our maintenance plan runs Bi-weekly $65, monthly $130.
System X next to a cheaper coating
Most of the price difference between a professional coating and a spray-on product is not the liquid. It is the preparation: the decontamination and paint correction that decide how the car looks for the next several years. A cheap coating on uncorrected paint seals the swirls in. A professional coating on corrected paint is the version that looks new for years, and the one that comes with a manufacturer standing behind it.
If you are still weighing whether it is worth it at all, we wrote an honest answer, including the cases where it is not: is ceramic coating worth it. And if rock chips are the bigger worry, ceramic coating and PPF do different jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does System X ceramic coating cost?
At our shop, from $995 for the 3 year coating, $1,300 for the 6 year and $1,750 for the 10 year coating with a lifetime warranty. Larger vehicles and paint that needs more correction cost more. Text the year, make and model to (209) 318-3605 for an exact price.
How long does System X ceramic coating last?
Three, six or ten years depending on the tier, with proper care. The top tier carries a lifetime manufacturer-backed warranty.
Does System X come with a warranty?
Yes. Every System X coating we install carries a manufacturer-backed warranty, and the 3 year warranty covers any loss of gloss and UV damage, per the System X warranty terms.
How long does a System X install take?
1.5 to 2 days. The car stays with us overnight so the coating can cure before you drive it.
Can System X go on top of paint protection film?
Yes, and at our shop it does: every paint protection film job includes a free ceramic coating on top. See what paint protection film costs.
Where can I get System X ceramic coating near Modesto?
Our shop is at 604 Hedburg Way, Oakdale, CA 95361, about 15 minutes from Modesto. We are a System X certified installer with 173 Google reviews at 4.9 stars. Start with our ceramic coating packages.