Straight answers on protecting your paint — from cost and durability to NC tint laws.
ATD Detailing answers the most common questions about ceramic coating, paint protection film, window tinting, and paint correction in Garner, NC, serving Raleigh and the Triangle. Our certified team breaks down cost, durability, NC tint laws, and what each service does for your vehicle.
Ceramic coating is a liquid-polymer layer that bonds to your paint and cures into a hard, glossy shield. It locks in depth and shine, repels water and dirt, and guards against ultraviolet (UV) fading and light chemical etching. At ATD, we apply certified ceramic coatings in a dust-controlled lab so your finish cures clean.
Ceramic coating pricing depends on your vehicle’s size and paint condition, which we confirm in a free consultation, so you only pay for what your paint actually needs. We’ll walk you through your options before any work begins.
Ceramic coating replaces wax for years, not weeks. A quality coating outlasts traditional wax by a wide margin and holds its gloss and water-beading far longer. It does not eliminate washing, though. You’ll still wash your car, just less often and with far less effort, since dirt and water slide right off.
ATD applies XPEL Fusion ceramic coatings backed by an 8-year protection plan. For most daily drivers, a coating holds up around 5 to 8 years, though the real range depends on how the vehicle is used, stored, and maintained. For example, a low-mileage, garage-kept car may go even longer, while a work truck in harsh conditions may see 3 to 5 years. Regular upkeep extends its life.
Paint protection film (PPF), often called a clear bra, is a clear urethane layer applied over your paint. It absorbs rock chips, road debris, and light scratches before they reach the finish, and it self-heals light swirls with heat. ATD installs XPEL Ultimate PPF, backed by a 10-year warranty and guaranteed not to yellow.
PPF is worth it if you want to keep your paint looking new and protect your resale value. Rock chips and road rash are expensive to repaint, and the film takes the hit instead. For daily drivers, leased vehicles, and cars you plan to keep, the protection usually pays for itself. We’ll help you weigh coverage options during a free consultation.
Quality paint protection film lasts for years with proper care. XPEL Ultimate carries a 10-year warranty, and the film is built to stay optically clear rather than haze or yellow over time — the same durable film goes on every build we do, from full-body coverage to Tesla paint protection and color PPF for Rivians. Routine washing keeps it performing, and we’ll walk you through proper maintenance after install.
Window tinting is priced per vehicle, based on how many windows you tint and which XPEL ceramic film you choose. We quote it after a quick look at your car and a conversation about heat rejection, privacy, and the look you want. ATD installs ceramic-grade XPEL film in two performance levels, not entry-level carbon tint, so you get real heat rejection and a clear price before we start.
In North Carolina, your front side windows must let in at least 35% of light, measured as visible light transmission (VLT). On SUVs, trucks, and vans, the rear side windows and back glass can go darker. The windshield can be darkened only along the top, above the AS-1 line, but NC law allows a clear film across the full windshield. ATD installs XPEL XR Blue, a nearly clear windshield film that cuts UV and heat without darkening the glass.
As of December 2025, window tint is no longer checked during the NC annual safety inspection, but the darkness limits still apply and are enforced at the roadside. There is also a newer rule: during a traffic stop, the driver must roll down the window on the side the officer approaches.
Yes. ATD’s ceramic-grade XPEL window film blocks over 99% of UV rays, which protects your skin and keeps your interior from fading and cracking. It also rejects heat, keeping interiors up to 71% cooler on hot Carolina days. Both of our film levels block UV, so you stay protected whichever you choose.
Most window tint installs take a few hours, depending on your vehicle and how many windows you tint. We do the work in a clean, dust-controlled bay so the film goes on without contamination. After install, the tint needs a few days to fully cure, and we’ll tell you exactly how to care for it during that window.
Paint correction is a multi-stage polishing process that removes swirl marks, scratches, water spots, and oxidation from your clear coat. We measure paint depth, then level and refine the surface to bring back a deep, factory-fresh shine. Correction is the prep step that makes ceramic coating and PPF look their best, so we often pair them.
Paint correction is priced by the level of correction your paint needs. A light single-stage polish costs less than a full multi-stage correction on heavily swirled paint. We inspect the finish under proper lighting, give you an honest quote, and recommend only the stages your paint actually calls for.
Paint correction usually takes a day or more, depending on your vehicle’s size and the condition of the paint. Heavily marred finishes need more stages and more time. We’ll give you a realistic timeline with your quote, and we never rush the work.
A maintenance detail service is ongoing upkeep that keeps a well-cared-for vehicle looking its best. It covers a thorough wash, decontamination, interior cleaning, and a protective refresh, scheduled regularly so your finish stays sharp. It is upkeep for a vehicle that is already in good shape, not a deep restoration or cleanup for heavy staining, mold, or long-term neglect.
Maintenance detailing is built for our PPF and ceramic coating clients, and for owners of well-maintained vehicles who want to keep them looking new. Regular maintenance also protects your coating or film and helps it last. If your vehicle needs heavy restoration or cleanup, reach out and we’ll point you in the right direction.
A maintenance detail is priced by your vehicle’s size, its condition, and how often you have it serviced. Many clients keep their vehicle on a regular maintenance schedule after a coating or PPF install. We’ll set up a plan that fits your vehicle during a consultation, so you’ll know your total before we begin.
ATD Detailing is located at 381 Cleveland Crossing Dr, Suite 210, Garner, NC 27529, a short drive from Raleigh. We serve Raleigh and the Triangle, including Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and Clayton. We work by appointment, so call ahead at 919-760-6420 and we’ll set a time that works for you.
ATD Detailing is a family-run shop owned and operated by Bryan and Abby Prato. Bryan is a certified PPF and tint installer with over 13 years in the trade, and Abby manages customer relationships and scheduling. Our trained team of PPF, tint, and ceramic coating installers brings years of automotive experience, so you work directly with certified pros from consultation to handoff.
Yes. Beyond cars and trucks, we detail and ceramic-coat boats and RVs. Marine gel coat and RV exteriors take a beating from sun and water, and the right coating guards against oxidation while making cleanup easier. We’ll match your boat or RV to the right service during your free consultation.
Yes. ATD offers incentives for active and retired military, along with fire, rescue, and first responders. We appreciate your service, and we make the offer easy to use. Just mention it when you reach out, and we’ll apply it to your quote.
Start with a free consultation. We look at your vehicle, talk through your goals and budget, and point you to the right protection. No pressure and no corner-cutting, just certified work that protects what you drive.