The 10 Best Car Paint Protections

Initially developed to protect jets, helicopters, and high-speed power boats with a slick and glossy hydrophobic coating, Aerolon Tech Shine (about $21) uses a moisture-activated formula that bonds with wet surfaces on contact, so application is painless and takes only a few minutes.

Part of what makes Xpel R4003-P (appx. $23) so impressive is that it has the ability to self-heal, so small dings from errant rocks or accidental scratches won't leave a permanent mark. It's nearly invisible once installed, and it leaves a clear, automotive-grade topcoat finish.

Safeguard your precious finish and give your ride a deep mirror shine in one fell swoop with CarGuys Liquid (about $40), a solution that employs patented additives to produce an ultra-sleek appearance and long-lasting protection that only needs to be reapplied once or twice a year.

Wolfgang WG-5500 (about $39) features a fortified polymer technology that conjures the desirable wet look of carnauba wax, but with double the longevity. Once cured, foreign contaminants, such as salt, dust, and oil, will slide right off, giving you more time between washes.

One of the few products of its kind that doesn't contain wax, Nu Finish Polish (about $8) can be applied in direct sunlight and is capable of withstanding up to 52 automatic car washes. It's lightweight and requires no buffing or rubbing, but can get hazy if you leave it on too long.

Ideal for small jobs, like masking side mirrors and headlights, or for bigger tasks, if you have the expertise, Vvivid 3M Vinyl (around $20) is trusted by vehicle manufacturers around the globe to protect paint from punishing weather, road tar, stains, and pesky bugs.

Coming from a trusted name in automobile care, Meguiar's M21 2.0 (about $19) not only glides on easily and wipes off without the need for much elbow grease, but it also produces a reflective finish and removes fine swirls from woebegone paint, so your ride looks brand new.

Best used on new whips that are free of defects and oxidation, Klasse High Gloss (appx. $23) boasts a highly-concentrated acrylic formula that blankets paintwork with a heat and scratch-resistant layer, combating everything from UV damage to acid rain for a full twelve months.

Infused with over 30% silicon dioxide, Ethos Handcrafted (appx. $39) seeks to bridge the gap between strong sealants and ceramic coatings, giving you the best of both worlds in the process. It supplies surfaces with a protective barrier against bird droppings, UV rays, and much more.

If you're looking for something specialized to safeguard the vulnerable area beneath your door where shoes are often responsible for scuffing and abusing your finish, then the Xpel R3022 Guard (appx. $18) is for you. It seals almost instantly and can be trimmed to fit your vehicle.