Being an aviation-grade ceramic paint protection, it’s very easy for a dealer to convince you to get Cilajet. However, as a savvy car buyer, you’re smart enough to do some research first before paying for such a paint protection coating. That’s why you’re researching Cilajet problems.
Out of all the paint protection coatings I’ve ever interacted with, Cilajet is a superior product with amazing features. However, it’s also susceptible to a couple of issues, which I’ll be sharing with you below.
What is Cilajet and Why Do You Need It?
Cilajet is an anti-corrosive sealant that was initially manufactured for airplanes. But with time, it found its way into the auto industry and today, most car dealers will recommend Cilajet when you’re buying a new vehicle.
Cilajet is a paint protection coating that is designed to safeguard your paint job from elements like acid rain, bugs, rust, hard water deposits, and oxidation.
Its effectiveness is based on its formula which comprises a ceramic polymer infused with nanotechnology and a graphene additive. Cilajet promises to create a long-lasting protective film that will ensure your paint looks flawless for the longest time possible.
5 Common Cilajet Problems
Now that you have an idea of what Cilajet is, let’s get to the part we’re all eagerly waiting for – the common problems it’s associated with.
1. It Forms White Spots on the Surface Every Time It Rains
One of the most frequently reported problems with Cilajet is that it leaves behind white spots every time it rains. And as if that’s not enough, these white spots are very difficult to clean off.
In almost every car forum discussing Cilajet problems, you’ll notice that people with this paint protection coating are very afraid of rain.
The only explanation here is that Cilajet’s formula reacts differently with rain. And instead of preventing hard water spots, it makes them more prominent. So, if you live in an area that rains a lot, prepare to deal with hard water spots.
2. Rain Water Doesn’t Just Slide Off Cilajet as Advertised
If you check out Cilajet ads, they show water spots easily sliding along the surface of a car that has been treated with this coating. However, that’s not always the case.
A good number of car owners who have tried Cilajet complain that they usually run into water spots every time it rains. This is another rain-related problem.
And that’s an indication that Cilajet may not be the best paint protection film if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain.
It’s the same water beads that dry into the hard white spots we were talking about earlier.
3. Warranty Issues
The other problem with Cilajet is that it’s a dealer product. If you know a thing or two about car dealers is that they are not the most trustworthy guys.
Whenever you run into a Cilajet problem such as water beading or hard water spots forming on the surface, the first thing that comes to mind is to return it to the dealer.
If the dealer did a poor application job the first time around, they are most likely going to do the same. Also, a lot of people have reported dealers failing to honor their warranties, thus resulting in costly losses.
Still on warranty, never accept to buy Cilajet from a dealer without a considerable warranty of not less than five years. If you buy Cilajet without a warranty, you won’t be able to make any claims if something goes wrong.
4. Cilajet Turns Dull and Cloudy After a Car Wash
When you notice that the Cilajet paint protection coating is turning dull and cloudy after a wash, chances are, that not enough product was applied during installation.
Back to dealers, these guys don’t always hire experienced detailers for such tasks. Therefore, when an inexperienced individual incorrectly applies Cilajet, they may fail to use enough product and it will start to turn cloudy and dull after a few washes.
Regarding this problem, we can’t blame the manufacturer. But mostly the dealers are to blame. That’s why you should never get Cilajet without a warranty. To fix this issue, have the dealer reapply the Cilajet coating.
5. It Accelerates the Wear of Leather Interiors
Car owners who got the Cilajet interior package also complain that it accelerates wear on leather surfaces such as dashboards and seats. This is despite most of these cars spending a lot of time in a garage or shade.
This often leads to peeling or cracking of leather. So, think twice before applying Cilajet to your precious leather upholstery.
What Causes These Cilajet Problems? (The Main Culprits)
There are a couple of factors that cause these Cilajet problems. But the biggest culprit is usually incorrect application. The guys who work at dealer shops are not experienced detailers.
Therefore, most of the time they end up incorrectly applying Cilajet which leads to issues such as beading and the Cilajet turning cloudy a few days after application.
If you want to avoid these problems, the best solution is to have Cilajet applied by an experienced detailer.
Cilajet Cost: How Much Should You Pay For It?
The other problem with Cilajet is that it doesn’t have a specific price. How much you pay for Cilajet differs from one dealer to another.
Some can charge you as little as $200 and in some dealerships, you can pay up to $1,500. This doesn’t make sense at all. Because without a specific retail price, you may end up being overcharged.
If you are considering buying Cilajet from a dealer, make sure that you bargain. That will ensure you pay a reasonable amount for this paint protection coating.
Also, if you have some detailing experience, you could find a way to get a bottle of Cilajet and apply it yourself. This will cost you less than $100.
Cilajet Vs. Ceramic Coating
When you compare Cilajet against ceramic coating, you’ll notice that there are many similarities. For instance, both protect your car from oxidation, UV rays, bird droppings, and acid rain amongst others. Also, both coatings enhance the gloss and shine of your car paint.
Even though the formulas are quite different, both Cilajet and ceramic coatings comprise polymers infused with ceramic nanoparticles.
This is why Cilajet and ceramic coatings do the same job. These similarities aside, there are a couple of notable differences which include;
• Ceramic coatings are more expensive than Cilajet. Ceramic coatings cost from $1,000 to $5,000. Whether you should get Cilajet or ceramic coating heavily depends on your budget.
If you don’t mind spending a little bit more, I would advise you to go with ceramic coating and find a skilled detailer to apply it for you.
• The other difference is that Cilajet was designed for the aerospace industry, whereas ceramic coatings were initially created for automobiles. It’s just that Cilajet found its way into the auto industry.
• Anyone including DIY enthusiasts can apply ceramic coatings. With Cilajet, it’s best applied by professionals. That’s the only way you can avoid the above problems.
• Ceramic coatings tend to require more maintenance than Cilajet. With the former, you have to wash the car frequently.
Cilajet’s Durability: How Long Does It Last?
According to the manufacturer, Cilajet can last for more than five years. This applies to a single application. But from user testimonials, Cilajet lasts for 2 to 4 years.
Environmental factors such as rain and UV rays do accelerate the wear of Cilajet. As long as you maintain the Cilajet on your car’s paint, it can last for more than three years.
Is Cilajet All Bad? (The Pros of this Paint Protection Coating)
Because we have discussed common problems that are associated with Cilajet, it would be unfair to not talk about the positives. Cilajet has a lot of benefits and unique features that you should know about. They include;
• It Gives Your Car a Lasting Shine – If you’re a car owner who appreciates gloss, you’ll love how Cilajet will enhance your car paint. This coating will have heads turning wherever you go.
• It Minimizes Car Maintenance – With Cilajet on your car paint, you don’t have to engage in frequent car washing or waxing. It’s the best option for car owners who lead a busy lifestyle.
• It’s Environmentally Friendly – If you’re keen on making the world a better place, you’ll be glad to know that the ingredients in Cilajet are eco-friendly.
• It’s Scratch-resistant – Once it dries, Cilajet creates a scratch-resistant film on top of your paint.
• It’s Durable – Cilajet is also quite durable when you compare it with other auto paint protection films.
Bought toyota prius prime from dealer that installed Cilajet, and labeled car with sticker on windshield. Looked great when car was purchased last year as it is a Toyota Prius Prime 2022.
Now the car looks old, as it it was years old. Seems like it was applied with a buffer as paint is worn away in places. Was Toyota saving money by not applying enough paint? Cilajet label on windshield is a constant reminder of its special coating which seems to be ineffective.
Toyota Prius Prime 2022 were difficult to buy so I will just spend some time following car paint detail instructions i found on the internet. Cleaning, chemical wash, claying, buffing and apply a wax sealer as recommended.
Cilajet was supposed to last for years but something must be wrong on the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime. The finish on our 2014 Toyota Prius also had a dealer applied paint protective coating which has protected its pain very well. The 2014 paint looks much better than the 2022. I do not know what paint protection the 2015 came with, but it must be a lot better than Celajet. I had no product interactions with dealer installed Celajet as I just piked up the prepared new car which seemed perfect, however the paint a year later needs help, or possible repainting.
When I brought car in for its third maintenance last week at 17,105 miles , the Toyota service advisor commented on the deteriorated paint condition on such a good car. Why the paint condition is the way it is puzzles me.
Russell Wikander.