Please note that Tribos paint coatings are to be professionally applied by people properly trained and certified to apply the coating. If correctly applied, the coating should last at least 2 years, however with careful maintenance and care, Tribos has been known to last more than 5 years. However this is also dependent on the environment that the car is in.

Please note that Tribos Better View glass coatings are to be professionally applied by people properly trained and certified to apply the coating. If correctly applied, the coating should last at least 6-months. However this is also dependent on the environment that the car is in. For example if you are located anywhere near the presence of sandstorms or lots of abrasive particles are in the atmosphere – such as the Middle East, Parts of North Gujarat etc, where wind-blown sand / dust is frequent, and cars drive at very high speed, the effect of the sand is almost like sand blasting on the coating, in which case the longevity of the coating will likely be diminished. 

Tribos coatings are a semi-soft coating that polymerizes into a protective coating over a painted surface. Once fully cured, it protects the underlying paint surface from UV damage and oxidation, as well as keeps the surface easy to wash. PPF on the other hand is a physical film product that is stuck on to the painted surface. It has some self-healing against scratches and abrasion but is different from a Tribos coating. PPF however is very difficult to remove and if not applied correctly can cause very large bubble formation under certain conditions.

Ceramic coatings literally are a hard glazing over the automobile surface. Once cured provides an exceptionally shiny surface. The main drawbacks of Ceramic coatings is that they are very hard (and brittle). An “overt” flexing on the surface can lead to cracks on the ceramic coating that is almost impossible to repair. Repair of cracked ceramics may involve grinding down the surface and re-coating, or changing of the panel entirely. There is no reversible process once ceramic coatings are applied. Tribos on the other hand is a soft, sacrificing coating that can be easily maintained, and since it is a polymer that adheres to the paint surface, it can easily be re-coated over to provide continuous protection for your vehicle.

Naturally you can, and there are videos on the Internet which teach you how to apply the coating, however if you are not certified by our quality teams as an applicator, then warranty is void for your vehicle. Remember, the product really is only as good as the way in which it is applied.

Typically 2 hours after application, Tribos will have started to polymerize, and at that stage, you may safely use your vehicle without damaging the coating, however the coating will be fully cured only after about 48 hours from application. The weather and ambient conditions also pay a major part in the curing of the product, so for example, if it is a rainy or winter day, the vehicle may be coated indoors, and left to cure at least 2 hours but this may not be enough, and it is best recommended to be coated when ambient temperature is above 18˚C and humidity is anywhere between 40% to 70%. It is also not recommended to apply Tribos under the hot sun as the polymerization process may begin prematurely and the coating may not be even. At ambient temperatures below 18˚C, polymerization time may need to be extended, and it is NOT recommended to apply Tribos at below and ambient temperature of 15˚C, as the cross-linking of the polymers may be impeded.

Once fully cured, You will notice that the paint coating will get progressively shinier after the 2nd and 3rd washing. Thereafter, the coating should maintain the shine for at least 2 years, and with proper care and maintenance up to 5 years.

For the first week after application, DO NOT use an automated carwash. Actually automated car washes are not recommended at all. Please refer to the section about caring for your vehicle. At the same time, please do not use your windshield wipers for the first 48 hours after the application of the windshield coating.

Simply, NO. Tribos Coatings is a protective coating over the existing paint coating. Part of the process is levelling of the paint to provide the shiniest surface using our Zero Swirl products (packaged together with the coating polymer), however the zero swirl actually is a very mild abrasive which may remove some very tiny and minor scratches. In the case of oxidized paint, Tribos will likely NOT restore the oxidized paint, remove rust, patch up and remove medium and deep scratches. Tribos medium scratch remover can be used for light and medium scratches, although this has to be applied by professional car detailers / applicators.

Absolutely not! In many cases customers have heard or read about us and expect that by some miracle, sending the vehicle to a detailing and polishing studio can fix a lot of the surface problem

No, Tribos works very well with plain clean water and a clean cloth to wipe the surface. TYPICALLY no detergents are required or necessary, however for adhering road tar which may be common based on the road conditions, simple car shampoo would suffice. Please note that in many cases, the folks who wash the cars may use dirty cloth or water which has been used with other cars. This is not recommended. Please use fresh clean water when washing your car along with a clean cloth. We will soon be launching a car shampoo specifically for Tribos coatings. Stay tuned. Finally, please dry your vehicle with a clean microfiber towel if possible. We will also be launching a set of car accessories that are designed to keep your coating finish in optimum condition wash after wash.

No. Tribos cannot adhere to PPF film

Dealing with bird droppings and dried on mud is quite interesting, however the best way is as follows: for dried on bird droppings, cover the dried on droppings with either a piece of cloth or some tissue paper (not alcohol-based wipes or chemical wipes). Pour on water to wet the tissue. This will transfer moisture to the dried on droppings, and keep wet. After about 5 minutes, the droppings should have been sufficiently hydrated to just be washed off with clean water, or can be wiped off then washed off again. After the droppings are removed, please inspect the area. If properly coated, there should not have any effect on the paint coating below as Tribos would have protected against the droppings. 

It is important to note that you should try to remove bird droppings as soon is possible as these are typically alkaline and may eventually cause damage to the surface if left too long.

Dried on mud is equally easy. Simply rehydrate then flush off with water. 

Using household detergents—such as dishwashing liquids or all-purpose cleaners—on siloxane-based automotive coatings poses several risks due to their chemical composition and intended use. Here’s a breakdown of why and what the risks are:

Why Household Detergents Are Harmful to Siloxane-Based Coatings:

High Alkalinity or Acidity:  Many household detergents are either strongly alkaline or acidic, formulated to cut through heavy grease or stains. These pH extremes can break down or etch the siloxane matrix of the coating, reducing its hydrophobic and protective properties.

Degreasing Agents & Surfactants: Household products often contain strong surfactants or solvents designed to remove oils and residues. While great for kitchen grime, these can strip away the siloxane layer that protects the car’s paint.

No Rinse Control or Film Management: These detergents are not designed to rinse cleanly off painted surfaces and may leave residues or streaking. This can interfere with the optical clarity of the coating or attract more dirt.

Risks to the Coating and Vehicle Appearance:

Loss of Hydrophobicity: The siloxane coating relies on a smooth, hydrophobic surface to repel water and dirt. Harsh detergents degrade this surface, leading to reduced beading, water spotting, and easier dirt accumulation.

Premature Degradation: Regular use of inappropriate detergents can reduce the lifespan of the coating from years to just months, defeating its protective and aesthetic purpose.

Gloss Reduction & Haze Formation: Damaging the surface layer can result in a dull or hazy finish, negating the high-gloss “wet look” effect that siloxane coatings are known for.

Safer Alternatives: Use low-alkaline, pH-neutral automotive shampoos that are specifically formulated for ceramic or siloxane-based coatings. These preserve the coating’s integrity while effectively lifting dirt without abrasion or chemical degradation.

Summary: Household detergents can chemically strip, dull, or damage siloxane-based automotive coatings due to their harsh surfactants, inappropriate pH levels, and lack of compatibility with automotive surfaces. For best results and coating longevity, only use pH-balanced shampoos formulated for coated vehicles.

It’s not recommended to use a mechanical (automated) car wash for a car coated with a siloxane-based coating, like those from Tribos or similar brands. Here’s why:

Risks of Mechanical Car Washes:

Abrasive brushes: The rotating brushes and cloth strips can cause micro-abrasions that gradually degrade the siloxane coating and introduce swirl marks on the paint.

Harsh chemicals: Many automatic car washes use high-alkaline or solvent-based detergents, which can strip or weaken the siloxane polymer layer.

High-pressure jets: If not properly calibrated, they may compromise coating adhesion at edges or seams.

Recommended Care:

Hand wash with low-alkaline shampoo specifically formulated for coated cars (like Tribos Low-Alkaline Car Shampoo).

Use microfiber cloths or mitts and rinse with clean water.

Dry with a soft microfiber towel to avoid water spots.