Side by side
How long it lasts
Wax: weeks. Ceramic coating: much longer, depending on the product and care.
Heat resistance
Wax softens in high heat; a cured coating doesn't.
Chemical resistance
Coatings resist bug acid and bird droppings far better.
Cost
Wax is cheap per application but needs constant reapplying. A coating costs more once.
Which one is right for you
- You enjoy waxing every few weeks and the car lives in a garage → wax is fine
- Your car is parked outside and you want easy washing → ceramic coating
- You want rock chip protection → PPF, then coating on top