Partial front, full front or full body? Choosing your PPF coverage

When you order PPF, the shop will ask how much of the car you want covered. Costs vary a lot between the options, and the right answer depends on how you use the car.

1. Partial front

Usually covers: the front bumper, part of the bonnet, part of the front fenders, and the mirror caps.

Suits: city driving, or anyone who wants basic protection at the lowest cost.

Note: the edge of the film may be visible on the bonnet up close.

2. Full front

Usually covers: the whole front bumper, the whole bonnet, the full front fenders and the mirrors. Sometimes the headlights and the windscreen pillars too.

Suits: most drivers, especially anyone who drives on highways. The front takes most of the stone chips.

Advantage: no visible line across the middle of the bonnet.

3. Full front + high-impact areas

Adds: the areas behind the wheels (where your own tyres throw stones), the door sills, the boot loading edge and the door handle cups.

Suits: anyone who wants wider protection without the cost of a full body.

4. Full body

Covers: every painted surface: doors, roof, pillars, boot and rear bumper, as well as the front.

Suits: new or luxury cars, anyone who wants to keep all of the original paint, or anyone changing the look with a matte or coloured film.

How to choose

Ask yourself:

• Where do I usually drive? Highways and intercity trips → at least a full front.
• How long will I keep the car? A long time, or planning to sell it in excellent condition → wider coverage.
• What is my budget? You can start with the front and add ceramic coating for the rest of the car.

An important question for the shop

Ask: "Exactly which panels does this package include?" Package names differ from shop to shop; what matters is the actual list of panels. Ask for it in writing.