Ziebart Urges Drivers to Protect Their Automotive Investment as New Car Cost Soars Beyond $50,000

TROY, Mich., Oct. 27, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- Buying a new vehicle has become a major household expense. According to Kelley Blue Book's latest report, the average new-vehicle transaction price reached $50,562 last month, just $52 shy of a previous high from December of last year. Ziebart encourages drivers to think beyond routine maintenance and consider how everyday exposure to road salt, moisture, debris, sunlight and spills can affect a vehicle over time.

With drivers investing more in their vehicles to keep them on the road for longer, protecting that investment is an increasingly practical consideration. Taking proactive steps to protect a vehicle's exterior, underbody and interior can help preserve its condition throughout years of ownership.

"Today, a vehicle is one of the largest purchases many households make, and protecting it should be part of the ownership conversation from day one," said Thomas A. Wolfe, President and CEO of Ziebart. "Drivers can't control the cost of buying their next vehicle, but they can take steps to care for the one they already own. Consistent maintenance and professional protection services can help address preventable wear and keep a vehicle working and looking its best for the long haul."

Practical Ways to Protect Your Vehicle

Vehicle protection isn't limited to keeping a car clean. Different areas of a vehicle face different types of wear, and a proactive approach can help drivers address those risks before they become more difficult to manage.

Ziebart recommends that vehicle owners consider the following:

• Protect the Paint: Road debris, bird droppings, tree sap, environmental contaminants, and UV exposure can affect a vehicle's finish. Professional paint protection options including ceramic coatings and paint protection film can help defend against specific forms of surface damage.
• Address Rust and Corrosion: Moisture, road salt and other corrosive materials can contribute to rust, particularly in areas that are difficult to see. Rust protection and undercoating services can help protect vulnerable parts of a vehicle's body and underbody.
• Care for the Interior: Dirt, spills, everyday use, and sunlight can wear down interior surfaces over time. Regular detailing and appropriate fabric or leather protection can help keep seats, carpets, and other surfaces in better condition.
• Stick To Routine Care: Regular washing, prompt cleanup of spills, and periodic inspections can help drivers spot potential issues early and determine when professional care may be beneficial.

Protecting Vehicles for the Long Haul

The financial case for vehicle care extends beyond the showroom. According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads reached 12.8 years in 2025, reflecting a trend toward keeping vehicles in service longer. As drivers weigh the expense of replacing a vehicle, maintaining its condition over time becomes an important part of ownership.

Ziebart offers a range of automotive protection services, including rust protection, undercoating, paint protection, detailing and interior protection. Its service advisors help drivers identify options suited to their vehicles, driving conditions and ownership goals, whether they recently purchased a new car or want to protect a vehicle they have owned for years.

SOURCE Ziebart

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