Ok, I've been debating asking this question, now I'm gonna do it...
I'm not a car guy. Not at all, in any way. I got this car cause I think it's necessary to save the planet, and the more ppl spreading the word, the better.
So my question is -- how much difference does any of the above make? Is it all just to keep your car clean and shiny? Or does something on the above list provide rust protection or some other benefit as well? Just wondering if this is all appearance based, or if there are other benefits involved as well.
Basically clay bar and iron decontaminating followed with polishing will make your car very shiny because you remove all contaminants in the paint and get rid of any clear coat scratches and swirl marks.
Then ceramic will make shine even more, make your car hydrophobic and will provide a very thin layer of protection. This will not protect like a wrap will protect, but it will help stop surface scratching from washing or running your hand over the paint.