How KATS 5580 Transit Coating Performed Over 1,800 Miles
When it comes to vehicle transport and temporary surface protection, real-world performance matters more than controlled testing environments. To demonstrate the durability and reliability of KATS 5580 Transit Coating, Riteks put the product to the test under demanding, real-life conditions — not in a lab, but on the open road.
A Real-World Performance Test
Riteks showcased the capabilities of KATS 5580 by applying the coating to a classic 1972 Plymouth Roadrunner ahead of a car show road trip from Syracuse, New York to Houston, Texas — a journey spanning more than 1,800 miles.
The vehicle was fully coated and intentionally left unwashed throughout the entire trip. Along the way, it encountered a wide range of harsh environmental conditions, including:
- Rain and moisture exposure
- Road debris and highway abrasion
- UV radiation
- Dirt, grime, and contaminants from extended travel
This provided an ideal real-world scenario to evaluate how well the coating could protect sensitive vehicle surfaces during transit.
Durable Protection Across Multiple Surfaces
KATS 5580 is a water-based, zero-VOC acrylic copolymer transit coating designed to form a temporary yet durable protective barrier. During the journey, the coating maintained consistent performance across multiple substrates, including:
- Painted body panels
- Metal trim and exposed components
- Glass surfaces
- Plastics and exterior detailing
Despite prolonged exposure to environmental stressors, the coating remained intact, shielding the vehicle from abrasion, contamination, and weathering.
The Results: Protection Without Compromise
At the conclusion of the trip, the coating was removed to evaluate the condition of the vehicle underneath. Once peeled away, the Roadrunner revealed a clean, glossy finish with no signs of damage caused by the journey.
The test demonstrated KATS 5580’s ability to protect against common transit hazards such as:
- Acid rain exposure
- Tree sap and organic contaminants
- Bird droppings
- Road grime and debris abrasion
- UV-related surface degradation
The results reinforced the coating’s effectiveness as a reliable temporary protection solution for both short- and long-distance transport.
Why Transit Protection Matters
Vehicles transported by truck or boat are constantly exposed to aggressive environments. Salt spray, moisture, UV exposure, and airborne debris can quickly compromise finishes and create costly rework or cleaning requirements upon arrival.
KATS 5580 Transit Coating provides a removable protective barrier that helps prevent:
- Corrosion and surface oxidation
- Abrasion during transport
- Environmental staining and contamination
- Damage during extended outdoor storage
Its broad protection range ensures vehicles arrive in pristine condition — whether traveling across highways, exposed to marine environments, or stored outdoors prior to delivery.
Reliable Protection for Modern Transport
From automotive manufacturers and exporters to specialty vehicle owners and restoration professionals, maintaining surface quality during transit is critical. KATS 5580 offers a practical, environmentally responsible solution that combines durability with easy removal, helping protect assets without adding complexity to operations.
The 1,800-mile Roadrunner journey demonstrated what controlled testing alone cannot — that KATS 5580 delivers dependable, real-world transit protection when it matters most.
The vehicle used for this real-world demonstration was provided in collaboration with How We Roll Auto, an enthusiast-driven automotive brand focused on preserving and showcasing classic vehicles through hands-on builds and road experiences. By partnering on the project, the team helped create an authentic testing environment where KATS 5580 Transit Coating could be evaluated under true driving and transport conditions rather than controlled scenarios.
The cross-country journey not only highlighted the durability of the coating but also demonstrated how modern protective technologies can help preserve classic vehicles during travel, events, and long-distance transport. Be sure to check out their channel!
