Dealer add-ons, explained
Protection packages, coatings, trackers and tire fills show up on dealer quotes under brand names that are hard to look up. Each page says what the product is, what buyers are charged, and what to ask. The FTC's September 2026 guidance for dealers says an optional add-on can't be presented as required.
Protection packages
- What is TOYOGUARD Platinum, and do you have to pay for it?TOYOGUARD Platinum is a Southeast Toyota Distributors package of paint, fabric and battery protectants, two oil changes, four tire rotations and roadside help, printed at $699 as a distributor option on a window sticker a buyer posted.
- What is a Honda protection package on a dealer quote, and do you have to pay for it?It can mean two different things: Honda's own accessory packages of real parts such as floor mats and splash guards, or a dealer's paint and fabric protection plan.
Coatings
- What is Xzilon on a dealer quote, and do you have to pay for it?Xzilon is a dealer-applied line of paint, interior and glass protection products sold with a limited warranty that pays for covered damage, depending on the plan bought.
- What is Auto Butler on a dealer addendum, and do you have to pay for it?Auto Butler is a dealer-applied polish and sealant program with reapplications at the dealer every 6 months, listed at $995 on published dealer addendums.
- What is a windshield coating like Crystal Fusion on a dealer addendum, and do you have to pay for it?A windshield coating is a water-repellent glass treatment a dealer applies, sometimes sold with a warranty; one published dealer addendum lists a 5-year Crystal Fusion treatment at $399.
Theft protection
- What is VIN etching on a dealer quote, and do you have to pay for it?VIN etching engraves the car's vehicle identification number into the windows; Consumer Reports puts the dealer charge at $200 to $300 and a do-it-yourself kit at $10 to $30.
- What are RecovR, LoJack and Pulse on a dealer quote, and do you have to pay for them?They are GPS trackers or stolen-car recovery systems a dealer installs, often with a limited warranty that pays only if the car is stolen and not recovered within 30 days.
Tires and fills
- What is nitrogen in tires on a dealer quote, and do you have to pay for it?It means the tires were filled with nearly pure nitrogen instead of ordinary air, which is already mostly nitrogen; Consumer Reports found it slowed pressure loss by 1.3 psi over a year.
- Is tire and wheel protection worth it, and do you have to buy it from the dealer?Tire and wheel protection is a service contract that pays to repair or replace tires and wheels damaged by road hazards like potholes and nails; it is optional, and whether it pays off depends on its price.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can a dealer require add-ons?
- An optional add-on can't be presented as required. The FTC's September 2026 guidance for dealers says a required add-on's price belongs in the advertised price.
- Can I remove an add-on that's already installed?
- The FTC's guidance says a dealer can't imply that an installed option can't be removed and that you must pay for it. Ask for it and its price to come off, in writing on the buyer's order.
Sources
Last reviewed September 30, 2026. Each product page lists its own sources.